The Indiana Bankers Association is celebrating its 125th anniversary, or quasquicentennial, throughout 2022. Since its founding in 1897, the IBA has been serving the Indiana banking community, withstanding wars, droughts, economic downturns and two pandemics. Its longevity mirrors the stability of its member banks, 85 of which have been in operation a century or longer. Currently, 119 banks and trusts are members of the IBA.
The Indiana Bankers Association has promoted four team members, effective Jan. 1:
The members of the Indiana Bankers Association 2022 Board of Directors have assumed positions effective Jan. 1. Board members were elected on Aug. 16 during the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. The functions of the board are to guide IBA policy and to establish long-range goals and objectives. Additionally, the Board helps determine the Association’s legislative programs and positions on issues affecting the Indiana banking community.
The Indiana Bankers Association was honored with two statewide awards from the Indiana Society of Association Executives at an awards ceremony held Dec. 2. Rod Lasley, IBA executive vice president-operations & member services, was named ISAE Association Professional of the Year. The IBA also won in the category of for its IMPACT Players Program (Industry Makers Pledging Assistance, Cooperation & Togetherness).
Two Indiana bankers were recognized with awards of excellence from the Indiana Bankers Association. The Woman of the Year award and the Woman on the Rise award were presented at the Association’s 2021 Banking on Women Conference in Indianapolis on Nov. 4.
Ross Teare has joined the Indiana Bankers Association as vice president-government relations. He will be working with Dax Denton, senior vice president-government relations, to analyze issues, review legislation, build relationships with policymakers and enhance IBA’s grassroots advocacy.
Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo, and Centier Bank, Merrillville, have been honored with the Indiana Bankers Association C2C (Commitment to Community) Awards in their respective asset sizes for outstanding community service performed during 2020. Community First Bank of Indiana won in the category of banks with assets below $500 million, and Centier Bank won in the category of banks with assets of $500 million and above.
Paul W. Freeman, CAE, retired executive vice president of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been named a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The award was presented on Oct. 12 by Sen. Travis Holdman at the IBA Mega Conference in Indianapolis in recognition of Freeman’s contributions to the Indiana banking community. The Distinguished Hoosier is regarded as one of the highest tributes bestowed by the state of Indiana.
Paul W. Freeman, CAE, executive vice president of the Indiana Bankers Association, is retiring effective Sept. 30 after 34 years of service. He joined the IBA in 1987 to fill the newly created position of director of member services. In his most recent position as executive vice president, his responsibilities have included serving the Association as chief financial officer.
The Indiana Bankers Association has recognized 17 members of the Indiana banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards ceremony took place Aug. 16 at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Honorees represent both the classes of 2020 and 2021, since last year’s ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic.
Michael S. Zahn, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb on Aug. 15. The award was presented by State Sen. Andy Zay and Thomas C. Fite, director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. The Sagamore of the Wabash award is given to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service.
Garry D. Kleer, chairman, president and CEO of First Bank Richmond, has been elected 2022 chairman of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Bankers Association. The election took place Aug. 16 during the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Kleer currently serves the IBA as first vice chairman and will become chairman effective Jan. 1, 2022.
State Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington, has been named 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Bankers Association. He was presented with the award on Aug. 15 at the IBA’s annual convention in French Lick.
The members of the Indiana Bankers Association 2021 Board of Directors have assumed positions effective Jan. 1. Board members were elected on Nov. 18 during the virtual IBA Mega Reimagined Conference and Annual Convention. The functions of the board are to guide IBA policy and to establish long-range goals and objectives.
Charles Evans, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will be featured in an economic conversation during a Midwest Economic Forecast Forum scheduled for Jan. 7. Additionally, Craig Dismuke, chief economist of Vining Sparks, will be presenting at the forum.
Members of the media are invited to participate. An online media scrum with President Evans will be held following his remarks.