Bank of Bolivar honored by BKD, bankers' association

Bank of Bolivar has been selected to receive the seventh annual BKD Award for Excellence & Innovation.

The award, co-sponsored by BKD LLP's National Financial Services Group and the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, recognizes members of the association that have implemented programs to aid the community and foster customer appreciation, according to a news release.

The 2013 award marks the first time an organization has won the award twice. Bank of Bolivar also was honored in 2008.

This year, BKD and MIBA recognized Bank of Bolivar's Gift Club, which launched in 2010 and provides funding for nonprofits in Bolivar, Fair Grove and Springfield. Customers opening a new account can choose one of several organizations for the bank to donate $20. During the first three years of the program, Bank of Bolivar has donated more than $12,000 to nonprofits, the release said.

“BOB’s Gift Club is a great example of a local bank that takes seriously its commitment to being an active member and supporter of its community,” MIBA Executive Director Jerry Sage said in the release.

Bank of Bolivar received the award in 2008 for creating school-themed debit cards, through which the bank donates to schools featured on the cards.

The bank will be honored at MIBA's annual conference Sept. 9-11 at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. The award includes a $1,000 check, which Bank of Bolivar plans to split between Bolivar's Shop with a Cop program - a partnership between the Bolivar Police Department and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. - and the Springfield Care to Learn chapter, the release said.