Page 38 - 638271 IBAT with links for Flip Book_v3

OCB Awards have traditionally been choose. We know that budgets get tighter each year and
given in four categories: communi- don’t want the entry cost to be a deterrent.
ty service, financial literacy, market-
B ing and architectural design. This year EXAMPLES: The sky is the limit when it comes to
we’ve added a new category—bank culture. We know what you submit. A good place to start is to think about
our banks make a concerted effort to develop and train, something your bank has done in the past year that
engage, recognize and incentivize their employees. you’re proud of and has had a positive impact, either
Bank culture is an extreme- on the community or bank
ly important part of a com- IN ADDITION TO THE NEW BANK CULTURE employees.
munity bank, and we want CATEGORY, WE’VE MADE ONE OTHER BIG CHANGE Community service entries
to celebrate the efforts that often include efforts to feed
go into creating and main- FOR 2018—BOCB ENTRIES ARE NOW FREE! the hungry, build homes for
taining this. We can’t wait to the homeless, raise money
learn about the many employee-centric programs that for health services, assist in the aftermath of natural
fit the new bank culture category. disasters and anything else focused on helping com-
In each of the five categories, there are three poten- munity members in their time of need.
tial award levels. A team of judges comprised of IBAT Financial literacy entries all look different but en -
associate members will determine if each entry re- compass the same goal of providing financial education
ceives a gold, silver or bronze eagle award. Each compa- to those who would not receive it elsewhere. This can
ny sponsoring the BOCB program sends a representa- mean creating a program for local schools, volunteer-
tive to serve as a judge. ing with organizations that have programs already in
place, bank employees mentoring students or hosting
NEW THIS YEAR: In addition to the new bank cul - educational events. Financial literacy programs impact
ture category, we’ve made one other big change for residents of all ages, from young elementary school
2018—BOCB entries are now free! Member banks may children to the elderly.
submit up to two entries in whichever categories they Marketing entries also run the gamut and can include
programs for new bank products or ser-
vices, social media campaigns, website re-
designs or special events such as anniver-
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
saries and grand openings.
The requirements for submitting a Best of Community Banking Award Architectural design entries are more
entry are simple and include the following: specific and generally focus on a historic
▸ ▸ A completed entry form (one per entry); revitalization, new branch build or reno-
▸ ▸ An entry display, which can come in many forms; vation of an existing branch or headquar-
ters. These entries look at specific design
▸ ▸ Written documentation that includes the program narrative, specif-
ic goals and objectives, the outcome and supporting data if available, elements, why they were chosen and the
involvement of bank employees, and impact on the community and/or impact of the final building.
the bank; and The newest category—bank culture—is
one we created based on an increasing
▸ ▸ A brief program recap (200 words max) that will be used to write the number of entries we’ve seen in recent
summary that will appear as part of the BOCB Awards luncheon at years. We took note that banks want to
convention. highlight their efforts to ensure employ-
Please note that while visual displays are not required, they are encour- ees feel engaged, valued and appreciat-
aged as they help the judges visualize and understand the project. Dis- ed. This could mean new employee train-
plays do not need to be elaborate or professionally made, but they do ing programs, other regularly offered
need to tell the story to anyone who sees it. A display could be a scrap- training and development programs de-
book with photos from events, letters from those helped, materials cre- signed to help employees reach their po-
ated by the bank to support the program, etc. Alternately, it could be a tential, health incentives or employee rec-
tabletop display created with poster board, often in a tri-fold shape. Or ognition programs. It could also mean
it could be a floor stand, similar to a banner stand. The display can be monthly lunches with bank management,
whatever the submitting bank would like it to be that paints the picture team-building activities or other events
of what the program looks like and how it was achieved. Be creative and that engage employees or reinforce bank
have fun with the presentation! culture.

38 | THE TEXAS INDEPENDENT BANKER