Banker associations honored

Northwestern Financial Review, Sep 15-Sep 30, 2002

The American Bankers Association Education Foundation has honored two Midwest banker associations for their outstanding leadership and achievement in promoting financial literacy.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association and the Nebraska Bankers Association received the Personal Economics Program Award of Achievement.

"These state associations are honored for their incredible commitment to consumer education and their community," said Kathryn Kelly of the ABA Education Foundation. "Their innovative efforts have led their members, state and local policy makers and educators to see the value and importance of financial education."

To earn an award, winners were judged by criteria in several categories, including the numbers of consumers reached as a percentage of the state's student population, banks and bankers participating, and presentations made.

The WBA, along with the Delaware Bankers Association, also received the ABA Education Foundation's 2002 National Teach Children to Save Day State Participation Award. Here, the WBA was recognized for its statewide efforts to promote participation in the Foundation's national program. Combined, the two associations reached 26,600 students with 900 presentations from 420 volunteer bankers.

"Whether it is in the classroom, on the World Wide Web or training workshops, these states have enriched their communities by educating consumers of all ages about money management," said Kelly. "By working together, the ABA Education Foundation and state bankers associations support bankers serving their communities and helping consumers make informed financial choices."