Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces 2020 Strong Communities Award Finalists
last updated on Thursday, September 24, 2020 in Community News
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines or the Bank) announced seven finalists for the Strong Communities Award. The annual award honors local projects, people and programs that benefit small businesses and support retention in their communities.
Finalists from the Midwest to the West Coast and as far as Guam will compete for the top prize to support the economic development and housing needs in their communities. The award winners will be determined through a public vote which begins on October 5, 2020. Finalists are split into two categories, urban and rural, and winners in both categories will be awarded $15,000, while runners-up will be awarded $3,000 each.
“We’re excited to announce this year’s finalists for the Strong Communities Award,” said Kris Williams, president and chief executive officer, FHLB Des Moines. “These projects represent the top applicants and were chosen for their continued dedication to improving their communities. The seven finalists have enhanced the lives of the people around them. It’s now up to each community to show their support and vote for the best project.”
Since its beginning, applications for the Strong Communities Award have continued to grow. A full list of finalists can be found below. Voting will open on October 5 at www.fhlbdm.com/award.
Rural Category Finalists
Bank of Guam
- In 2017, the Bank of Guam launched the L.I.F.E. Teen Expo, the only such event in Guam aimed at providing financial literacy, empowerment workshops, continuing education and more for teens.
Campbell County Bank
- The Campbell County Economic Development Corporation in South Dakota teamed up with Campbell County Bank and other partners to address a shortage of local housing through a long-term revolving loan fund.
Community State Bank of Missouri
- Community State Bank of Missouri assisted with a community effort, led by Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, to revitalize downtown Bowling Green, Missouri through the creation of a marketplace.
Heartland Bank
- Heartland Bank and other community leaders came together to save the local grocery store in the small community of Gowrie, Iowa.
Urban Category Finalists
BECU
- BECU helped support the efforts of the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation in creating the Running Start for Careers program to provide college training to high school students in Spokane, Washington.
Jonah Bank of Wyoming
- The Casper Downtown Development Authority, with the help of Jonah Bank of Wyoming, spearheaded an initiative to open an outdoor facility in downtown Casper, Wyoming to serve as a source of community and economic development.
St. Louis Community Credit Union
- St. Louis Community Credit Union participated in the development of the St. Louis Builds Credit initiative, which seeks to use credit building as a lever to open doors for St. Louis, Missouri residents to improve their credit score and promote financial health.
For more information about the FHLB Des Moines Strong Communities Award visit www.fhlbdm.com/award.
- Strong Communities Award