Community

American Eagle Bank presented Illinois Bankers Association Community Service Award

Executive Director Linda Koch of the IBA Presents American Eagle Bank President Barry Kreczmer with the 2008 Illinois Bank Community Service Award.

American Eagle Bank was honored as a 2008 Illinois Bank Community Service Award winner by the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA). The award was presented on June 27 during the 117th Annual IBA Conference and Trade Show at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.

The Illinois Bank Community Service awards honor Illinois financial institutions that demonstrate a high level of service in their communities. American Eagle Bank began their Bank at School program with just two classrooms. Today, the bank teaches in 28 classrooms to over 570 children living in the Kane County area. Last year, the bank added four sessions at the local high school, teaching lessons on credit and life-financial skills to another 420 students. On an annual basis, the bank’s employees donate approximately 100 hours per year, with the bank contributing approximately $20,000 per year in cash contributions plus donations of resources such as the bank’s facility and signage. In 2006, the bank partnered with the South Elgin Park District to host a series of beneficial seminars on identity theft prevention, estate planning, college and retirement planning, and the dangers of interest-only and predatory mortgages. Through these programs, American Eagle Bank has become a leader in their community, setting an example that other area businesses now follow.