The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) has named ABOC, Anderson State Bank and Marquette Bank as recipients of the 2026 Illinois Community Service Awards.
Presented annually, the awards recognize Illinois financial institutions that go above and beyond in serving their communities. Three institutions are honored each year for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to community service through their overall portfolio of projects and initiatives.
The 2026 recipients were recognized during the IBA Annual Conference, held September 30 through October 2 in St. Louis. Each institution demonstrated the important role banks play beyond providing financial services by investing their time, resources and expertise in the people and communities they serve.
“Banks know their communities because they are part of their communities,” said David Boulay, President and CEO of the Illinois Bankers Association. “ABOC, Anderson State Bank and Marquette Bank each demonstrate what can happen when that connection is turned into action. Whether they are creating career opportunities, investing in education, supporting housing or putting employees to work alongside their neighbors, these banks are responding to real needs and creating opportunities that will have an impact for years to come.”
ABOC
ABOC, formerly known as the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, demonstrates its commitment to community through workforce development, financial literacy, affordable housing and employee volunteerism. For more than 25 years, the bank has partnered with the Chicago Summer Business Institute, providing approximately 80 high school students with paid internships and exposure to careers in banking and business. ABOC also supports financial education reaching more than 1,100 students in Cook and DuPage Counties, while partnering with organizations to address food insecurity, housing and other community needs.
Anderson State Bank
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Anderson State Bank committed $150,000 to establish the Anderson State Bank 150 Fund, a permanent charitable endowment supporting local education. Managed by the Galesburg Community Foundation, the fund will provide annual distributions primarily to the ROWVA Public Schools Foundation, with the initial contribution representing the largest donation in the foundation’s history. The fund will create a lasting source of support for students, educators and programs, turning the bank’s milestone anniversary into an investment in future generations.
Marquette Bank
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Marquette Bank challenged employees to complete more than 80 community service projects and surpassed that goal through efforts addressing hunger, education, health, housing and financial literacy. During the anniversary year, 163 employees contributed more than 1,900 volunteer hours, while the bank provided $160,000 in scholarships and more than $900,000 in grants, donations and community support. Marquette Bank also reached more than 1,800 participants through financial education events and partnered with more than 200 community organizations, demonstrating what it means to be a true neighborhood bank.
The IBA congratulates these institutions on this well-deserved recognition and thanks their employees for their continued commitment to serving their neighbors, strengthening their communities and demonstrating the positive impact Illinois banks make every day.