Jones Receives Civic Award for Bank on Evansville Concept

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Nominated by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Bob Jones, President and CEO of Old National Bancorp, has been awarded the 2009 Larry A. Conrad Civic Service Award by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT).  The award, which honors the contributions made by private citizens, companies or civic organizations to municipal government, was presented today during the IACT Annual Conference in French Lick.

Jones brought the “Bank On” concept to Mayor Weinzapfel in 2008 after learning about the pioneering and highly successful effort made by the City of San Francisco. Launched in September 2006, Bank on San Francisco was designed to improve the lives of low-to-moderate income residents through financial education and improved access to mainstream, affordable financial services.  

“Without Bob’s vision and leadership, Bank on Evansville would not exist.  Thanks to his commitment to improving the lives of our residents, Evansville is now assisting other cities and towns in Indiana with building a “Bank On” program to help families and individuals attain a greater measure of financial stability,” said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.  

In June 2008, Mayor Weinzapfel and Bob Jones jointly extended an invitation to the City’s banks and credit unions to participate in Bank on Evansville.  Jones also identified the need for a project manager for Bank on Evansville and loaned the City Old National associate, Patty Avery, to fill the role.  Avery worked full-time on Bank on Evansville from July 2008 through April 2009.  Administration of the program is now transitioning to the United Way of Southwestern Indiana.

The 15 financial institutions involved in Bank on Evansville have opened a total of 324 accounts in the first two quarters of 2009.   In five months, we reached 27% of our goal of opening 1,200 accounts in two years in Vanderburgh County.  

Because of Bob Jones’ vision, Evansville is the first city in Indiana to implement the “Bank On” cities model.  The City was asked to assist in the creation of “Bank on Indianapolis” and the launch of “Bank on Indiana”.   Evansville has also been named a Faculty City for the National League of Cities, providing assistance with the implementation of “Bank On” in eight cities including Louisville.  In addition, we have been asked for technical assistance by the Federal Reserve to help launch projects in Cincinnati, Owensboro and Memphis.