Published: June 09, 2008 06:12 pm      

Vision Bank receives BKD Award

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Roger M. Beverage, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Bankers Association (OBA), and Doug Van Meter, partner with the Oklahoma City office of BKD, LLP, announce Vision Bank of Ada is the recipient of the 2008 BKD Award for Excellence and Innovation.

Co-sponsored by OBA and BKD, one of the 10 largest CPA and advisory firms in the United States, the award recognizes high-performing OBA members that implement innovative ideas demonstrating commitment to their bank and community. This is the second year for this prestigious award.

Jim Hamby, Vision Bank chief executive officer, expressed it was an honor to be selected for the BKD award and accepted it on behalf of the bank during the recent OBA annual convention in Oklahoma City.

Vision Bank receives the recognition for its role in establishing and financially contributing to an endowment for banking and finance education at East Central University, Ada.

A $125,000 donation from Vision Bank to the endowment, along with a matching gift, brings the endowment total to $250,000. The endowment interest is for the recruitment and retention of a professor with a specialty in banking and finance.

In addition to the endowment, Vision Bank has been a supporter of ECU’s School of Business for more than 50 years, offering employment opportunities to ECU students and graduates.

“Vision Bank is dedicated to improving the financial literacy of our community by supporting the Business School of our local university,” stated Hamby.

“The commitment includes our talents, time and financial strength.

"The support will continue to ensure the future growth and excellence of the Business School and the University as a whole.”

Van Meter of BKD, commented that Vision Bank’s commitment to strengthening the community through new programs at ECU is an excellent example of how community banks can make a difference.

“By working with the local university, the OBA, and the OSCPA, Vision Bank has strategically aligned permanent programs that will provide life-changing results to participants,” Van Meter said.

“We hope this award inspires others to participate in the growth and success of their communities.”

“Vision Bank’s commitment to financial literacy will provide guidance and direction for college students as they prepare for their future careers,” said Beverage of the OBA.

“By providing financial assistance to the university for an endowed professorship, courses in finance and banking will become available, better equipping graduates to pursue their dreams.”