News Release

SPRINGFIELD, MO. – Jerry Sage, executive director of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association (MIBA), and Don Hutson, national industry partner of BKD National Financial Services Group, announce First State Bank of Joplin as the recipient of the 2011 BKD Award for Excellence & Innovation.

Co-sponsored by the MIBA and BKD, one of the 10 largest CPA and advisory firms in the United States, the award—now in its fifth year—recognizes MIBA members who implement innovative ideas that demonstrate a commitment to their customers and community. This year’s recipient, First State Bank of Joplin, created an emergency fund for victims of the F-5 tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, killing more than 150 people and destroying thousands of homes.

“Even with damage to the bank’s facilities and personal losses suffered by its employees, First State Bank of Joplin moved rapidly to supply the citizens of its community with banking services and financial aid,” Sage said. “The bank acted as a gathering and distribution point for charitable donations and worked diligently to distribute those funds to those in need quickly and efficiently. First State Bank of Joplin’s actions made it a classic candidate for this year’s BKD Award for Excellence & Innovation.”

In the days following the tornado, Bank Chairman and CEO Alden Buerge set up the fund and solicited donations from MIBA member banks, First State Bank employees, vendors and the public. The word-of-mouth campaign raised more than $72,000—starting with $10,000 from First State Bank—for Joplin residents who lost their homes. More than 25 community banks, including many in Missouri, contributed to the fund.

“We were victims of the tornado, too, and so were many of our employees, so we knew firsthand what was going through people’s minds and the urgency for people to have cash,” Buerge said. “I contacted the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, and they facilitated my plea for help.”

First State Bank of Joplin will be formally recognized at MIBA’s annual conference in mid-September at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Sage and Hutson will present the bank with the award, which includes a $1,000 check.

“First State Bank of Joplin embodies the spirit of this award,” Hutson said. “Thanks to the bank’s foresight, thousands of victims received a well-timed handout in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. BKD is proud to honor First State Bank for this good deed, even though the bank wasn’t looking for recognition.”

Buerge said he plans to donate the $1,000 from the award to Joplin Public Schools, which sustained massive property damage when the tornado touched down.

“So many different people have given in so many different ways, and what we did helped a few people along the way,” he said. “I think it’s a tribute to the citizens of Joplin. We were just trying to reach out and help in any little way that we could.”