[From the IBA press release]
Garry D. Kleer, chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, has been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. The award was presented by State Rep. Brad Barrett on Sunday, Sept. 11, during the chairman’s banquet at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. The Sagamore of the Wabash is given to exemplary Hoosiers in recognition of distinguished statewide service.
Kleer is chairman, president and CEO of First Bank Richmond. His community involvement includes service on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Reid Health Foundation, Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Wayne County Foundation.
“Garry has done a wonderful job leading the IBA as the 2022 chairman,” said Amber R. Van Til, president and CEO of the IBA. “I’ve come to learn in my travels with Garry and my time spent in his institution that he’s well-loved by his employees. I think one of the markers of a true leader – a servant leader, which I know Garry to be – is how the employees view him and receive him.”
“I think Garry’s legacy will be building a better community through collaboration,” added Paul J. Witte, senior vice president and commercial lending manager at First Bank Richmond. “Garry is good at organizing people and bringing ideas together. He’s very approachable. He likes to hear what people are saying, he wants to hear what people are saying, and I guarantee you that he will leave the banking community, the IBA and First Bank Richmond a better place than when he found them.”
In August, Kleer was inducted into the 2022 class of IBA Leaders in Banking Excellence, the Association’s highest honor. He has also been recognized with the Indiana University-East Chancellor’s Medallion, Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Richmond/Wayne County Distinguished Community Leader, and Boys & Girls Clubs Man and Youth Award. In 2020, he was awarded the Indiana University Bicentennial Medal for distinguished service, and he currently is a member of the Large Community Bank Council of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Kleer is a graduate of Indiana University, the Graduate School of Commercial Lending and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
Download the IBA Press Release
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First Bank Richmond is committed to be an integral partner to the communities in which they serve. Since 1887, not only have they provided their community with sound financial products and services, they have also fostered a philanthropic commitment that has made a significant impact through the dedication of their organization’s resources, talents and time. This commitment is facilitated through the following channels:
Financial support pledged through contributions and event sponsorships. In 2019, they proudly donated more than $400,000 to local not-for-profit organizations.
Board/employee leadership and participation with local not-for-profit organizations. 65% of their staff served on a board or a committee and collectively volunteered over 3,000 service hours to local not-for-profit organizations.
Donations (in-kind) and fundraising efforts to promote local initiatives.
First Bank Richmond is an Indiana state-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Richmond, Indiana. The bank was originally established in 1887 as an Indiana state-chartered mutual savings and loan association. First Bank Richmond provides full banking services to individuals and businesses through its eight branches located in Indiana and five branches and one loan production office in Ohio. The Ohio offices currently operate as Mutual Federal, a division of First Bank Richmond.
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