Any good company embodies values of leadership and service within itself, but great companies take that a step further by extending those attributes to the community around them.
Wednesday evening, 1st Source Bank recognized a group of individuals who go above and beyond in their example of volunteerism by announcing the nominees for the 2019 Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership (ERCL) Award.
Inspired by Ernestine “Ernie” Raclin, chairman emeritus of 1st Source Bank, the award honors employees who demonstrate Raclin’s spirit of compassion and leadership, and encourages company volunteerism in the community.
“I look forward to this event every year,” said Matt Vessely, Regional President of 1st Source Bank. “It’s always inspiring and energizing. Tonight, I’m reminded of just how connected our communities really are, and how volunteer service brings them closer together.”
Throughout her career, Raclin demonstrated a passion for service and dedication to her community. The ERCL Award recognizes her outstanding community efforts, honors employees who do the same, and encourages other local businesses to create a culture of giving back.
Each spring, 1st Source begins collecting nominations, bringing in candidates from across the company as well as from their many business customers.
“Tonight, we have five nominees from our company and five nominees from our customers,” Vessely said. “I think that shows that we have a shared value with our customers around serving our community. We understand that the more we make the community a better place, the better we all are in return.”
All the nominees are recognized regionally before 10 finalists are selected from among them. This year, 50 nominees are being honored company-wide before moving on to the final selection process, which will take place in the coming weeks. Finalists will attend a luncheon this fall, where they will be presented with a globe of leadership, a $1,000 personal cash award, and a $1,000 award donated to the charity of their choice. The award nominees are listed below.
Among the evening’s honorees was Lori Moulton, Banking Center Manager and Assistant Vice President for 1st Source Bank, who was recognized for her work with Opportunity Enterprises throughout the last eight years.
“It’s really exciting! I so appreciate the fact that 1st Source allows us to get out in the community and do the volunteer work that we do,” Moulton said. “Not all employers would do that, so it’s very meaningful for me to be recognized for that.”
Richie Myers, who volunteers for the Union Mills Fire Department and LaPorte County HazMat, was also recognized. The dedicated first responder was nominated by his mother, Kayla Myers.
“I was surprised to be nominated actually,” Myers said. “When I got the letter I just didn’t even believe it, but I’m very excited to be here.”
“He would do anything for anybody,” his mother added. “I just thought this was a good way to recognize all that he does for the community.”
The 1st Source Bank family truly came together to celebrate these outstanding community contributions, with many 1st Source employees, customers, nominees and their nominators all in attendance. Though the final awards will be presented later, the spirit of what the night was all about was not lost.
“Through the actions and selfless work of these 10 nominees, we see remarkable examples of community leadership and volunteer service,” Vessely said. “We were honored to receive such quality nominations, as we are every year, and we are proud to submit them for final consideration by the blue-ribbon panel. We wish each of them luck as the final selection process ensues, and we look forward to celebrating with those who may be selected to receive the coveted Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award.”
