In its 120-year history, the Iowa Bankers Association has dedicated itself to serving Iowa banks and their employees. At its formation, the primary purpose of the organization was to provide representation of Iowa banks before the legislature and to provide an organization where individual bankers could gather and exchange ideas on the business of banking. Never straying from the original purpose, the IBA continues to look for ways to serve bankers through learning opportunities, legislative and regulatory representation, industry communications, forums for peer communication and enhancement of the image of banking.
As we look back at the marks of achievement of the association, we also look forward to a future of improving the banking industry and serving the needs of Iowa bankers.
1887
Iowa Bankers Association founded. The Iowa Bankers Association has been serving the needs of Iowa banks and bankers for 118 years.
1898
IBA Group System established. With IBA's organization, regional groups of bankers have met to discuss issues for over 100 years. Today there are 10 regional groups, with over 1,000 people attending annual meetings across the state.
1905
Membership grows to over 1,000 banks, making the Iowa Bankers Association the largest State Banking Association in the nation. Today, with over 92% of Iowa banks as members, the IBA continues to be the strongest association in the country, providing leadership and expertise to the industry.
1906
IBA begins offering insurance products to rural banks. Today, the insurance department, Iowa Bankers Insurance and Services, has revenues approaching $6 million annually and offers a complete line of life, health, property and casualty coverage.
1911
IBA hires first employee, secretary, P.W. Hall of Sheldon. In 2002, IBA employs over 80 people in the banking, insurance and mortgage divisions.
1912
IBA establishes headquarters in downtown Des Moines. In 2000, IBA launched plans to construct a 30,000+ square foot new facility in Johnston, IA. Iowa Bankers Association and its affiliates moved into the new headquarters on August 20, 2001.
1920
IBA co-sponsors an educational session with Iowa State University, entitled, "Bankers Short Course." Today IBA offers countless conferences, schools and seminars to thousands of Iowa bankers.
1922
IBA attains 100 percent of bank membership, with all 1,877 banks belonging to the Association. Today, IBA strives to be the premier service provider for Iowa banks and thrifts. With over 92% of banks and thrifts part of the IBA family, the association continues to increase services to membership, while keeping dues at reasonable rates.
1945
IBA unveils the Bankers Insurance Plan to provide health insurance to the officers and employees of Iowa banks. Today, the Iowa Banker Benefit Plan covers over 10,000 employees and insures nearly 1% of the state's population with 27,000 people covered.
1946
IBA begins state-wide radio campaigns to promote Iowa banks. IBA continues to promote Iowa banks through the media, with statewide television, radio and print campaigns designed to promote Iowa banks' image as corporate citizens.
1963
Iowa bankers attend the American Banker's Association First National Automation conference. Today, IBA offers Internet banking resources, technology seminars, conferences and technical publications to help bankers meet the challenges associated with changing technology.
1966
IBA Secretary Frank Warner retires with 50 years of service to the Association and the banking industry. In the 118-year history of IBA, only five men have served as association secretary: Hall, Warner, Arthur Lindquist, Neil Milner and current secretary, John Sorensen.
1971
Iowa Bankers Insurance and Services, Inc. was incorporated to create a separate entity. Today, the insurance department continues to serve Iowa banks with a full line of insurance products while returning nearly $2 million in dividends and commissions to customer banks and their affiliated agency operations.
1975
Iowa Transfer System is incorporated for the formation of a statewide switching system. Today, as an IBA partner, SHAZAM, Inc., as it is now known, does business in 22 states providing automated teller machines, point of sale services, ACH services, ATM and national debit cards, merchant services, Internet banking and electronic benefit transfer services.
1979
Iowa Bankers Mortgage Corporation was founded. After 20 years of services to Iowa banks, IBMC continues to post record years by providing secondary mortgage services to over 200 banks. The company celebrated 20 years of service by paying off its original capitalization notes.
1984
IBA Securities Division begins to provide brokerage services to bankers in Iowa. Today, while a separate entity, IBA promotes the IBA Securities program as it offers service only through financial institutions.
1997
IBA opens its membership to thrifts. Today, Iowa Bankers continues to educate Iowa thrifts and banks on the many values included with membership.
1999
The Des Moines Register refers to IBA as one of the state's most powerful lobbies. Today, IBA continues to make sure the voice of the banking industry is heard on both a state and national level by coordinating capitol visits, legislative briefings and legislative contact programs.
2004
Today IBA continues on the mission began 118 years ago - to be the premier service provider to financial institutions, because "Your Future is Our Focus."
