Habitat for Humanity Kicks Off Fourth Year

Iowa bankers will build a home from first nail to final shingle in one week, April 7 through April 14th. It is the fourth annual IBA partnership project with Habitat for Humanity. The 2008 theme is Home by the Dome. For the third consecutive year the house will be built on the Iowa Capitol grounds and later transported to its ultimate address.

Bankers interested in volunteering should call IBA’s Ben Hildebrandt at 515.286.4212. Between ten and 15 bankers are needed each building day of the project.

Financial co-sponsors of the project are the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Wells Fargo and the IBA. Wells and FHLB-Des Moines also supply volunteers. Last year, more than three hundred bankers volunteered from 22 communities. Staff from Governor Culver’s office and from the legislative majority and minority parties also volunteered.

“Working with the Iowa Banker Association and our member banks to fulfill a family’s homeownership dream is very rewarding for our organization and employees,” commented Dick Swanson, president and CEO, FHLB–Des Moines. “We are looking forward to being one of the Habitat for Humanity partners during this fast-paced build on the State Capitol grounds for the third consecutive year.”

This project has become a very visible, annual opportunity to remind legislators how committed to bankers are to their community. Many legislators and their staffs tour the home as it nears completion. Elected officials have made time to eat lunch with bankers from their districts during the project.

2008 Legislative Session Begins January 14

With the start of the 2008 Legislative Session, bankers have to opportunity to influence legislation that affects them and their customers. Stay up-to-date with the what’s happening in both the Senate and the House by signing up to receive the Legislative Bulletin from the Iowa Bankers Association. The Bulletin is an email sent out weekly with updates on legislation and highlights from the week. It is also available online at www.iowabankers.com. To start receiving the Legislative Bulletin, contact editor Emily Saveraid at 800.532.1423 or email esaveraid@iowabankers.com.

The IBA’s website is also an excellent resource for bankers regarding legislative issues. Visit www.iowabankers.com/government_relations to learn more.

Read more about issues that the Legislature will be handling this session in the Guest Column on page two.