Bank of Guam honored with ABA award

HAGATNA, Guam—Bank of Guam has received national recognition by the American Bankers Association Foundation with a Community Commitment Award for its efforts in financial literacy. The Bank was one of seven banks honored at the 2023 ABA Annual Conference held early this month in Nashville, Tennessee.

Since 2017, Bank of Guam’s Financial Empowerment Program has reached over 23,000 individuals through hundreds of educational presentations, targeting high school students, young children, and adults in various communities, including underprivileged areas in Guam and throughout Micronesia. The program, focused on sharing financial knowledge and resources, also serves diverse groups such as individuals with disabilities and non-profits aiding abused women and reformed prisoners. This initiative underlines the Bank’s steadfast commitment to the communities it serves.

Entries were submitted in seven categories: affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, economic inclusion, protecting older Americans, supporting military families and volunteerism. Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally recognized experts in each field.

The selection committee chose the winning banks based on the creativity and thoughtfulness of programs, traditional or innovative in nature and structure, that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in making an impact.

“The nominations in each of these categories were incredibly strong, making this year’s winners even more impressive. We applaud Bank of Guam for their commitment to community engagement and hope other banks across the country will be inspired by its Financial Empowerment Program,” said ABA Foundation executive director Lindsay Torrico.

“As the People’s Bank, we are committed to investing in the financial health of our communities. Over the years, we’ve grown our financial empowerment program, increased our reach, and strengthened our curriculum to help build the financial prosperity for our island and region. To be recognized for our efforts on the national level and by the American Banking Association is such an incredible honor,” said Bank of Guam president and CEO Joaquin P. L.G. Cook.

To learn more about the ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards, visit aba.com/awards. (BOG)