House Passes Stabilization Bill
On Oct. 3, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 263-171 to pass the economic stabilization bill that the Senate passed Oct. 1. Earlier in the week, the House rejected the original legislation, 225-205. But provisions were added to the Senate version of the bill—such as the temporary increase in deposit insurance coverage, extensions on business tax breaks and the alternative minimum tax fix. Read the IBA summary of the Stabilization Bill.

ICBA Recognizes Community Service
Independent Community Bankers of America is calling for nominations for the ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards. The annual award program acknowledges the valuable role community banks play in sustaining communities across the nation. Community banks are recognized in four categories based on bank asset size, in addition to a national award recipient for a superior financial literacy program. One recipient is honored with the Grand National Award, the highest overall award. Nominations are due Nov. 3.

ABA Sign Up Is Open
Register your bank’s participation in the American Bankers Association Education Foundation’s fall credit education event, Get Smart About Credit Day, scheduled for Oct. 16 (Note: Any credit-related financial literacy efforts geared toward youth/young adults during the month of October qualifies.) The ABA Education Foundation is offering a web page with resources bankers can use to prepare for their lessons. Register online to access these materials. You’ll be asked to provide an estimate of how many bankers will participate, how many students you will reach and how many presentations your bank will make.

Bank-Owned Title Insurance Agency Opens in Columbus
Title Center of Indiana, LLC has officially opened its doors at 331 Franklin Street , Columbus . This full-service title agency is owned by twelve IBA-member banks, the IBA Insurance Agency and Investors Title Insurance Company. Investors Title also serves as underwriter and provides professional management support. The agency will not only serve the needs of the owner banks, but will also compete for other institutions' business based on competitive pricing and superior customer service. For more information on Title Center of Indiana, or to learn more about bank-owned agencies, please contact Paul Freeman.