2020 has been a year like no other for businesses, families and communities. As we look back over the year, a quote from Maya Angelou seems fitting, “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”

The associates at Heartland Bank never stopped being present for our clients, communities and each other. Working through these difficult times, both literally and figuratively, our associates stepped-up as part of the essential workforce and protected each other and our clients while offering sound advice and guidance when so much was uncertain. When called upon to assist clients and customers with the Paycheck Protection Program, Heartland was ready, and many associates switched gears and jumped-in where their help was needed.

In the midst of the upheaval of regular, daily life, our associates were determined to be thankful and find some positives from an entirely negative situation. The Human Resources department made sure to thank each associate with a special gift of a Heartland Bank branded lunch box filled with various items like a mask and mask holder, name tag, treats and a badge clip. Everyone was also asked to share notes of what they were thankful for this year, posting these on the internal network and through social media. Senior leadership published several company-wide informative letters containing safety updates, positive feedback and success stories from assisting clients. Associates at all levels of the bank were determined to focus energy, time and talent in the direction that could impact their clients lives and thus provide respite to an overwhelming several months.

The close of 2020 is undoubtedly a solemn event as the year has many more incidences of challenges rather than victories. We do, however, stand as one team that was proud to be present – steadfast and loyal to the Heartland family and Heartland clients – and even prouder to be thankful for the small successes and the tenacity to overcome obstacles that no one would have ever dreamed of happening. Thank you for trusting in us, weathering the storm with us, and making it on to 2021!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Heartland Bank!