Ohnward interns invite public to Pedal ‘Ohnward’

     Ohnward Bancshares, Inc. summer leadership interns, Jason Zhang, Lauren Heilig, Luke Bowman, Shannon Shovlain, and Nick Riedesel were encouraged to formulate a sustainable community driven program within Ohnward’s footprint. They decided to implement a healthy lifestyle initiative, titled Pedal “Ohnward.” Eldridge and Long Grove will serve as a pilot for this program.

     What is Pedal Ohnward? The Ohnward interns agreed that they are all quite passionate about living healthy lifestyles. They also realize Ohnward is passionate about the communities they serve so over the past few weeks they have been organizing the Pedal “Ohnward” initiative. This initiative proposes the installation of a bike repair and air kit for the Eldridge and Long Grove communities.

     Prior to this initiative these communities did not have a bike repair station, but do have a wonderful bike path that runs through Eldridge and Long Grove. Ohnward Intern Nick Riedesel states, “We could not be more excited to show support to our Eldridge and Long Grove communities.” Lauren Heilig agrees, “No longer can families use the excuse to not get their bikes out and enjoy the bike path from Eldridge to Long Grove. With the newly installed air pump and basic bike tools, anyone can fix their bike if need be.”

     This initiative will provide a single bike repair kit as well as a manual air pump. The kit, designed by DERO includes small tools attached by stainless steel cables for simple bike repairs. The air pump is easy for any cyclist, of any age, to use!

     The Ohnward Internship Team believes that living a healthy lifestyle is important and within our communities we should support that. The intern team saw this as an opportunity and communicated with the Eldridge Parks & Recreation Department on a plan of action. By installing a durable bike repair station in a high-traffic area we are continually supporting all who utilize the community’s bike path and, hopefully, inspire other communities to do the same.

     This initiative was made possible by “Pay It Ohnward” donations from the Ohnward interns as well as donations from Internship Manager Joni Winegar and First Central State Bank. Brigham L. Tubbs, CEO, stated, “We are overwhelmingly appreciative of the North Scott communities’ ongoing receptiveness to projects such as these. We are truly passionate about giving back to the communities we serve and nurturing those relationships. Without community or small business support this would not be possible.”

     Abram Tubbs, chairman and CFO of First Central State bank shared, “We are so proud of the creativity and compassion of our Ohnward Intern Team. Their personal generosity matched with that of our 252 employees throughout Eastern Iowa have made a real impact to many in our bank footprint. Our mission is designed to connect passionate individuals and businesses throughout our communities. This project has done just that.”

     The Pay It Ohnward program has impacted many individuals, families, and organizations within various communities over the past four years. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, Pay It Ohnward gifts total over $65,300 over the three years since its inception. Ohnward banks have directly impacted over 200 individuals and organizations.