Ohio Bankers League Industry Awards

OBL Industry Awards celebrate and recognize the exceptional achievements and contributions of banks across the state of Ohio. From innovation and customer service excellence to community involvement and leadership, these awards highlight the incredible impact that Ohio's banking industry has on its communities and the economy. We are excited to honor the outstanding individuals and institutions that have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of banking in Ohio. So, get ready to be inspired and amazed by the remarkable stories and accomplishments that will be showcased during the 2025 Main Event (December 1-3, 2025 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center) and beyond.

The OBL Bank of the Year Award (Submission Deadline September 1)

Two award categories - Banks up to $500M in assets and Banks over $500M in assets
These awards will be given each year at the OBL Main Event.

Submission Considerations

Bank of the year will have proven success in one or more of the following categories:

• Strategic growth Initiatives
• Workplace culture/employee well-being
• Community outreach/involvement and volunteerism
• Advocacy
• Innovation in marketing and technology
• Financial education

OBL requires examples, statistics, and documentation to support the bank story and include with submission for the award.  Examples must have occurred sometime between 2022-2025.  The Bank of the Year must be an OBL Member.  

Nominate A Bank

The OBL Banker of the Year Award- Individual Award (Submission Deadline September 1)

Two awards categories- Individuals working for a bank up to $500M in assets and a bank over $500M in assets
These awards will be given each year at the OBL Main Event.

Submission Considerations

The Banker of the Year Award will be given to individuals proven to be outstanding amongst their peers in the following ways:

• Professional achievements, including any awards and/or statistics
• Leaders who promote and inspire others to reach their full potential within the banking industry, financial institution and community through mentoring, volunteerism, etc.
• Tell us the story through personal anecdotes or examples from colleagues about this OBL Banker of Year nominee

OBL requests examples, statistics, and personal anecdotes to support the banker of the year’s story to be included with submission for the award. Examples must have occurred sometime between 2022-2025. The Banker of the Year must be employed by an OBL Member Bank.  

Nominate A Banker

OBL Next Generation Leadership Award (Nomination Window CLOSED)

The Next Generation Leadership Award will be given to an individual that has proven their ability to stand out amongst their peers as a rising star in the industry. This individual has proven to their colleagues and to management that they are willing to go the distance for their company to become the next generation of leadership. This award will be given at the Next Gen Conference each year and acknowledged at the OBL Main Event.

Submission Considerations

The Next Gen Leadership Award will be given to those who have proven to be outstanding amongst their peers in the following ways:

• Professional achievements, including any awards and/or statistics
• A summary of how the nominee embraces change and has grown professionally
• An eagerness to prove they are ready for leadership and can overcome and adapt to any situation

OBL requests examples, statistics, and personal anecdotes from nominator and colleagues to support the Next Gen Leadership Award nominee's story to be included with submission for the award. Examples must have occurred sometime between 2022-2025. The Next Gen Leadership Award nominee must be employed by an OBL Member Bank.

OBL Exceptional Woman in Banking Award (Nomination Window CLOSED)

The OBL Exceptional Woman in Banking Award will celebrate a woman who is making a significant impact on the industry and their bank through professional growth and involvement with their community. Candidates support other women and help contribute to the success of others to positively impact the bank. This award will be given at the Women in Banking Conference each year and acknowledged at the OBL Main Event.

Submission Considerations

• Professional achievements, including any awards and/or statistics
• OBL is seeking leaders who promote and inspire women to reach their full potential within the banking industry, financial institution and community through mentoring, volunteerism, etc.

OBL requests examples, statistics, and personal anecdotes from nominator and colleagues to support the Exceptional Woman in Banking Award nominee's story to be included with submission for the award. Examples must have occurred sometime between 2022-2025.The nominee must be employed by an OBL Member Bank.

OBL Woman in Banking Rising Star Award (Nomination Window CLOSED)

The Woman in Banking Rising Star Award will celebrate a woman 40 years old or younger who is making a significant impact in her industry, bank, professional growth, or community. Candidates are supporters, contributing to the success of other women and positively impacting the bank. This award will be given each year at the OBL Women in Banking Conference and acknowledged at the OBL Main Event.

Submissions Considerations

• Professional achievements, including any awards and/or statistics
• OBL is seeking rising leaders who promote and inspire women to reach their full potential within the banking industry, financial institution and community through mentoring, volunteerism, etc.

OBL requests examples, statistics, and personal anecdotes from nominator and colleagues to support the Women in Banking Rising Star Award nominee’s story to be included with submission for the award. Examples must have occurred sometime between 2022-2024. The nominee must be employed by an OBL Member Bank.

OBBT Wellness Award (Submission Deadline September 1)

Please share your bank's wellness journey and best practices in story format. Please include any documentation that supports your submission.  This award will be given each year at the OBL Main Event.

Submissions Considerations

• Recognition for an OBBT member bank with an outstanding culture of wellness
• Creative Ideas or Programs
• Participation in Wellness Challenges

Nominees for the OBBT Wellness Award must be a part of the Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust for 2025.

Nominate A Wellness Star

The Milestone Club (Submission deadline September 1)

To celebrate exceptional achievements and longevity in the industry, the Milestone Award will be given to ALL individuals who have served 40 or more years in banking.  These awards will be given each year at the OBL Main Event. 

Submissions Considerations

• 40 plus years of service to industry (must hit the milestone in 2025)
• All levels of active employees
• Nomination accepted by the individual reaching the milestone or by OBL member bank
• All nominees will receive a custom award
• All nominees will be recognized at the OBL Main Event

Nominee must be employed by an OBL Member Bank. Nominee could have worked for more than one Ohio bank during their 40 year tenure.

Recognize a Milestone Achiever

Five Pillars Award (Given to all OBL Bank Members that meet criteria by September 1)

New This Year! FIVE PILLARS AWARD

Awarded by the OBL, the Five Pillars Award is a distinct honor given to only those Bank Members that meet the specific criteria set forth. The award is based on the five pillars of OBL involvement, which includes Professional Development, Governmental Advocacy, Products & Services, Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust and Donations to the Ohio BankPac and/or Foundation. The award runs from September of the previous year to September of the current year in order to assess if the criteria are met.

You can find the criteria for this award outlined here.