Alan Tubbs has dedicated decades in providing support to Iowa’s agricultural community. Now, the Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., chairman is being recognized by the American Bankers Association for his commitment to that community.
The ABA announced recently that Tubbs is this year’s recipient of the Bruning award, one of the association’s premier awards presented for contributions to agricultural banking. Tubbs is being honored for his leadership and longstanding dedication to providing financial guidance and support to farmers, agricultural businesses and small communities in rural America.
“It’s remarkable to have my past work in the agriculture and financial industries recognized,” Tubbs said. “Agriculture is where I’ve grown up and the largest segment of our rural economies. Our bank has always done all we can to support the viability and profitability of agricultural business and industry.”
Tubbs will be honored at the ABA Unconventional Convention on Oct. 19-20.
Raised on a grain and livestock farm in eastern Iowa, Tubbs spent a short time teaching agricultural finance at Oklahoma State University before deciding to return to Iowa to begin his banking career as president of First Central State Bank in DeWitt. Tubbs, a second-generation banker, has almost 50 years of agricultural banking experience.
“Being involved in the agricultural community has long been my passion,” said Tubbs, whose sons Brigham and Abram also hold senior management positions at Ohnward Banchsares and its three banks. “It’s been a pleasure to work with individuals and families over the years and helping them achieve success.”
Tubbs began his ABA services as a member of the agricultural conference planning committee in 1978 and became chairman of the Agricultural Banker’s division in 1983 during the depth of the farm crisis. He later served on the ABA board of directors, advanced to the chair of the ABA Government Relations Council, and became chairman of the American Bankers Association in 1991.
During the 1980s farm crisis, Tubbs served on the USDA’s Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee where he helped establish a program to share among the producer, the lender, and the government the loss of income and capital in production agriculture. The program helped stem the tide of declining farm real estate values, stabilizing the farm economy and helping farmers get back on their feet.
Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., a billion-dollar plus holding company with 18 financial offices in Eastern Iowa including Maquoketa State Bank with offices in Maquoketa, Andrew, and Preston; Ohnward Bank & Trust with offices in Baldwin, Cascade, Monticello, Marion, Central City and Cedar Rapids; First Central State Bank with offices in DeWitt, LeClaire, Clinton, Goose Lake and Eldridge. Trust services are offered through all banking offices under the Ohnward banner, which includes Ohnward Insurance Group, Central Realty, Ohnward Financial Advisor Services, Ohnward Farm Management, Ohnward Tax, Accounting and Business Services, Vosler Investment Group and Ohnward Wealth & Retirement.