Bank Iowa has received the Newell/Franklin award for its service to the Altoona community. The Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Bank Iowa at its virtual dinner on April 10. The award recognizes an individual or business that is dedicated to serving the community through volunteer hours. According to a news release, branch manager Marsha Lynch and employees volunteered more than 500 hours throughout the Altoona community in 2019 and 2020. Volunteer hours were spent with organizations such as the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Polk High School, United Way and Habitat for Humanity. “We are so proud of our team members for making a difference in our community,” said John Rathjen, regional president. Melissa Horton, executive director of the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, said the bank has been a staple in the community for 30 years and has always played a role in sustaining and growing the community. “There is no better organization to receive this award,” she said. Across Bank Iowa’s 26 locations, employees donate more than 12,000 hours annually. The Newell/Franklin Award was founded in 1984 to honor Bill Newell’s dedication to Altoona and founding the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, and to honor Chuck and Paulette Franklin’s overall passion for the business community in the area.