As someone who lived and breathed community banking for 15 years, I know firsthand how important it is for banks to make an impact online. Your website isn’t just a digital brochure anymore—it’s often the first (and sometimes only) impression a customer has of your institution. That’s why I’m thrilled to share some exciting news that underscores what’s possible when community banks embrace digital innovation.
Two of our many incredible clients—ChoiceOne Bank in Michigan and Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company in Indiana—have been recognized with 2025 WebAwards from the Web Marketing Association (WMA). These awards are a powerful reminder that community banks can compete—and win—on the global digital stage.
Spotlight Highlights
ChoiceOne Bank - Outstanding Website
The judges said…
“Overall, the design is quite pleasing, with solid navigation and a clear, professional feel that matches the bank’s mission. The site makes excellent use of technology to enhance usability, and forms and calls-to-action are thoughtfully designed and easy to use. The content is friendly and professional, giving customers confidence in the bank’s online experience.”
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Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company - Bank Standard of Excellence
The judges said…
“The home page design stood out for its effective use of color, icons, and layout, creating a strong first impression for visitors. The overall look and usability reflect a thoughtful approach to engaging customers. The site blends modern digital elements with a user experience that reinforces trust—an achievement that makes Springs Valley’s online presence both functional and welcoming.”
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These awards are judged by website and digital marketing experts worldwide who evaluate websites based on content, design, ease of use, innovation, interactivity, technology, and alignment with customer needs. Knowing that our work with these banks delivered on all those fronts makes the recognition especially meaningful.
Why This Matters for Community Banking
Community banks are in a unique position. You compete with national players, regional institutions, and fintech startups—all while staying true to your role as trusted, local partners. That’s not an easy balance to strike.
A modern banking website has to:
- Establish trust instantly with a secure and professional design.
- Be easy to use and navigate on any device, from mobile phones to desktops.
- Reflect your brand promise, promote your values, and reinforce your commitment to personal service.
- Make banking simple, intuitive, and accessible for every customer.
These awards show that ChoiceOne Bank and Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company are leading the way, proving that community banks don’t just keep up—they set the pace for excellence online.
Behind the Wins
While I’m incredibly proud of our WSI team for the role we played, the real credit goes to the banks themselves. Both ChoiceOne and Springs Valley decided to invest in their digital future, and they trusted us to help bring that vision to life. The collaboration, creativity, and commitment from all parties are what made these wins possible.
Embrace Digital. Stay Human. Win Awards.
While these two community bank wins are especially close to my heart, they’re part of a bigger story. Across the WSI global network, we delivered 12 WMA WebAward-winning projects in 2025, spanning industries from finance and education to travel and consumer goods. This combination of creativity, technical know-how, and business strategy is what earned WSI the distinction of being named the Top Agency for 2025 by the Web Marketing Association.
Looking ahead, our commitment is clear: to help community banks and businesses alike embrace digital while staying human. That means building websites and strategies that don’t just look good but actually deliver measurable results and deepen customer trust.
About the Web Marketing Association (WMA)
For the past 28 years, the WMA’s annual WebAward Competition has set the standard for excellence in website development across 88 industries. Independent industry experts judge entries on a scale of zero to ten across seven criteria:
- Content
- Copywriting
- Design
- Ease of use
- Innovation
- Interactivity
- Technology
The recognition earned by ChoiceOne Bank and Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company shows that when these elements align, community banks can stand tall among the very best.
You can learn more about the Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards here.
Moving Forward Together
Coming off the heels of our 2024 International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchisee of the Year Award and WSI Global Agency of the Year Award, this year’s two WebAwards are further evidence of our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver at a level beyond other agencies. At WSI, we remain dedicated to helping banks like yours craft digital strategies and experiences that stand out, build trust, and grow relationships.
If your bank is ready to elevate its digital presence, I’d love to start that conversation! Get in touch today and let us put our award-winning capabilities to work for you.