On Thursday, October 9th, there was a remarkable evening of celebration at the Awards in Philanthropy, an event that recognized individuals who make a significant difference in their communities. We are incredibly proud that two members of the Heritage Bank family, Wayne Nelson and Smitty Luschen, were honored for their outstanding contributions.
Wayne Nelson Receives the Innovative Impact Award
Video Credit: Willmar Area Community Foundation
Wayne Nelson, a current Heritage Bank NA Board Member and retired Minnesota Market President, was presented with the prestigious Innovative Impact Award. The award highlights his deep commitment to volunteerism and community service.
During the ceremony, a heartfelt video interview with Wayne was shared, offering a touching look into his dedication. He attributed his passion for giving back to the influence of Gary Geiger, former CEO of Heritage Bank. Wayne shared how Gary consistently reinforced the importance of serving the communities where we live and work, a value that remains central to our mission at Heritage Bank.
“I’ve worked with Wayne since the mid-80s. Over the years, he’s shown us what it truly means to be a volunteer—leading by example and always bringing a sense of family into everything he does. I’m proud to call Wayne my mentor for the past 40 years.” – Dave Henle, Market President, MN Market, Heritage Bank NA.
Smitty Luschen Honored with the Award in Philanthropy
Video Credit: Willmar Area Community Foundation
The celebration continued as Smitty Luschen, a former Heritage Bank employee, and her husband, Loren, received the Award in Philanthropy. This honor recognizes their extensive and generous contributions to numerous causes. It was a proud moment to see another individual with ties to our bank acknowledged for their incredible spirit of giving.
A Tribute to Heritage Bank’s Legacy
Throughout the evening, Heritage Bank NA and Gary Geiger received numerous mentions from various speakers. This repeated recognition underscores the lasting impact our bank and its leadership have had on promoting community volunteerism. Among the earliest recipients of WACF’s Award in Philanthropy were Gary and Nancy Geiger, who were honored in 2008 for their exceptional commitment to giving back. Heritage Bank itself was recognized in 2016 with WACF’s Community Builder Award, reflecting our ongoing dedication to building stronger communities.
Giving back is a core part of Heritage Bank’s tradition. We encourage every employee to continue this legacy by using Volunteer Work Time to support non-profit organizations. Each of us plays an important role in serving others, and when we all contribute, our communities thrive.
“True leadership is not measured by titles held or years served, but by the lives touched. Smitty and Wayne exemplify what it means to lead with humility, integrity, and a heart for service. The lasting impact they continue to make through their generosity and unwavering commitment to this community is inspiring. I am proud to call them colleagues and to carry on the legacy they helped build, defining what being part of the Heritage Bank family means.” – Robert Mathiasen, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Bank NA.
A Legacy of Community and Service
The event was a powerful reminder of Heritage Bank’s core values in action. Seeing Wayne Nelson and Smitty Luschen receive their well-deserved awards was a testament to the culture of service that has long defined our organization. We extend our warmest congratulations to them both and look forward to continuing our legacy of making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
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