JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Bankers Association on Dec. 4 honored Legends Bank in Linn with the 2025 Fostering Advocacy and Meaningful Engagement (FAME) Award during the organization’s Executive Management Conference at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis.

FAME is the MBA’s highest honor, celebrating outstanding advocacy efforts by MBA-member banks. MBA launched the award this year to recognize its member banks that go above and beyond in advocating for the banking community. Legends Bank is one of 31 banks honored with a 2025 FAME Award.

“Bankers are the most trusted voices in their communities,” said MBA President and CEO Jackson Hataway. “The FAME Award celebrates Legends Bank for its demonstrated leadership and commitment to advocacy.”

To qualify for the FAME Award, Legends Bank completed five of seven key advocacy actions during the year. These endeavors include multiple target banker visits during the 2025 legislative session at the state capitol in Jefferson City, participation in the Missouri Bankers Association Capitol Region Political Action Committee (with Legends Bank President Tom Klebba serving as chair), multiple visits to capitol hill in Washington, D.C., to promote state and federal industry advocacy efforts, as well as engaging with local elected officials to assist in legislative efforts to promote the banking community.

“Each of these activities plays a vital role in shaping policy that supports Missouri’s banks and the customers they serve,” Hataway said.

“Community banks continue to play an essential role in the strength and stability of our banking industry and Legends Bank is proud to be recognized for our contributions,” said Klebba. “For well over 100 years, Legends Bank has remained focused on making our communities better places to live and work, and we remain committed to that mission through all of our efforts, including our advocacy on behalf of our entire industry.”

The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of nearly 220 banks, savings and loans, and trust companies in Missouri.

MBA serves as the principal advocate for the Missouri banking community and provides educational opportunities, products and services that assist bankers with enhancing their banking operations.