text: Marine Bank & Trust is proud to announce that its President and CEO Bill Penney has been awarded the Alma Lee Loy Community Service Award by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. Established by the Chamber in 1995, the award recognizes citizens of Indian River County who distinguish themselves professionally through excellence and privately through commitment to the community. Since its inception, winners of this award have been community leaders known for their self-less service to our community. Bill Penney received the award at the Chamber’s September 12th Annual Awards Dinner at the Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club from Alma Lee Loy herself who commented, “Thank you Bill Penney for your extra effort donated to your community and the people you love.”
  “Bill Penney is a remarkable businessman, mentor and community leader in Indian River County,” said Dori Stone, President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. “Since meeting Bill, I’m impressed with his ability to balance all the aspects of his life as he continually finds time to lend his support to community causes and needs. He gives 100% to everything he’s involved in and is easily one of the most approachable people I’ve gotten to know in this community.”
  “Bill’s leadership in both the banking profession and his community service has made him a mentor for many that have followed in his footsteps,” added Chamber Chair Robert Paugh. “He truly exemplifies the definition of being a servant leader throughout our community.”
  “To be recognized for doing what comes natural and what feels right is rewarding, but to receive an award named for and presented by a local, living legend is humbling,” said Penney. “To me, this is not recognition for past service, but a remarkable inspiration to earn this honor on a daily basis. I thank the Chamber and its leadership for this opportunity. At Marine Bank, we take the distinction of being a community bank very seriously. Like Alma Lee, our goal is to give our ideas, hearts, and resources toward making our wonderful community an even better place. May her passion and grit continue to motivate us for generations.”
  Alma Lee Loy, a native Floridian, was the first female elected to the Indian River County Commission in 1968, and one of the first women in Florida elected chair of a county commission. She was appointed by Governor William Haydon Burns to the Florida Association of Women’s Safety Leaders, served on the original board of Indian River Medical Center, and was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the Indian River County Hospital District board. In 2018, the Florida Commission on the Status of Women awarded her the “Spirit of Community Award,” for her service to the community as a positive role model for women and girls.