Form 8-K SBLF Announcement August 2011



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 30, 2011


Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or jurisdiction of incorporation)

0-24724
 
42-1405748
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1398 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa
 
52001
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(563) 589-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





Item 8.01 Other Events

On August 30, 2011, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it has received preliminary approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to participate in the Small Business Lending Fund. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

(c)
Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release dated August 30, 2011.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 30, 2011


HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
 
By:
/s/ John K. Schmidt
 
Executive Vice President, COO & CFO