14 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 market presidents in its strategy to address community needs. Its philanthropic division, CentierGives, helps nonprofits, schools and other organizations in the achievement of their goals. In 2019 the bank impacted over 1,000 nonprofit organizations in all 11 counties within its footprint. One example of community connection is the bank’s annual volunteer fair, when it welcomes several nonprofits to its corporate center to personally connect with associates. Additionally, the bank has created a volunteer portal through which associates can search for volunteer opportunities and track their participation, qualifying for incentives such as paid time off. First Bank Richmond First Bank Richmond focuses on four areas of community service: education; financial literacy; physical and mental health; and support of local not-for-profit organizations. Education and financial literacy are addressed through the bank’s participation in Every Child Can Read’s 3rd Grade Academy, Junior Achievement and School is Cool, as well as The KNOW, an online financial education program. The bank’s physical health commitments are made through longstanding support of the local United Way, American Cancer Society, community blood drives and Lifestream Services Inc. The bank’s fourth area of commitment is realized through support of various not-for-profit partners, which are showcased within the community on billboards, print advertising, in-branch signage and through a mission video to garner awareness and support. In 2019 the bank donated more than $400,000 to local not-for-profit organizations. Additionally, 65% of associates served on a board or a committee and collectively volunteered over 3,000 service hours to local not-for-profit organizations. First Farmers Bank & Trust Company, Converse In 2019 First Farmers Bank & Trust provided approximately $300,000 to a variety of community organizations and causes. Instead of relying on centralized decision-making, the bank empowers local branch teams to select organizations and events to support. Local employees establish direct dialogue with area organizations, and an overall budget is segmented into regions and respective branches. Branch managers have authority to financially support local efforts to a specific dollar amount and may submit larger requests as needed. Feedback on projects and efforts enables local team members to serve as points of contact for solicitations of monetary or volunteer support. Additionally, these close relationships enable the local team to recognize areas where the bank can be instrumental in improving the overall quality of life locally. All employees are encouraged to participate in community service in some capacity, as well as leadership positions with nonprofit boards and civic groups. Membership costs and expenses are covered by the bank. First Harrison Bank, Corydon First Harrison Bank focuses on working with children to help them learn lifelong skills. A pet project is a competition called Amazing Shake. The bank works with students at East Washington Middle School, Pekin, where nearly half of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Students attend a competition during which they are judged at 15 station areas on skills such as networking and interviewing. The next level of competition takes place in Salem, and finals are held in Atlanta, Georgia. Bank staff and a board member assisted in 2019 at both levels of competition in Indiana, forming such a strong bond with the students that all bank volunteers were present at the school for the announcement of finalists, despite the bank being in the final stages of a conversion process. The bond between bankers and students was further reinforced when the students were invited to meet the members of the bank's board of directors. Last fall some 50 Centier Bank associates rappelled down the corporate center building, raising more than $61,000 for northwest Indiana charities. Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County is among the community causes supported by First Bank Richmond. First Farmers Bank & Trust provides donations to multiple nonprofits throughout its footprint. First Harrison Bank assists students of East Washington Middle School with the Amazing Shake competition.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==