United Bank’s employee volunteer program was recently recognized as one of the strongest in the nation. The award, presented by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation, specifically recognized United’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Action Committee during the ABA’s Annual Convention in New York City.
In 2017, United created a bank-wide infrastructure to connect employees to high-impact volunteer opportunities, aligning its community efforts behind common goals to move the needle on key challenges facing the communities it serves. The CRA Action Committee is composed of local representatives from each of United’s 20 markets. The primary criteria for joining the committee is passion for community service, and members represent a variety of departments and roles within the bank. In its first year, the committee increased employee service participation by over 40 percent and reached 31,444 total volunteer hours.
“The CRA Action Committee demonstrates United Bank’s strong and passionate commitment to bettering the lives of its customers and local community,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Their work embodies the mission of the Community Commitment Awards and they are a truly well-deserved recipient.”
Committee members lead market-specific volunteer activities and cultivate United’s premier community partnerships. United Premier Partners are valued nonprofits who share United’s commitment to empowering historically underserved areas and people, developing affordable housing options, supporting small business growth and revitalize communities. United supports its partners by lending time and resources through activities such as hands-on volunteerism, fundraising, serving as board members and corporate giving.
“United Bank and our employees are always working to find new and meaningful ways to positively impact our community,” said United Bank President, Michael Fitzgerald. “Committed to excellence in service to our shareholders, our employees, our customers and our communities, we are humbled and honored to accept this award for our efforts.”
The ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards is a national program that recognizes and promotes the many valuable ways banks of all sizes and charters contribute to economic growth, community development and enhancing the quality of life in their communities. Entries were divided into six categories including affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, economic inclusion, protecting older Americans and volunteerism. Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally-recognized experts.
