Company: First GREEN Bank, Mount Dora, FL
Entry Submitted By: Uproar PR
Company Description: First GREEN Bank was organized by a team of experienced banking executives in Central Florida, each with an environmental passion and mission. As “a local bank with a global mission,” First GREEN Bank adheres to a values- based business model which endeavors to do the right thing for the environment, and the company’s people, community and shareholders.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Banking

Nomination Title: First GREEN Bank

Tell the story about what this nominated organization has achieved since January 1, 2014 (up to 650 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms.

First GREEN Bank is a customer-driven community bank that demonstrates leadership in environmental and social responsibility. As a “local bank with a global mission,” First GREEN Bank provides personalized service, localized decision-making and accessible technology while always endeavoring to do the right thing for the environment, and its people, community and shareholders. Founded in 2009 by CEO Ken LaRoe and a team of experienced banking executives, First GREEN Bank was the first bank on the East Coast of the United States with a stated values proposition. From inception First GREEN Bank has strived to uphold its values, showing customers there is a better way to do business which is financially, environmentally and socially responsible.

Walking into First GREEN Bank customers notice each location’s unique personality, characterized by the latest technology and environmentally-friendly construction. In April, the bank opened its fifth branch in Winter Park, Florida which recently earned LEED Gold status. In addition to construction within the bank, First GREEN Bank also works to help community homeowners become more environmentally friendly. Earlier this year First GREEN Bank announced the expansion of its Solar Loan Program, including a 20-year term loan for residential and a 10 year term, 20 year amortization at a 5.95% fixed rate for commercial; offering up to 100% financing. The initiative offers competitive rates to local homeowners making it easier to install solar panels.

First GREEN Bank also started the “First GREEN Foundation,” which awarded more than $41,000 in both residential and commercial project grants up through 2014. These grants were given to area residents and businesses to assist in funding solar panel and/or solar water heater installations. The Foundation plans to continue providing up to $20,000 in energy grants every year, resulting in an additional 350 to 500 kW of renewable energy on an annual basis. In addition to solar grants, First GREEN Foundation also provides assistance to community supported agriculture. In April, the Foundation started a seedling distribution program, distributing 2,000 seedlings through Earth Day programs to improve air and water quality.

While supporting the community and the environment have become staples for First GREEN Bank, the organization also places a high emphasis on valuing its employees. In October, the bank implemented the area’s first Living Wage Program, a move that was recognized by news outlets across the nation. All First GREEN Bank employees now enjoy a minimum $30,000 yearly salary, or the hourly equivalent, without a salary cap, an effort to make sure employees have the ability to adequately provide for themselves and their families.

The bank also prioritizes employee health by providing amenities such as, an onsite gym complete with a personal trainer and employee Fitbits to help digitally track fitness goals. In addition, each employee is given $500 annually for wellness benefits. First GREEN Bank also offers employees a 0% interest rate loan for hybrid or high MPG vehicles, and solar panel installations.

First GREEN Bank’s unique take on values-based business led it to be continually recognized throughout 2014. The Hovde Group named First GREEN Bank the number one financial institution in Central Florida for asset quality after achieving a 0.0 rating, a feat that only five other banks in Florida have achieved. The bank also showed its financial strength by earning the second lowest Texas Ratio score, an indicator of how much capital a bank has compared to the total value of loans considered at risk. In addition to its financial health, First GREEN Bank was recognized for its work environment by Outside Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work. First GREEN Bank executives received accolades in Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Orlando Business Journal C-LEVEL award and i4 Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.

First GREEN Bank currently has assets over $ 300 million and has lent in excess of $239 million to local Florida businesses and citizens, and shows no signs of slowing its growth.
In bullet-list form, briefly summarize up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of this organization since the beginning of 2014 (up to 150 words).

• Implemented a living wage program, giving employees a minimum $30,000 yearly salary, or the hourly equivalent, without a salary cap
• Expanded its solar loan program to include a 20-year term loan
• CEO and Founder, Ken LaRoe was chosen as i4 Business Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the Green Business category
• Recognized on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list and as one of American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For
• Ranked as Deposit Account’s #2 healthiest employer in the nation
• Announced the Winter Park branch achieved LEED Gold certification
• Chosen as one of Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100 Companies for Working Families
• Included in Outside Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work
• Named a 2014 Sustainable Florida Best Practices & Green Building Leadership recipient
• CEO and Founder, Ken LaRoe, was an honoree in Orlando Magazine’s 2014 50 Most Powerful People – “12 to Watch” list

Of the following measures of success, which ONE do you want the judges to most appreciate about your organization's story of achievement since the beginning of 2014?

Corporate Social Responsibility