“I have the pleasure of being part of a unique brotherhood that truly believes that friendship is essential to the soul.”
Mike Scott is Senior Vice President and Community Development Manager at Regions Bank. He’s also a 40-year-plus member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was instrumental in bringing the Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclave to Tampa Bay.
“Our vision of achievement is that everyone has a chance to be successful,” said Scott. “This community partnership with Omega Psi Phi allows me the unique opportunity to merge my membership with the fraternity with my work as a Community Development Manager to help others.”
Our vision of achievement is that everyone has a chance to be successful.Mike Scott, Senior Vice President and Community Development Manager at Regions Bank
Regions Bank provided $50,000 in financial support to the 84th “Conclave with a Purpose.” That means it’s more than a meeting. It’s a time to create new visions for how to serve others. Thousands of Omega Psi Phi members from across the country came together focusing on how they can take their own experience, knowledge and success – and invest them into future generations. Given Regions’ role as a financial institution, Scott and his colleagues in Omega Psi Phi see a clear benefit the bank can provide.
“Engaging community partners like Regions Bank are vital in ensuring our members are routinely exposed to best practices for homeownership, investments, small-business interests, and the array of other banking services Regions offers,” said John Howard, Executive Director of Omega Psi Phi. “Omega has benefitted from its many educational programs in years past, making our community partnership both reciprocal and priceless.”
More than 125 middle to high school students from around the country traveled to the Tampa, as well, for Omega Psi Phi’s Youth Leadership Conference, where they participated in a Regions Next Step Reality Check workshop on financial education.
“It was an interactive way for the students to learn about building and balancing a budget,” said Scott. “Students are assigned a persona and then select real-life options that will directly impact their finances. These young men can take the lessons and apply them to their real lives.”
Regions also participated in a Career Expo. Human Resources professionals from the bank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Talent Acquisition groups presented information regarding internships and permanent employment opportunities.
“We are here to show that we remain dedicated to our community and our commitments to greater equality,” said Rico Green, a mortgage loan officer for Regions Bank in Lakeland and an Omega member. He volunteered at the conclave. “This assembly is an opportunity to demonstrate that we are a brotherhood of like-minded individuals that lean on and support each other.”
Omega Psi Phi and Regions Bank began a community partnership in 2019 with the goal of providing underserved communities resources to help advance social and economic opportunities in areas serviced by both the fraternity and Regions Bank.
“Since then, Regions associates have delivered valuable financial education seminars both in person and virtually,” said Howard. “Reaching thousands of individuals both nationally and internationally.”