ATHENS, Ga. – Sept. 29, 2020 – Regions Bank on Tuesday announced a $500,000 contribution spread across two key University of Georgia programs that empower small businesses and future leaders in several communities.
“The educational and economic impacts of the University of Georgia reach throughout the state, the nation and even the world,” said John Turner, President and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. “At Regions Bank, we are proud to be part of these important programs, which will serve as valuable resources for entrepreneurs looking to start or strengthen businesses – and for students who are learning the important qualities needed to serve as tomorrow’s leaders. These programs are making investments that will pay dividends for years as businesses grow stronger and individuals reach their full potential.”
Through Regions Bank’s financial support, the Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA) in the Terry College of Business will receive $300,000 to endow a fellowship program for service-learning projects across the state. ILA provides unique, values-based leadership training for students in all majors that promotes self-awareness, effective communication, teamwork, innovation and adaptability in a changing global environment.
These programs are making investments that will pay dividends for years as businesses grow stronger and individuals reach their full potential.
John Turner, President and CEO of Regions Financial Corp.
“The Regions Bank Service-Learning Projects Fund will offer our students new possibilities to put their leadership skills into action and provide valuable community service in creative ways,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, dean of the Terry College of Business. “The University of Georgia is a national leader in experiential learning, and this gift from Regions Bank will make a meaningful difference for our students and the communities where they volunteer and serve.”
In addition to Regions Bank’s contribution to ILA, the company has made a $200,000 commitment to small businesses across Georgia through a donation to UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). As part of the university’s public service and outreach efforts, the SBDC provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. There are 17 UGA SBDC locations statewide.
“We are grateful for Regions Bank’s generosity in providing this funding, which will help small-business owners in many underserved areas, as well as in our urban communities,” said Jennifer L. Frum, vice president for UGA Public Service and Outreach. “The spirit of this gift is directly in line with our mission as a land-grant and sea-grant institution, and we welcome the community partnership.”
Bill Linginfelter, Metro Atlanta market executive for Regions Bank, said the donation complements Regions’ community engagement across the state.
“At Regions, we are honored to support educators and mentors who create a foundation for success not only here in Athens, but also in every community touched by the University of Georgia,” Linginfelter said. “Education and economic development are two key priorities for the bank’s community engagement. Through the Small Business Development Center and the Institute for Leadership Advancement, Regions Bank is providing resources to help create long-term success, not only for students and businesses, but also for the communities they will serve.”
Through the SBDC, Regions Bank will support the Regions Bank Entrepreneurship Academy this fall, which will feature a series of webinars open to the public at no cost.
The SBDC and Regions Bank are ideal community partners: two respected organizations that share a commitment to the success of businesses and economic development throughout the state of Georgia.
“Regions Bank is helping the UGA SBDC provide needed information and training to small-business owners and prospective entrepreneurs throughout Georgia beyond our ordinary reach,” said Allan Adams, state director for the SBDC. “The better equipped these business owners are to make sound decisions for the growth of their enterprises, the better off local economies will be across the state.”
