02/21/2017 (Sarasota, Fla.) – Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida announced today that employees of the Sarasota-based bank volunteered a combined 2,202 hours to community organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2016. In addition, the employees of the bank generously contributed $25,066 to local charities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Gateway Bank strongly encourages every bank employee to take an active volunteer role in the communities in which they work and live. “I am thrilled to be able to provide this level of support to local organizations and am proud of our employees for giving so much of their personal time to better our community,” President and Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Merriman stated. “While doing so, our associates also gain more opportunities for leadership, team building, and skill development.”
Among the many organizations benefitting from Gateway bankers’ involvement and contributions are: The United Way, Southeastern Guide Dogs, The American Heart Association, local food banks, schools, and many other human service organizations. In addition, the bank sponsors a number of community events, examples include: The YMCA Ringling Bridge Run, the Van Wezel Gala, Forks & Corks, and the Cat Depot Golf Classic. Gateway Bank does not count community service hours for business development events.
About Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida: Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida is an independent community bank serving business and consumer banking clients in Sarasota and Manatee counties. BauerFinancial (www.bauerfinancial.com) awarded Gateway Bank a 5-Star rating indicating the bank is well capitalized, exceeds regulatory compliance standards, and demonstrates high quality asset management. Gateway Bank operates three full service banking locations: 1100 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 6204 North Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota; and 2100 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.