Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

The T-Shirt Crews in Support of Local Businesses

Across The Carolinas 2 min read
We can help written on sticky note.

Ready to talk to an expert?

If it’s Friday at First Bank’s Albemarle branch on Highway 52, that means it’s t-shirt time for the staff. But not just any cotton pullovers will do. The shirts you’ll see are created by and branded for one of the small businesses in the area.

Anne Penney, Branch Manager at Hwy 52, says the idea, which was a suggestion from a customer, started to take shape in May of 2014.  “We thought it was a fantastic idea,” she says. “To be fair, we wear the shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, and once we have been through them all, we start the cycle over again.”

Many customers stop in on Fridays just to see whose shirts the employees are wearing.  Crystal Thompson owns Advertise It in Norwood, NC, one of the participating businesses. “It is amazing what First Bank is offering with advertising opportunities for their customers,” says Thompson. “It means a lot to know that our bank is just as excited about our business as we are.”

Shirted team members post new pictures in the branch lobby every week to further show their support and to set up a fun display. There are currently more than 20 businesses in the area that are participating, and they expect more will follow suit.

The idea spreads

Inspired by their colleagues in Albemarle, the branch associates in Beaufort, NC have also started sporting some new T’s on Fridays as well. “Since we have started doing this, I have a lot more chit chat going on in the branch,” says Melissa Burhenne, First Bank Customer Service Representative in Beaufort. “Even non-customers are very curious because people normally see us dressed up, so it is an obvious conversation starter.”

In addition to the shirts, the Beaufort branch has the business’ cards or flyers on hand for interested visitors. So far, it’s been as successful in their town as it is in Albemarle. “We have at least 4 more businesses who have ordered shirts for us,” says Burhenne.

With such a warm reception at both branches, soon the only problem the teams might have is drawer space!

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

First Bank Celebrates Elizabeth Bostian During Women’s History Month Beginning her career in a male-dominated industry, Elizabeth Bostian, First Bank’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has risen above gender stereotypes to pave a way for generations to come through her perseverance and high-standing achievements. With a major in English Studies and unable to define the purpose of an invoice, Bostian had much to learn about the industry she would soon enter. During college, Elizabeth worked alongside a business manager, where she quickly developed a passion for law. Following her obtainment of a law degree, Bostian spent 5 years at a law firm in Greensboro before she began working for First Bank. During her tenure at the bank, she has worked to develop her capabilities to the fullest by embracing unfamiliar territory in a safe space. “First Bank has allowed me to feel safe enough to say ‘I don’t know’ or to ask questions” stated Bostian. With a determined mindset and secure environment, Elizabeth’s ability to safely fail at times granted her the ability to grow in the most unexpected ways. As the third generation Elizabeth, Bostian always admired her mother and grandmother as they encouraged her to have a growth mindset and embrace the challenges ahead. Elizabeth noted the role her late grandmother played in her life by being a well-educated and traveled woman for her age as well as demonstrating the confidence and courage it takes to shape the life you aspire to have. Being raised by a single mother, Bostian was also aware of the obstacles faced by women and the deterrent effects of unconscious bias against those who wished to obtain a higher degree. Along with the equal expectations set in place for Elizabeth and her siblings, Bostian’s mother and grandmother built the foundation that drives her to advocate for gender equality. Throughout her professional life, Bostian emphasized the importance of every woman that has come before her. Influenced by the women around her, she gained the knowledge of how to navigate male-dominated industries and developed strong relationships with those who valued her abilities and provided wisdom on how to elevate them to make a difference. As a result of her mentorship and self-discovery in the banking industry, she aspires to encourage women of the younger generation 4 min read