The Hot Springs branch of Simmons Bank made a $10,000 donation to Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic Tuesday.
After being named Simmons Bank's 2018 Community Bank of the Year, Simmons associates in Hot Springs made the gift to CCMC to support the organization's annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser to provide medical and dental services to the underserved in Hot Springs.
The award is based on 2018 figures for outstanding loan and core deposit growth, J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction survey scores, and cross-selling results, according to a news release.
In addition to receiving individual cash prizes, Simmons' Hot Springs associates were awarded $10,000 to donate to the local organization of their choice. Associates voted to support CCMC for its service to under-resourced members of the Hot Springs community by addressing poverty, physical and spiritual well-being, and practical needs.
"This is a very special day for the Hot Springs team for a couple of reasons," said Brent Atkins, vice president and commercial loan officer for Simmons. "First, today underscores what teamwork can accomplish. The reason we have the blessing to be here this morning is because our team worked together to not only serve our customers well but to go the extra mile. That same commitment led us to receiving the Simmons' Community Bank of the Year Award in January which provided the funds for today's presentation.
"Second, today is meaningful for us because we get to partner with a local organization that also believes in going the extra mile. CCMC's dedication to serving our community's underserved residents is truly outstanding. It's amazing just to look around this room and reflect on how many people come here to seek medical care, dental care, or physical or spiritual help that they couldn't get elsewhere."
Dr. Jack Porter, chairman of the CCMC board, said the organization has three different focuses -- the acute needs of their clients, medical and dental services, and programs to help individuals and families become self-sufficient and self-sustaining.
"I am really pleased and humbled ... with Simmons Bank and what they are doing to present this check to recognize us," Porter said. "To me, it's not the fact that this idea to award us came out of a corporate headquarter. What's humbling is that the employees of this local community bank voted for us to receive that. That is the most humbling thing that the community, in general, would recognize the efforts we have in serving the underserved.
"I assure you that this donation is much needed, much appreciated and will be put to excellent use as we continue to try to serve this community and make an impact that not only impacts the individuals, but it impacts their employers with the dedication that they have and the tools. And as a result, it impacts the community as we strive to make changes within the community to create programs and systems that assist more in serving the underserved and increasing the quality of life for everybody in our community."
Hot Springs is just one of 24 Simmons Bank branches across seven states, making the annual award very competitive, according to Freddie Black, regional chairman for Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.
"CCMC is an answer to prayer for many in Hot Springs," Black said. "People who couldn't otherwise afford medical attention or dental care find these services through this organization. CCMC also lifts up those with unmet practical and spiritual needs pushing back on poverty in ways that strengthen the entire Hot Springs community.
"When our Hot Springs associates voted to donate to CCMC, many reasons were cited. ... The bottom line, though, is CCMC and Simmons share a goal to see our community prosper. We hope that today's gift empowers CCMC and those it serves."
Lynn Blankenship, executive director for CCMC, said it is only fitting that Simmons, which was founded by a physician in Pine Bluff, would choose to partner with a free safety net clinic in Hot Springs.
"This donation that you've honored us with will help us to purchase medications, provide medical and dental care," she said. "We also assist families with essential help to keep their households functioning. The one area that we separate ourselves on is we provided guidance to self-sufficiency for individuals and families to make a commitment to learn how to transition."
Local on 05/29/2019