Heritage Bank Puts Others in the Spotlight

Since 1927, Heritage Bank has operated on the belief that when banks and neighbors work together, great communities grow stronger.  Today, Heritage is more than just a bank.  It is a community of bankers, working together to serve the unique needs of its clients. The Eugene team, representing Heritage’s 50th office which opened in August 2022, includes seasoned commercial bankers who have worked in this community for decades, each with 10-25 years of experience. “Our team works together to serve the unique needs of each client”, says Heather Gabbert, Vice President, Relationship Banking Officer. “We pride ourselves in supporting local-area nonprofits through giving and volunteering”. This isn’t just lip service: in just the 8 months since its opening, the team reported volunteering over 400 hours of community service. 

From the top down, Heritage Bank’s community forward approach is evidenced in the organization’s culture of making sure every employee, at every level, can be involved in decision making, giving time, and making investments. 

It comes as no surprise then, to hear of Heritage Bank’s recent announcement of a partnership with the Eugene Emeralds Community Spotlight initiative.

The Community Spotlight initiative offers local nonprofits an opportunity to be highlighted at home games with in-stadium exposure. This initiative provides the community with an opportunity to learn about all the great things nonprofits are doing for those in the Emerald Valley. Participating nonprofits are offered:

• A table on the concourse, in the heart of the action. This table can be used to best serve the needs of the nonprofit, whether it be to distribute information, interactive learning or collecting donations.
• A pre-game PSA shown on the video board and PA announcements throughout the game.
• A ceremonial first pitch, to be thrown by a member of the nonprofit.
• The opportunity to have radio reads throughout the game on “95.3 The Score”.
• 10 complimentary tickets for the game. 

As the 2023 presenting sponsor for the Eugene Emeralds’ Community Spotlight program, Heritage Bank will proudly support over 50 local nonprofit organizations throughout the season. This partnership is especially meaningful for an organization like Heritage Bank, who believes that beyond helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial dreams, they can help build strong and vibrant communities. 

In addition to their sponsorship of the Community Spotlight initiative, Heritage Bank provides numerous ways for both organizational and employee support of the various mission driven organizations in the community.  For example, Heritage Bank supports Kids FIRST through corporate sponsorships, corporate donation matches and Heritage Bank employee paid volunteer time.  As Lane County’s advocacy center for children, Kids FIRST supports youth who have been victims of, or witness to, crime – an instrumental resource for the community.  “Heritage Bank is committed to strengthening communities and that is what drew me here”, says Heather. “They have created a company culture that inspires employees to serve and drive positive impact in our communities. The employee empowerment within the bank has created a space for us to support our clients and focus on building healthier and more resilient communities together.”

While it is true that Heritage Bank invests its time and energy in the community, the bank also invests its resources. Recently forming their own Community Development Entity (CDE), the organization has expanded the financing it brings to businesses in low-income communities in Washington and Oregon. Heritage Bank has provided $50 million in funding to support one of only a handful of CDE’s in these states, and promotes economic development in underserved areas by supporting better rates, terms, and more flexibility than might otherwise be available. 

The Eugene Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve an example of community care through Heritage Bank. Whether out at local events, supporting our local entrepreneurs, or volunteering on the ground, we are thankful for the many ways Heritage Bank continuously shows up to build a better community and region for us all.