Reprinted in part, with permission of the Evanston Roundtable
Ask Eco-gal
Green Banking Is an Attitude
By Mayre Press
In September 1995 another group of forward-thinking bankers opened First Bank & Trust in downtown Evanston. From its inception, the bank has forged a strong connection with the community.
"Each August we host an orientation luncheon for staff of School District 65," said Jill Schoenwetter, vice president. "We offer mortgage assistance to the District's staff so that more of them can afford to buy homes in Evanston." The bank has "adopted" the District 65 Bessie Rhodes Magnet School in Skokie and provides financial support for the school's activities.
"First Bank handled the construction loan for the JRC's new synagogue," said Ms. Schoenwetter. "The building earned LEED Certification at the Platinum Level, the highest level for green architecture."
The bank's not-for-profit account was developed to help community organizations achieve their goals. It clusters a number of services that meet the needs of associations, charities, schools and other non-profit organizations that need to keep their money working toward their programs. That translates into no monthly fees for a group's corporate accounts, and also means salaried employees of a non-profit organization are eligible for traditional checking accounts with fees waived for basic service charges.
First Bank has a speakers' bureau made up of bank officers who can talk to groups about identity theft, fraud protection, money management and other relevant topics. Three of the bank's facilities offer the use of conference rooms to qualified community groups. Last, First Bank's website, www.firstbt.com, features a Community Guide to which local non-profits are invited to post their events to reach a wider audience.
Green is much more than a color; it is an attitude. When choosing a bank for a loan, a checking or savings account or another financial need, think "community" and know there are two nearby banks that practice green values.
Contact Eco Gal at ecogal247@yahoo.com or info@evanstonroundtable.com.