Clarkston State Bank employees donated $500 from their casual-Friday fund to Clarkston Rotary Club, Jan. 16.
“We read in the Clarkston News about the Rotary Club’s downtown holiday light upgrade project, so we decided to help them out,” said Dawn Horner, executive vice president, retail banking.
Bank employees donate $2 for dress-down Fridays. Every quarter, proceeds are donated to local charities and community organizations. The third quarter of 2011 went to Rotary. Fourth quarter went to Lighthouse North.
The donations are all from employees at the banks four branches.
“As the hometown bank, we feel we have a community responsibility,” said J. Grant Smith, president and CEO of Clarkston State Bank.
The bank also donates $25,000 to local programs and groups, and employees volunteer at Concert in the Park, local elections, and other events.
“We appreciate what you have done for us,” said Al Avery, Rotary president.
The club has a three-year plan for new holiday lights in downtown Clarkston. This year will be the second.
“Our plan is to get whole downtown done,” Avery said.
Smith also presented a report to the Rotary on the bank’s recapitalization efforts over the past year, as well as plans to expand.
“I see confidence coming back ? people are definitely doing things to grow their company,” he said.