Summit State Bank Supports New Ag Education and Support Center
Santa Rosa, CA – (June 14, 2016) – Summit State Bank’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Sonoma County Fair Foundation’s request for funding of entrance signage to their Ag Education and Support Center. "When I was approached by longtime friend and former Board Member, Jack DeMeo, to join other community businesses in providing funding for the new Ag Education and Support Center, I knew this would have a lasting impact on the agricultural community as well as all of Sonoma County. I’m delighted that the Board of Directors joined me in supporting this request for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to support the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting our ag community," states Allan Hemphill, Chairman of the Board.
The Ag Education and Support Center is a commitment to honor the legacy of the late Saralee McClelland Kunde through educating youth and adults alike about the importance of agricultural to our community. "Sponsorship requests at the $100,000 level don’t happen often and require careful consideration before granting approval," says Hemphill.
"We proudly supported the construction of Saralee & Richard’s Barn and are excited to be a part of the Ag Education and Support Center, where the community can visit and learn the important role agriculture plays in our community. Saralee was a true champion for the ag community and her legacy continues through this new community gem," says Jim Brush, President and CEO.
Summit State Bank is known for its philanthropy and has successfully carved out a niche as the bank of choice for regional nonprofits through its Nonprofit Partner Donation Program. Since its inception in 2009, its nonprofit banking customer base has grown from 8 nonprofits to 154 and in 2015 awarded $258,275 to its nonprofit customers, or 4% of its annual income.
About Sonoma County Fair Foundation
The mission statement of the Sonoma County Fair Foundation is to raise and steward funds to support facility improvements and special projects of the Sonoma County Fair. The Foundation Board’s primary project is a capital campaign to raise funding for Saralee & Richard’s Barn, a permanent building that will offer year-round agricultural education experiences, particularly to local youth.
