Community Involvement
PremierWest Bank has deep roots in the communities we serve. We believe that "community bank" equals "community service" and it shows in our mission. And our actions. When potential employees are interviewed they're always asked "How are you involved in your community?"
Our employees volunteered over 23,000 hours last year helping a wide range of organizations. Year in and year out, when something needs doing in the community, you'll see PremierWest employees with their sleeves rolled up.
PremierWest Bank Receives “Lifetime Award” – Medford, OR
Access Inc. is the largest community outreach program, with continuous operation for four decades serving Southern Oregon. Access provides assistance in many ways for the community but is most well known for their food bank services, helping to stock over 40 food banks in the region. At their recent annual “Hometown Heroes” awards presentation, PremierWest Bank received the coveted “Lifetime Award”, for the bank’s many years of assistance to Access providing financial services and consultation and supporting major fundraising efforts. Only seven organizations have received the highly honored “Lifetime Award” from Access in the Southern Oregon region.
4th Annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive – Bend and Redmond, OR
PremierWest Bank, Newport Ave. Market and Mt. Bachelor sponsored the 4th Annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive for NeighborImpact Food Bank, October 31st through November 11th. During the two week campaign, two Mt. Bachelor buses were loaded with over 9,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations. The NeighborImpact Food Bank warehouse in Redmond will store and distribute the food to over 40 partner agencies throughout Central Oregon over the winter months.
Siskiyou County Fair – Yreka, CA
PremierWest Bank, continues to be a major sponsor of the Siskiyou County Fair, which includes the Center Mid-Way Stage for the duration of the fair, Friday Night Sprint Car races & the rodeo chute for Saturday Rodeo. The stands were full and the branches’ staff were there working the crowd. Staff threw custom Sprint Car T-shirts into the audience at the races and the crowd went crazy over our signature barn animals at the rodeo.
Chamber Member of the Month - Sutherlin, OR
In September 2011 the Sutherlin branch was honored as Chamber Member of the Month. The Sutherlin branch sets a great example for all members of how to succeed in this difficult local economy. Good customer service and dedication to the community are the hallmarks of our local PremierWest Bank branch, managed by Cheryl Martin. When asked about her background and secrets of her success, Cheryl insisted her success, and the branches’ success, is the result of a team effort, by a staff of exceptionally experienced employees, dedicated to their community.
Nevada County Fair – Grass Valley, CA.
The Nevada County Fair was held August 10th – 14th at the beautiful Grass Valley Fair Grounds. The fair has been continuously rated the top county fair in California. PremierWest Bank had the pleasure again this year of sponsoring the Special Events Tent. The Grass Valley branch employees helped out in the “Minute to Win It” competition. In this year’s competition, competitors had an Oreo Cookie placed on their foreheads, and with only facial expressions tried to “move” the cookie to their mouths. Young and old competed, and many were able to succeed! Everyone walked away with a prize for their efforts. The staff also attended the “Muttin’ Bustin” and “Calf Scramble” and threw our signature farm animals into the crowd.
Chico Chamber of Commerce Community BBQ and Cook-Off - Chico, CA
The Chico Chamber of Commerce held a Tri Tip barbeque cook-off between public safety agencies, professional restaurants and caterers. PremierWest Chico branch staff joined in the fun, networking with businesses in the community. In addition to the cook off, R.W. Knudsen Family, one of Chico’s premier businesses celebrated their 50th anniversary. It was a successful event that brought the community and businesses together for a great cause. Approximately one thousand people attended.
Community Wellness Week – Dorris, CA.
The Dorris and Tulelake branches participated in the Mountain Valley’s Health Centers 4th Annual Community Wellness Week August 18th and 19th. The Mountain Valley Health Center is a non-profit community center organization with sites in Burney, Fall River, Big Valley, Tulelake and Butte Valley areas. The center offered opportunities to receive free health screening, immunizations and to learn about local agencies and discover new programs available. The Mountain Valleys Health Center drew blood for screening and offered free oral health education and screening, blood pressure screening, chronic disease education and body mass indexes at each location. It was a fun filled event for all communities.
PremierWest Bank Awarded “Employer of the Month” by the City of Corning – Corning, CA.
In recognition of their support of the community, youth activities and friendly employees, the Corning Branch was awarded the “Employer of the Month” for the month of September. The Corning City Council presented the award to the Corning branch employees, September 13, 2011.
Big Brothers Big Sisters – Grass Valley, CA.
On Saturday, August 27th, PremierWest Bank was proud to sponsor the 30th Anniversary of the Nevada County Big Brothers Big Sisters. The celebration honored donors and the Bigs and Littles who have played an active role in the organization throughout their 30 years. Approximately 100 attendees enjoyed the Hawaiian theme which was complete with Hawaiian dancers. The event was held at a private residence in Penn Valley. Accepting the check from PremierWest Bank’s Grass Valley Branch Manager, Jan Friend is Kimal Desena, Fund Development & Program Assistant.
Cowboy Up – Think Pink 2nd Go Round – Redding, CA.
PremierWest Bank sponsored the Cowboy Up-Think Pink annual dinner/auction for the 2nd year. Proceeds are donated to Nor-Cal Think Pink, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Redding Rodeo Association Agriculture Scholarship Fund for Local high school students. Nor-Cal Think Pink is a community effort to promote breast cancer awareness.
PremierWest Bank Sponsors the Evening of Dreams – Sacramento, CA.
An Evening of Dreams is a red-carpet event for teens and young adults with special needs. This event reaches out to the community, showing love to those who are frequently marginalized by our society. Guests are escorted throughout the evening, as well as the opportunity for formal pictures, music, and refreshments.
Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair – Tulelake, CA
PremierWest Bank sponsors the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair each year. The fair has named the entertainment arena “PremierWest Bank Entertainment Arena”. The staff from the Tulelake branch tossed the PremierWest Bank barn animals into the crowd. The bull seemed to be the favorite animal this year. PremierWest Bank also supports the Jr. Livestock auction. The Tulelake and Dorris branches pool funds together to purchase an animal from one of the local youth members in either Tulelake or in the Butte Valley community showing their support for the youth of their communities.
Senior Expo, Chico, CA
October 14, 2011 PremierWest Bank participated in the Senior Expo in Chico, Ca. CARD (Chico Area Recreation and Park Dept.), Enloe Home Health, Interim Home Style, Passages and Merit Medi-Trans presented this free event that offered a great chance to see the latest products and services, view demonstrations, participate in screenings and gather information specifically targeted for those over the age of 50. The staff at the Chico branch joined in the fun.
Shoot for Purpose, Red Bluff, CA.
PremierWest Bank is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Annual “Shoot for Purpose” Aiming for Awareness. Every year this event donates money to different women’s health programs. The organization is a collective group of women who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others, focusing on women’s health issues in Northern California and the “Women’s Amateur Sporting Clays". This year funds were raised for the diabetes programs.
