Ameris Bank Releases Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Rhea-AI Summary

Ameris Bank has unveiled its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report for 2020, reflecting its commitment to investing in people and communities. Key highlights include:

• Funding $1.7 billion in mortgage loans, $250 million in home loans, and donating $1.5 million to civic organizations.
• Forming a Diversity Task Force and offering numerous employee wellness programs, achieving a 92% employee engagement rate.
• Environmental initiatives saving nearly 1,250 trees annually and an investment in LED lighting.

The bank also ranked #28 on Forbes' America's Best Bank 2021 list.

Positive

• Funded $1.7 billion in mortgage loans and $250 million in home loans, boosting community investment.
• Donated $1.5 million to civic organizations, enhancing philanthropic reputation.
• Achieved a 92% employee engagement rate, indicating strong internal culture and morale.
• Ranked #28 on Forbes' America's Best Bank 2021 list, improving brand prestige.

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameris Bank released today its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report for the year 2020, highlighting continued progress toward investing in people, building better communities, going beyond banking, advancing a sustainable future, and acting with strong governance.

"Our teammates are the cornerstone of our success, and our culture is the driver. This has never been more prevalent than during the past year, as our team remained steadfast and provided meaningful support to our customers and communities," said Chief Executive Officer H. Palmer Proctor, Jr. "I take great pride in this report because it showcases the significant programs, services and activities in which we are investing to benefit our stakeholders and the environment. Our commitment is ongoing, and we look forward to advancing our social responsibility initiatives for years to come."

Highlights of Ameris Bank's 2020 CSR include:

People First

• Formed a Diversity Task Force, Employee Resource Groups and a Leadership Development Program
• Offered a variety of programs encouraging healthier lifestyles and improved emotional and mental wellbeing
• Surveyed teammates and found that 92% feel they can make a difference in the success of the company

Building a Better Community

• Funded mortgage loans totaling $1.7 billion through VA, FHA and USDA programs, and $250 million in home loans in partnership with more than 130 down payment assistance programs
• Donated $1.5 million to philanthropic and civic organizations
• Funded efforts for educational equality, community health and wellbeing, housing affordability and economic development

Going Beyond Banking

• Ensured teammates had sufficient resources and support to work remotely, which was confirmed by 96% of those surveyed
• Provided more than $1.5 million in "thank you" pay to teammates who worked the frontlines during the pandemic
• Enabled teammates to complete a combined 6,400 courses related to security awareness

Advancing a Sustainable Future

• Informed by climate and sustainability frameworks to begin disclosing climate-related risk and opportunity targets
• Saved nearly 1,250 trees per year by converting customers to e-statements and electronic bill payments
• LED Lighting investment saving 71 thousand tons of greenhouse gasses
• Created scalable and automated electronic and robotic mortgage solutions

Governance: Acting with Integrity

• Established a management-level environmental, social and governance (ESG) committee
• Refined an effective, scalable and efficient corporate and risk governance framework

Ameris Bank has long been recognized as a leader in banking. This year, Ameris was ranked #28 on Forbes' America's Best Bank 2021 list and was named a Greenwich Excellence award winner for US Small Business Banking.

To view the full report, visit Ameris Bancorp's Investor Relations website: ir.amerisbank.com

About Ameris Bank
Ameris Bank manages over $20 billion in assets and over 200 financial centers across the Southeast. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ameris Bank is fiercely committed to bringing financial peace of mind to the communities it serves. A subsidiary of Ameris Bancorp (NASDAQ: ABCB), Ameris Bank offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking and lending products, treasury and cash management, wealth management, insurance premium financing, and mortgage and refinancing solutions. Learn more about Ameris Bank and its full range of financial services at www.amerisbank.com.

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SOURCE Ameris Bank

FAQ

What are the highlights of Ameris Bank's 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report?

The report highlights funding of $1.7 billion in mortgage loans, $250 million in home loans, and $1.5 million in donations to civic organizations.

How did Ameris Bank support its employees during the pandemic?

Ameris Bank provided $1.5 million in 'thank you' pay to frontline workers and ensured 96% of employees had resources to work remotely.

What initiatives did Ameris Bank implement for diversity in 2020?

Ameris Bank formed a Diversity Task Force and introduced Employee Resource Groups and a Leadership Development Program.

What environmental initiatives did Ameris Bank undertake in 2020?

The bank saved nearly 1,250 trees annually by promoting e-statements and invested in LED lighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Where can I view the full Corporate Social Responsibility report for Ameris Bank?

The full report is available on Ameris Bank's Investor Relations website.