At Premier Service Bank giving – more precisely, giving back – is a year-long endeavor. One of distinguishing characteristics of a community bank is the fact that its entire focus is local. In addition to providing essential banking and lending services and contributing to the economic recovery of our region, Premier Service Bank serves the needs of local communities by investing resources and encouraging employee participation. Throughout the year, the bank directs its giving to non-profit organizations that address the vital needs of community building.

Premier Service Bank’s president and CEO, Kerry L. Pendergast believes both in the value and virtue of giving back.  “When we choose to get involved, we are not only strengthening the very communities we do business in; we also see the rewards to the shareholders of our bank. We have a very loyal customer base, because we are more than just a bank to our clients. ” Giving back is indeed good business.

We all care about making our local communities a thriving and safe place to live and work. For an institution that is deeply rooted in the community, to be involved in all aspects of life that affect the very neighborhoods it does business in comes naturally.  However, the key to successfully making a difference is collaboration; and that is what Premier Service Bank does best. It provides opportunities for non-profits, clients, neighbors, businesses and other institutions to come together and contribute for a worthy cause.

2012 was such a year. In addition to the bank’s officers and staff volunteering their time and talent to support other worthy causes, Premier Service Bank partnered with organizations such as Disabled Veterans of America, Corona Fire Fighters Association, CJ’s Gift Giving, Riverside Police Foundation and The Wylie Center for Children, Youth & Families by conducting events that support them.

 “Be A Hero” Food Drive
The Riverside chapter of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) runs a food bank that serves thousands of veterans in the area. They have no federal, state or local funds and their activities are supported solely by donations. The chapter is run by other veterans and their motto is “Veterans Helping Veterans”. Premier Service Bank was happy to step in and offer a helping hand by encouraging the bank’s customers, neighbors and the community at large to donate non-perishable food items to assist needy veterans who have sacrificed so much in defending our freedom. As in years past, the 2012 “Be A Hero” Food Drive was a smashing success. A significant amount of food was collected at each of Premier Service Bank’s offices and distributed to needy veterans just in time for Thanksgiving.

“Spark of Love” Toy Drive
In addition to fighting fires and saving lives, fire fighters in Corona also participate in conducting a toy drive that helps bring a smile to a child whose family could not afford to purchase one during the holidays. Premier Service Bank’s employees were more than happy to promote this worthy cause by setting collection boxes in the bank lobbies resulting in the collection of hundreds of new toys.  As always, the bank’s customers gave generously, helping the Corona Firefighters Association meet its goals for the season.

Charitable Golf Outing
For the 7^th year in a row, Premier Service Bank’s golf tournament was conducted in the Fall, raising $27,000 to benefit CJ’s Gift Giving, Riverside Police Foundation and The Wylie Center for Children, Youth & Families. As a result, since the inception of the program in 2006, the event has raised over a quarter of a million dollars in donations for 27 different organizations. This golf outing is also another example of the bank serving as a conduit of good-will and good-deeds to raise not only the necessary funds, but to also raise awareness about the causes these exemplary non-profit organizations champion.

It’s all about making a tangible difference in other people’s lives. If it is important to the community, it is important to the bank. After all, giving back is truly a win-win proposition where everyone involved benefits directly or indirectly. As a community bank, service to the community is a core value that Premier Service Bank upholds proudly and it’s something that will continue for years to come.