Simmons First National Corp.*

Few institutions or businesses are more active in their community support than Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff. “It is ingrained in our culture,” said Tommy May, chairman and CEO. “And it is in our mission statement.”

May said that community involvement culture was part of the discussion when he first came to Simmons 20 years ago to meet with the late Louis Ramsay and the late W.E. Ayers. He remembers what was said: “We are only as good as the communities we serve.”

So the banking company’s attitude, he said, is “if we’re going to get involved, do it to make a difference, not just for show.”

The company encourages the managers of each of its eight banks in 46 communities to encourage their associates to get involved to improve the quality of life. “It’s part of the operating plan of every bank we have,” May said.

The result? Some 1,100 associates contributed money and some 27,000 volunteer hours to more than 600 organizations throughout the state last year.

Each bank makes its own decisions on which organizations to support. Companywide, Simmons has helped three Habitat for Humanity projects with manpower and financial support. The company also participates in the United Way’s “loaned executive” program by allowing associates to take time off to assist the local United Way.

The company sponsors numerous events each year along with many youth sports programs. It pays for membership in Rotary, Kiwanis, Civitan and Lions clubs, chambers of commerce, arts and science centers, symphony orchestras, museums, theater organizations and medical, health and educational organizations.

Throughout the state, Simmons associates serve as leaders in the United Way, Salvation Army, Race for the Cure, Great Arkansas Cleanup, American Red Cross, Heifer International, Special Olympics, universities and city and state boards.