Shared Success
As a hometown bank, we believe in reinvesting in the community. We realize that the success that we enjoy is because of the residents we serve and that giving back is a vital part of ensuring that the Shoals continues to thrive. Rodney Howard, President and CEO of First Metro Bank, is unwavering in his support of area school systems. Having grown up in the Shoals and attended Muscle Shoals High School, he realizes the importance of investing in the future of our students. Beyond donations to schools and community organizations, First Metro Bank sponsors other events with which you might be familiar:
BILLY H. BOWLING MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
For 17 years, First Metro Bank has hosted the annual Billy H. Bowling Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of the bank’s first President, Billy Bowling. The proceeds from each tournament fund the Billy Bowling Memorial Scholarship at Northwest Shoals Community College. This year’s tournament raised over $9,000.00 for area students!
W.C. HANDY FESTIVAL—“SAX IN THE CITY”
Each year First Metro Bank kicks off the W.C. Handy Festival with our “Sax in the City” event featuring The Midnighters at Wilson Park in Florence. Every year, thousands of fans pack the park for this free event. The Midnighters never disappoint, entertaining late into the night.
We sell our famous “Sax in the City” t-shirts for $5.00 each. It seems no matter how many shirts we order, we never have enough. This year, we sold 1850 shirts! If you didn’t get a shirt this year, next year we encourage you to visit any First Metro location any time during the month prior to the event to ensure that you receive one. All proceeds on shirt sales are donated to the W.C. Handy Festival.
SUMMERSTOCK AT THE RITZ—West Side Story
First Metro Bank is proud to be a Founding Sponsor of the SummerStock at the Ritz. First Metro teamed up with the Tennessee Valley Art Association and accomplished director David Hope to fund and organize this invaluable cultural training program.
Over the past several years, local school systems and colleges have gradually lost their theatre arts programs due to budget cuts. SummerStock at the Ritz offers students of all ages an opportunity to train with theatre arts professionals during the summer months. At the end of each summer, these students present quality live theatre productions of popular Broadway performances.
The inaugural production was West Side Story. The five performance dates sold out so quickly that encore performances were added so that the entire community could come together to appreciate the hard work and talent of the area’s youth. Two First Metro Bank employees performed in West Side Story—one in the orchestra and the other as a leading actor. We are so proud of the hard work and achievement of all the performers.
SWAMPERS RACE
The Muscle Shoals Civitan’s organize the Annual Swampers Race to raise money for various local charitable organizations. First Metro Bank consistently supports this event as a monetary donator and our employees are devoted participants in the race. Each year, First Metro places in the Company Awards for most participation. Two First Metro Bank employees are active members of the Muscle Shoals Civitans, Delores Cotton and Huston Kennedy. These two individuals work incredibly hard to make events such as the Swampers Race successful. We’re proud to support our community!
