Simmons Bank

We are happy to announce our $1.25 million investment in Southern Bancorp's Minority Business Empowerment Program (MBEP), a business technical assistance program and loan fund for minority entrepreneurs in central Arkansas. This support includes a 10-year, $1 million Equity Equivalent (EQ2) investment and a $250,000 grant to provide technical assistance to participating MBEP businesses. “Working with Southern Bancorp helps us make a bigger impact on small businesses in their early stages of development, and that is critical to the success of minority entrepreneurs,” said George Makris, Jr., executive chairman of Simmons Bank. “Small businesses are the backbone of a strong economy and this investment represents a long-term commitment to provide access to low-cost capital that will drive new opportunities for jobs, new opportunities for innovation and new opportunities for continued economic growth across central Arkansas.” Launched in 2021, the MBEP is a 12-week technical assistance and funding readiness program for minority entrepreneurs in central Arkansas. The program’s curriculum is led by industry experts in both group learning and one-on-one sessions, and centers around seven key business disciplines, including sales and operations, financial management and accounting, human resources, marketing and communications, management and leadership, business growth strategies, and digital technology integration. Upon completing the program, participants are better prepared to seek funding to support their business operations, growth, and scalability. With this gift to Southern Bancorp's MBEP, we are investing not just in individual businesses but in fostering a vibrant, inclusive economic landscape in Central Arkansas that champions diversity and paves the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all entrepreneurs.

This week’s #ELSspotlight is Brittany E. Helms, Quality Improvement Program at Simmons Bank in Little Rock, AR. Her job responsibilities include monitoring the Simmons Bank Suggestion Box for new suggestions, responding to suggestions after receiving feedback from departments and also coordinating departmental collaborations for #FunFactFriday!

As Mayor, and a former banker, it was a privilege to moderate a discussion with diverse leadership at Simmons Bank. An engaged panel offered excellent advice on how to navigate workforce challenges and support overcoming barriers to success.

Congratulations to John Bollinger of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on his promotion to division executive for Community Banking’s Midwest Division. John will oversee all aspects of revenue generation, expense management and credit quality within his region, reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Community Banking Officer Chris White. “John’s strong relationships with customers and coworkers are underscored by his commitment to collaboration, partnership and service,” says Chris. “He is skilled at removing barriers and working across multiple departments, driving growth for Simmons Bank and great outcomes for those we serve.” John’s promotion builds on a strong track record of Pursuing Growth at Simmons Bank. He joined the bank in 2015 as a vice president and commercial banker, and most recently served as market president for Oklahoma City. In 2022, he led his group’s lending team to a net loan growth of 41 percent. In 2023, his team successfully navigated a highly competitive landscape to deliver deposit growth of 4.7 percent. True to Simmons’ community-focused culture, John’s leadership is also seen in his volunteerism with numerous educational, health and faith-based organizations. He has served as a board member with the Hough Ear Institute—a nonprofit that aids people affected by hearing loss—since 2022 and chairs its Finance Committee. He also serves as an advisory board member for the University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Business, providing curriculum feedback and mentoring banking students. We look forward to seeing all that John and our Community Midwest Division accomplish in this new chapter!

Last week, some of our associates had the privilege of attending the sixth annual Soirée Women's Leadership Symposium. The event is dedicated to the advancement of women in the workplace, providing a platform to develop professional skills, build networks, and encourage open conversations. As a sponsor of this event, we are honored to support the empowerment and elevation of women throughout Arkansas.

Alisa Montgomery serves as an Ambassador for Simmons Bank and plays a vital role in enhancing the company's culture and supporting the workplace environment through various outreach initiatives. Her connection to Pine Bluff, where she works, is deeply personal, and she takes great pride in her position at one of the bank's most historic branches established in 1930. Alisa's choice to work at Simmons was influenced by her childhood memories in South Arkansas, where her family consistently chose Simmons Bank for their banking needs. Whether visiting the drive-thru or accompanying her mom inside the bank for various transactions, the staff's warmth and helpfulness left a lasting impression. "Simmons Bank was my first and only choice when I started job hunting," she explains. Her fond memories of the bank and its culture of embracing diverse backgrounds, make her work experience particularly rewarding and enriching.

Our Lexington, Tennessee Branch has been honored once again by the local community, earning the title of "The Best Bank" in Henderson County! This recognition is a testament to our associates' dedication to serving their community and their commitment to providing exceptional customer care.

Exciting news from the tee box 🏌️♂️ We're thrilled to announce Stephens as our Presenting Sponsor! Simmons Bank and Stephens are excited to use this partnership to further celebrate and showcase the great state of Arkansas. See y’all at the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens in October! Read more: https://lnkd.in/ertpcZBM

Central Arkansas associates are showing strong support for their community and having a good time doing it! Simmons recently served as presenting sponsor for The First Tee of Central Arkansas’s “A Day at The Masters” event, which raised more than $50,000 to benefit youth. Thanks to all our associates involved in this event, including Business Development Officer Neil Day and his five-year-old son Boone, seen below at the event.

Kevin Fowler, Community Regional Executive, recently shared his insights on success and his perspective on the 2017 merger between Bank SNB and Simmons Bank.   With a history dating back to 1894, Bank SNB was a company rooted in Stillwater, Oklahoma where Kevin quickly ascended the leadership ladder. As the Stillwater market president at the time of the acquisition, Kevin's leadership abilities proved valuable to Simmons Bank, which appointed him to his current position of Community Regional Executive. In this role, Kevin now oversees business bankers across several states while continuing to lead the Stillwater market.   "The initial news of the acquisition was unsettling. Bank SNB wasn't just the oldest bank in Oklahoma; it was a pillar of trust in our community," Kevin remembers. "However, the outreach from Simmons ambassadors and visits from their leaders quickly put us at ease. Simmon Bank demonstrated their commitment to our community right from the start, and they've consistently delivered on that promise. Transitions always bring questions and challenges, but we've successfully navigated them together."   Simmons Bank has not only continued key sponsorships and supported the volunteer efforts of Stillwater associates but has also gained the trust of former Bank SNB employees by valuing their feedback and incorporating their processes. "Our voices were heard, even in the midst of being acquired. It gave us a sense of ownership in the transition, which has persisted as several of our local leaders have stepped up within the company. Cade Crawford, David Pitts, Rachel Nash, and Amy Miller stand out as prime examples of this leadership evolution.", says Kevin.    Since the acquisition, Kevin and our entire Stillwater market continue to be a voice in their community while caring for clients – many of whom have century-old banking relationships with Simmons (previously Bank SNB).