A closer look at companies executing leadership excellence

Like most banks, First Green Bank (nka Seacoast Bank) provides basic financial services: checking and savings accounts, CDs, and commercial, residential, and consumer lending. Why did it make our Business in Focus? Its commitment to environmental and social impact. Since 2009, Orlando-based First Green Bank has worked by the motto “to do the right thing” for the environment and the community. The company’s headquarters is in a LEED Platinum building with a living plant wall, koi pond, green roof, and a solar array.

The condensation from the air-conditioning system is collected to flush toilets and provide irrigation. Nearby trails make running and biking on lunch breaks easy. The complimentary refreshment bar—stocked with local, fair trade, organic products—makes post-workout recovery even easier.

First Green Bank offers discounted interest rates for LEED projects, zero-percent interest rates for high-mpg cars, and solar loan programs.  It also offers a $500 fitness allowance, and a $250 award for the employee who loses the most weight each year.

The bank’s nonprofit First Green Foundation supports local start-up farming and water management projects and donates thousands of dollars toward solar projects through the foundation’s renewable energy program.

Kudos to First Green Bank for exemplifying how doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive!