Pat Gross, Branch Manager at Great Western Bank in Lafayette states, “Our philosophy at the bank is to support the community who supports you.” The bank believes in giving back. The Making Life Great Grants are designed to assist nonprofits that enhance the quality of life in areas such as economic/workforce development, affordable housing, and financial literacy. The grants focus on programs that target low-to-moderate income (LMI) individuals. Thrive was honored to be one of the grant recipients.
Great Western Bank serves the community in various ways such as organizing a food drive to support Sister Carmen, an agency that provides assistance to residents of East Boulder County who are in need. Pat is actively involved in volunteering in the community. In addition to serving on the Employer Advisory Council for Thrive and Board of Directors at both the Lafayette Chamber and Meals on Wheels, Pat was commissioned by the mayor to serve on the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority, LURA. The goal of LURA is to encourage revitalization and redevelopment in the Old Town Urban Renewal Area.
Pat shared that you volunteer because it is the right thing and it also rewarding from a business perspective. Pat explains, “There is an incredible return on your investment for supporting the community. You get back tenfold what you give. It is important to support the community that supports you.”
