AgFirst honored with Spirit of the Midlands Award from United Way

AgFirst was recognized for its community impact with the Spirit of the Midlands Award for Corporate Leadership, the Gold Award and the Corporate Gift Award by United Way of the Midlands April 26 at Segra Park. 

The Spirit of the Midlands Award recognizes a corporate partner that exemplifies a spirit of giving through time, leadership and resources in support of United Way’s focus areas: student success, financial stability and access to healthcare. AgFirst previously received the award in 2023, 2021 and 2017. The Corporate Gift Award recognizes an organization with the highest per capita gift, and AgFirst earned this award in the 100–525 employee category. The Gold Award honors companies with an employee per capita gift of $150 to $399. 

"We believe that strong communities are the foundation of a strong future, and we are proud to support United Way’s mission to create lasting, positive change," said AgFirst Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Credit Officer Pat Calhoun. "This recognition reflects the heart and spirit of our employees, who are committed to making a real difference where we live and work." 

United Way of the Midlands, which presented the awards during its Centennial Celebration, plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for more than 40,000 individuals and families each year through its programs and services. During AgFirst’s annual United Way workplace campaign, employees, together with the bank, raised $142,000 to fuel initiatives that create generational change across the Midlands. The bank’s 2024 campaign was also recognized as being “advanced,” which entails completing a United Way campaign before the official launch of a campaign season. 

Through corporate giving and employee-driven efforts, AgFirst helps United Way and its community partners provide food assistance, healthcare services, housing stability and utility support for some of the Midlands’ most vulnerable citizens. 

"At AgFirst, giving back to our community isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are," Calhoun said.