United Bank was honored at the Annual Chamber Banquet as the 2016 Business of the Year. This award demonstrates United Bank’s leadership and commitment of both the bank and its employees. The Chamber acknowledged several of United’s efforts from hosting children and adult financial education workshops, food drives, funding economic development, job creation and various employees who contribute their time and resources to organizations and projects across our footprint.
“I am proud that United Bank stands as an example of service.” said Bob Jones, President & CEO of United Bank. “This award is a tremendous honor and reinforces for us that our mission and the work we do for our communities makes a difference. We understand the need to maintain strong ties at the community level and the responsibility to invest in and serve the customers and markets we represent.”
At the dinner, the Chamber also recognized the work of United Bank Board of Director Dale Ash and her tireless efforts, honoring her with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Volunteers are essential resources donating their talents to improve their communities and help organizations meet their goals. Dale’s generous commitment has provided critical services to the Atmore community.
Dale has dedicated her life to giving back to others. Dale’s contributions include service to the United Bank Board of Directors since September 1993, Atmore’s National Day of Prayer, Escambia County Child Advocacy Board as well as Atmore Community Foundation. Ash’s love for others in need does not end with serving on boards and committees. She not only meets the physical needs of citizens in the community by preparing meals for sick families but she also meets their emotional needs by encouraging them during difficult times.
“While I am an Atmore native, our family lived in Brewton for 23 years.” said Dale Ash, United Bank Board of Director and Partner / VP of Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Atmore. “In 1993, I began commuting to Atmore to work with both of my boys who attended school in Atmore beginning in the early 1990s. Although our family did not move back to Atmore until January, 2006, (five months before our oldest son, Matt, graduated from Escambia Academy), my family has always considered Atmore to be our home. It is a blessing to live in Atmore where the motto, Old Friends, New Beginnings’ is true.
“The Lifetime Achievement Award was an honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ from whom ALL blessings flow and a humbling tribute to my beloved parents, Hooper Matthews, Jr. and Merle Matthews. Our parents instilled in us a Christian heritage with their giving spirits and servants’ heart that lives on with our families and businesses. Our Mother experienced ‘Job-like’ trials which made my brother, sister, co-workers and me hyper-sensitive to the needs of others especially the elderly and sick. I am truly thankful for their Christian legacy and support from my husband, Alan, sons, Matt and Alan, my siblings Hooper Matthews, III, and Cindy Colville as well as my Pepsi and South Alabama Vending Family.”