For decades, Peoples Bank and its employees have supported the United Way of Whatcom County. This local branch of the United Way organization in turn supports more than thirty non-profits, and has invested more than $10 million in the community over the last ten years.
Debbie Hogue, Vice President and Talent Acquisition Manager at the Peoples Bank Barkley Financial Center, has been involved with the United Way of Whatcom County for over twenty years, and currently chairs the organization’s board.
When Debbie first began working with the United Way, it was as a volunteer on the funds distribution committee – a group that assesses and evaluates recipients of United Way’s support. Even in her current role as Board Chair, Debbie stays involved with this committee. “That’s how I get to see the nonprofits in our organization doing great work,” Debbie says. “It helps me to stay in touch with the needs in the community and the critical services they provide.”
As a recruiter for Peoples Bank, Debbie sees the Bank’s support for local non-profits as critical to hiring top talent. “Most of the recruiting that I’m involved with is officer level and above, and many of our candidates are involved in their communities,” she explains. “We almost always get asked if the Bank will support their involvement and volunteer time, and the answer is always ‘Of course!’ It’s almost an expectation for anyone at the management level and above in our company to be involved with a nonprofit. It’s not a requirement, but we really encourage that.”
In addition to participating in the United Way’s workplace campaign, which allows employees to make donations via payroll deductions, Peoples Bank makes annual contributions to the United Way and sponsors various fundraising events benefitting the organization.
Asked what it means to her to work for a company that actively supports the United Way and other non-profits in Whatcom County, Debbie says, “Oh, it’s a huge deal for me! Honestly, that’s why we all choose to work for a community bank – because that is what a community bank does, it gives back.”