Monroe Bank & Trust’s volunteer program recognized with national Daily Point of Light award

MONROE, Mich. - Jan. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, announced today that it has recognized Monroe Bank & Trust (MBT) for their exemplary corporate volunteer program – MBT ENLIST – with The Daily Point of Light Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that work to tackle the unmet needs of their community through volunteer action.

Monroe Bank & Trust is one of the oldest and most respected independent community banks in southeast Michigan. Dedicated to volunteerism and philanthropy, MBT founded ENLIST (Employees Now Linked in Service Together), their corporate volunteer program, in 1984 to support and assist community organizations and non-profits, by encouraging employees to volunteer their time and talents to make a positive difference in the communities served by the bank. ENLIST volunteers serve 365 days a year throughout Monroe, Wayne and Lenawee counties, providing much needed manpower and expertise to schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and other community initiatives and events.

“It’s kind of a badge of honor for our employees to become ENLIST members,” says Senior Vice President of Marketing, John Betrus. “Membership in ENLIST is strictly voluntary, but new employees hear stories about how rewarding the program has been to their co-workers personally.  The result is that over 85 percent of our 372 employees participate in ENLIST annually.”

In 2014 the program provided 9218 volunteer hours of community service to approximately 200 organizations and events in its three county service area.  Since its inception, ENLIST members have donated more than 191,500 volunteer hours to community-based causes.

The MBT Marketing & Community Relations Department administers the volunteer program, and ENLIST Coordinator Diana Lingle manages the daily volunteer activities and community assignments.

“We are honored that Points of Light has selected Monroe Bank & Trust to receive this national volunteer service award,” said MBT President & CEO Doug Chaffin. “MBT ENLIST volunteers positively impact lives and improve our communities almost every day of the year, giving real meaning to MBT’s motto of ‘Community Service from your Community Bank.’”

About the Award:  Originating from the White House in 1989 during George H.W. Bush’s presidency, this award has celebrated the power of more than 5,000 volunteers or volunteer efforts that spark change and improve the world through community service. In a report to the nation on his efforts to engage Americans in service, Bush called these volunteers “points of light,” stating, “Points of Light are the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to touch the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, care and friendship. By giving so generously of themselves, these remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become.”

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About Points of Light

Points of Light - the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteer service - mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages more than 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it matters most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.     To learn more about the Daily Point of Light Award, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight.

About Monroe Bank and Trust

MBT Financial Corp. , a bank holding company headquartered in Monroe, Michigan, is the parent company of Monroe Bank & Trust (“MBT”). Founded in 1858, MBT is one of the largest independently owned community banks in Southeast Michigan.  With over $1.2 billion in assets, MBT is a full-service bank, offering a complete range of business and personal accounts, credit and mortgage options, investment and retirement services and award-winning financial literacy outreach.  MBT employee volunteers contribute approximately 9,000 hours of community service annually. MBT’s Commercial Lending Group is an experienced SBA and MEDC lending partner.  MBT’s Wealth Management Group (“WMG”) is one of the largest and most respected in Michigan.  The Michigan Bankers Association ranks MBT fourth among all Michigan banks for total trust assets.  With 25 offices, 47 ATMs, convenient mobile and online banking, a robust online and social media presence and a comprehensive array of products and services, MBT prides itself in offering World Class Banking with a Local Address. Visit MBT’s website at www.mbandt.com.

For media inquiries please contact:
John Betrus
Monroe Bank & Trust

734.240.2341

john.betrus@mbandt.com