In a day an age where people change employers like they change their clothes, a vibrant employee culture is rare. But more than decade after Barnett Bank was sold to Nations Bank, former employees have remained in touch and are reuniting Saturday at a fundraiser for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
Barnett Bank was founded in 1877 and grew to become the largest commercial bank in Florida. Headquartered in Jacksonville, the bank had a great deal of involvement in local charities and according to former employees greatly promoted a culture of giving.
In 1997 Nations Bank purchased Barnett Bank but quickly merged with Bank of America. Some former Barnett employees stayed on with Bank of America, while others scattered around the country and began new ventures in the business world.
Locally, several former Barnett Bank employees started Sawgrass Asset Managment. In the past twelve years it has grown to have over 150 clients and those clients are served by 19 employees 11 of which formerly worked at Barnett.
Thanks to technology and the corporate culture at Barnett many of those former employees have kept in touch through the years.
Ponte Vedra resident Celeste Burger, who is president of the Barnett Bank Alumni Association, described Barnett Bank as a second family.
"It was such a wonderful place to work," said Burger. "You felt like they were your second family."
So when Judy Hall, another former Barnett Bank employee who works for Community Hospice called Burger about organizing a reunion fundraiser, Burger jumped at the idea.
Saturday will mark the third Barnett Bank alumni reunion but will be the first to benefit Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
Dean McQuiddy who helped found Sawgrass Asset Managment said he is thrilled about Saturday’s reunion.
"I think it is great," said McQuiddy. "I remember in the early days when Barnett did so much to help Community Hospice get started — we’re thrilled we’re able to still helpout."
Approximately 200 people are expected to attend the reunion fundraiser Saturday at the TPC Sawgrass. Hall said they hope to raise $30,000 while giving former employees a chance to reconnect.
"It was very much the culture of the bank to exceed expectations," said Hall. "It was very committed to the community and I think people took a great deal of pride in that. It was very special."
Hall said the enthusiasm from former employees for the reunion has been tremendous and hopes that Saturday’s fundraiser is just the first of many to come.
For additional information or to purchase tickets to Saturday’s reunion visit www.communityhospice.com
March 12th 2010 - 6:14PM