It’s that time of year when some of us are already longing for fall. Bowl games mean football season is on its way out, and fans have to find other ways to occupy weekends.
Pilot Bank associates are busy giving back to our community during football season and beyond. Rita Lowman, President of Pilot Bank and Outback Bowl of Directors Executive Committee member, has been involved with the Bowl for six years. With a 27-year history in Tampa, the Outback’s Bowl mission is giving back to the universities who go up against each other at the big game. Lowman shared, “The Outback Bowl also brings guests into our community, which is a positive impact for our area.” As a community bank, Pilot Bank nurtures a culture of being stewards of the Tampa Bay community and makes it possible for associates to engage in philanthropic efforts that resonate strongly with the area.
The Outback Bowl, no doubt, shines the national spotlight on Tampa Bay. “We enjoy the economic impact that the Bowl has on our community,” articulated Lowman, “It is positive for our area’s businesses and the nationwide television exposure is impactful for Tampa Bay,” she added. The Bay area has gained national attention lately, for things like being in the running as a location for Amazon headquarters, and community leaders, like those at Pilot Bank, are committed to securing our beloved area’s place on the national stage.
Committed to Sharing
Pilot Bank’s leaders and associates believe in the bay area. “Giving back is our way of sharing,” noted Lowman. The bank’s partnership with the Outback Bowl kicks of a year of community involvement for the Pilot team. In 2017, associates participated in initiatives from Big Cat Rescue, American Stage, Making Strides, American Heart Association, Paint Your Heart Out, Metropolitan Ministries, Centre for Women, Girl Scouts and the area’s Chambers—and that’s just to name a few. It’s refreshing to see a community bank demonstrate such resolve to be woven into the fabric of our community. Lowman explained that there is an employee engagement committee dedicated to assisting with the bank’s initiatives.
The Pilot Bank team doesn’t have to wait until football season to enjoy the fanfare of the game. “We have many exciting events leading up to the game,” conveyed Lowman. “Our Pilot Bank Outback Bowl Summer Splash, in June, is a delightful time with guests enjoying golf and interaction with many of the college and NFL coaches as well as NFL legends,” she extended. Of course, there is no excitement like game day and this year provided a great match up between Michigan and South Carolina. “It is great to partner with all of the sponsors and make The Outback Bowl a success,” she stated.
Pilot Bank is fortunate to have a strong leadership team and their dedication to our community is a strong, exemplary display of teamwork.
PICTURED: Pilot Bank’s CEO Roy Hellwege and President Rita Lowman, along with NAFCO President Kevin Buckland, participating in the Outback Bowl opening ceremonies.
