FirstBank Wins International, Local Creative Awards

As published in chattanoogean.com

Nashville-based FirstBank has received two awards for its magazine-style publication mailed to new customers following its 2016 acquisition of Northwest Georgia Bank.

In April, the magazine was named a Gold winner in the 2017 Hermes Creative Awards. The awards, which honor concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media, had more than 6,000 entries from across the United States, Canada, and numerous other countries. The awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

The magazine also received an Award of Merit earlier this month as part of the Parthenon Awards, which are awarded by the Public Relations Society of America Nashville chapter. These awards recognize “strategic and creative excellence by Middle Tennessee public relations professionals.”

The magazine, titled “FirstBank: One team. One bank.” focused on highlighting important acquisition and account information while providing a more personal, local introduction to FirstBank. It included a timeline for the bank conversion, frequently asked questions, account information, bank locations, and leadership information.

“We simply didn’t want to check the box and send the required regulatory disclosures. We’re local bankers devoted to the communities we serve, and we wanted our new customers to be proud to bank with us,” said Jeanie Rittenberry, FirstBank director of marketing and communications. “This magazine provided our new customers with a more intimate look at FirstBank, while laying out the most important information in an easy-to-understand manner. FirstBank is honored to be recognized for our work.”