National Bank of Arizona Launches NB|AZ Charities

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Apr 6, 2015) - National Bank of Arizona (NB|AZ), the state's largest full service community bank, is proud to announce the formation of NB|AZ Charities, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing support and resources to Arizona non-profit agencies through generating awareness, volunteer efforts and semi-annual grants starting in 2016.

For more than 30 years, NB|AZ has been a part of communities across the state. The bank provides Arizonans and Arizona businesses with banking and financial services. Through small to mid-size business lending, NB|AZ helps ignite the entrepreneurial spirit to fuel Arizona's economy.

"NBAZ is just as committed to the well-being of the people of Arizona," NB|AZ President Keith Maio said. "The mission of NBAZ Charities is to provide support and resources to non-profit agencies here in Arizona. NBAZ Charities is a result of the history, evolution and heart of NBAZ."

NB|AZ Charities and its affiliated events represent all four of NB|AZ's value pillars: Giving, Fundraising, Corporate Citizenship and Employee Engagement. The charity will concentrate on critical issues facing Arizona and bestow grants to those organizations making an impact in the areas of Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Arts and Culture, Education, Community Services, Health/Human Services and Neighborhood Stabilization.

"What we are most excited about is the level to which our employees across the state will be involved in the grant process," NB|AZ Vice Chairman, Deborah Bateman said. "A dedicated Employee Advisory Group will provide recommendations and input to the grant committee. This aligns so closely with our core values and supports our already active Community Reinvestment initiatives."

To accompany the launch of NB|AZ Charities, NB|AZ will host a Statewide Volunteer Day on April 18, 2015. NB|AZ employees and their families will participate in hands on volunteer efforts across the state.

"Beyond the grant advisory role, our employees will be active year round and statewide," adds Joy Antolini, NB|AZ Executive Vice President of Human Resources. "We take very seriously our commitment to corporate citizenship and our employees will be participating in numerous activities all under the umbrella of NBAZ Charities."

Continual funding will come from various NB|AZ fundraising and sponsorship efforts and events such as Smart Women Smart Money Conference April 23 at the NB|AZ Conference Center, The Society of Chairs Awards Dinner in May, The Taste of Biltmore tasting event in October, Winter Swing Charity Golf Outing in December and the Arizona Leadership Forum in March of 2016. In the fall of each year, employees will have the opportunity to participate in an annual giving campaign. Grant application, training and award process details will be announced in the coming months on the NB|AZ Charities website (http://ElevateAZ.com/).

About National Bank of Arizona
With a smart approach to financing, National Bank of Arizona (NB|AZ) understands the entrepreneurial spirit of Arizona business. Founded in Tucson in 1984, NB|AZ is a full-service community bank offering unique business and personal financial solutions that help customers manage and grow their bottom line. With more than $4.5 billion in assets, NB|AZ is backed by the strength of Zions Bancorporation, one of the top 20 domestic bank holding companies in the U.S. with total assets of $53 billion. NB|AZ operates branch locations in more than 50 communities supporting the vision of successful individuals and businesses throughout the state of Arizona. Stop by any of the more than 65 branches of NB|AZ for local and personalized service from a loyal banking provider. For more information, visit www.nbarizona.com.