Core Points - Provident Bank awarded $63,000 in grants to eight local non-profit organizations through its Community Partnership Program, focusing on community development, economic empowerment, financial literacy, and housing in low- and moderate-income areas of New Jersey [1][4][6] - The Community Partnership Program demonstrates Provident Bank's commitment to collaborating with non-profits to support long-term economic prosperity in the communities it serves [2][6] - The non-profit recipients include organizations dedicated to affordable housing, education, financial resources, and community empowerment, such as the Urban League of Essex County and Ironbound Community Corporation [4][5] Summary by Category Funding and Grants - Provident Bank provided a total of $63,000 in grants to eight local non-profits, supporting initiatives that promote community development and economic empowerment [1][4] - The funding aims to enhance financial literacy and education, as well as housing and homeownership opportunities in low- and moderate-income communities [1][4] Community Impact - The awarded organizations are making significant contributions to their communities, focusing on affordable housing, education access, and economic self-sufficiency [4][5] - Notable recipients include the Housing Partnership, which promotes responsible homeownership, and NORWESCAP, which creates opportunities for low-income families [4][5] Organizational Commitment - Since July 2023, Provident Bank has partnered with over a dozen local non-profits through the Community Partnership Program, emphasizing economic opportunity and sustainable growth [5][6] - The bank's initiatives are designed to uplift local residents and strengthen community ties, reflecting its dedication to fostering inclusive economic development [6][7]

The Problem of Affordable Housing - The average housing cost in Austin, Texas is over $560,000, while over 580,000 people in the United States remain unhoused [2] - Over 37% of the homeless population endures substance abuse, making it difficult to break the cycle without stability and safety [3] - Affordable housing faces challenges from skyrocketing land costs, restrictive zoning laws, and expensive construction materials [4] Innovative Solutions - Tiny homes, costing $20,000 or $200,000, are efficient, sustainable, and affordable solutions to homelessness [4][5] - Community First Village in Austin, Texas, provides a neighborhood for people coming out of chronic homelessness, offering job training and mental health support [5][6] - Companies like ICON are 3D printing homes using a durable and weather-resistant material called Lavarete [7][8] The Evolution of Housing - Post-World War II, mass-produced homes (Levittowns) were affordable but lacked individuality and sustainability [8] - In the 1970s, modular housing allowed for faster and cheaper construction [9] - Current innovations include solar-powered homes, upcycled shipping containers, and recyclable construction materials [9] Call to Action - Advocate for affordable housing policies, support organizations like Community First, and educate oneself about companies like ICON [11] - Challenge the status quo and take action to create a world where no one is left behind [10][12]

Core Points - First Bank extends its partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes for an additional three years, building on the previous season's success which raised nearly $27,000 for the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation [1][2] - The Good Goals program will see First Bank donate $100 for each goal scored by the Hurricanes during the regular season until the 2027-28 season, enhancing community engagement [2][3] - First Bank's CEO emphasizes the alignment of this partnership with the bank's mission to support local communities, while the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation expresses gratitude for the ongoing support [3][4] Company Overview - First Bank, headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, has total assets of approximately $12.4 billion and operates 113 branches in North and South Carolina [5] - The bank has been recognized for its effective response to Hurricane Helene, receiving the Most Effective Recovery Award in the Americas from BCI, and is a finalist for global awards [4][5] Foundation and Team Information - The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation focuses on meeting the health and educational needs of underserved populations in the community [6] - The Carolina Hurricanes, established in 1997, have won six division championships, two Eastern Conference titles, and the 2006 Stanley Cup [7]

[Music] Many of you in this room, you've had brilliant ideas for business, beautiful ideas you want to implement and then before you know it, there's no capital. Has that happened to you. That happened to us in 2018 when we had a beautiful idea to do a stadium and a business park. This was a 20,000 seater stadium and a business park.But we needed 50 billion Ugandan shellings. That's around $15 million. But we only had 10 billion Ugandan shellings.So where are we going to get 40 billion. The first thing whic ...