Ameris Bank allows students to bank nearby and help NGU at the same time
By Abbi Webb
The Vision Online Staff Writer
Have you noticed the new bank on campus?
You may pay closer attention when you hear the benefits it has to offer North Greenville students.
Scott Timmons, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, says Ameris Bank has plans to start a School Spirit program this year that will work to give back to elementary schools, high schools, and universities.
Photo Courtesy of North Greenville University
Dr. Jimmy Epting cuts the ribbon to open the new location of Ameris Bank on the campus of North Greenville University.
“Any students that use Ameris as their primary bank are coded with a School Spirit account,” said Timmons. “We take the total amount of all accounts from a certain school or university and we give a percentage of that amount as a donation to the school.”
The goal for Ameris here at NGU is to get as many accounts opened for students, faculty, and staff so that they will be able to give back a percentage of that to us.
One direct benefit that Ameris offers NGU students is free ATM use.
“Other banks charge fees to use ATM’s,” says Timmons, “but we actually refund you for that.” Ameris also offers students a free checking account with mobile and online banking services.
Although the location is ideal, Timmons says that it was not strategic or planned.
“Our Market President knows Dr. [Jimmy] Epting very well, so he was the one who came to us after TD Bank left the space. We talked it over with our Board of Directors and decided it would be a good move.”
Ameris Bank moved in right next to Einstein’s Bagels in May of this year. Last month, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new branch. NGU President Jimmy Epting attended and said a few words in honor of the addition.
Ameris Bank started in south Georgia and has been in the banking market for 40 years. It has only been in the South Carolina market for a total of eight years. Out of the 11 branches in South Carolina, the branch in Tigerville is the farthest north the company has ever extended.
