With a new athletic complex sporting its name and a $2.5 million investment in downtown Erie’s development, it’s shaping up to be a record year for ERIEBANK. By investing in companies, individuals and transformational community initiatives, the community bank is excited to have a hand in helping Erie move forward.
Revitalizing Downtown Erie
Realizing the potential for monumental change, ERIEBANK President David Zimmer took a big step late in 2017 by becoming the first financial services institution to invest in the Erie Downtown Development Corp. (EDDC). Investing $150,000 in the EDDC, as well as making a $2.5 million investment in the Erie Downtown Equity Fund, Inc., ERIEBANK joins Erie Insurance, The Erie Community Foundation and many other local businesses in supporting the vital community mission.
Zimmer says with ERIEBANK’s commitment to community involvement, it was an easy decision to join the EDDC team. “We believe wholeheartedly in the vision and values of the EDDC, and are pleased to be working in conjunction with area business and community leaders to realize our shared goals,” he explains. “Together, we’re going to change both perceptions and reality. It’s going to be very satisfying to have front-row seats to watch this transformation unfold.”
With a goal of making downtown Erie a more desirable place to do business, live and work, Zimmer believes ERIEBANK is one of many businesses uniquely positioned to help fuel economic growth in the city. “As a community bank, ERIEBANK is invested in ensuring Erie is economically viable,” he says. “We are excited to be part of this revitalization effort. It can only bring good things for our customers and our community.”
ERIEBANK Sports Park
ERIEBANK’s role in major redevelopment efforts isn’t limited to downtown Erie. This year, in partnership with G.R.E.A.T.T. (Greater Regional Erie Athletic Team Training Inc.), renovations got underway on the former Family First Sports Park. The new state-of-the-art multisport complex will be named ERIEBANK Sports Park and will create opportunities not only for Erie youth, but will also serve as an engine for economic development throughout the region.
“We see ERIEBANK’s role as a catalyst for community development,” Zimmer says. “We are proud to partner with G.R.E.A.T.T. to create a space where youth can develop their abilities and realize their potential.”
The community bank is supporting the park through financing, as well as donations of funds and expertise to move the project forward. Once the project secures all of the necessary funding, the new ERIEBANK Sports Park will eventually include a double-pad ice arena; eight natural and artificial soccer/ lacrosse/football fields; a turfed indoor, four-season dome training facility; a four-court professional basketball and volleyball gymnasium; and a four-diamond baseball park with artificial infields.
“ERIEBANK Sports Park will be a place where kids learn how to be part of a team and discover all that is possible when people work together toward a shared goal,” states Zimmer. “That aspect alone will pay dividends for Erie for years to come.”
For more information or a complete list of services and bank locations, visit ERIEBANK.bank.
