"Through innovation and through unique partnerships, we are finding new ways for our community bank to reach an underserved region," said Bob Jones, President and CEO of United Bank. "The staff at HERO are experts when it comes to helping people better their social and economic situations, and the Women's Business Center has a track record of working with business owners to make ideas reality."

As part of its new partnership, United Bank is providing office space, phone and technology support for both organizations at its offices in Atmore. Initially HERO staffers will be available to discuss home renovation and rehabilitation and to assist with processing FEMA disaster claims. Representatives from the Women's Business Center will assist owners and potential owners with business planning, management and getting the most from operating their small business.

"These are the first of what I believe will become an alliance of non-profits and organizations willing to extend beyond their traditional footprint to bring services to our northernmost market areas," Jones said.

United Bank began working with representatives from HERO in 2011 when it partnered to facilitate funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank for home rehabilitation loans for HERO clients in Greensboro, Ala. Founded in 1994, HERO works to provide resources for small business incubation, affordable housing and financial literacy. Southern Living and The New York Times have each featured stories on HERO and the self-sustaining businesses it helped create in Greensboro - Pie Lab and Alabama Bamboo Bikes.

"I recognized early on in our meetings the passion, energy and concern shared by HERO for the people they serve. It reminded me of United Bank and how we strive to improve the lives of our clients," Jones said. "I knew if we could help fill gaps in the services it offered its clients there, HERO would be an economic development resource to help us turn conversations into actions here at home."

In April 2012, United began offering prepaid debit cards to HERO clients. Combined with a secured credit card to be offered in the future, these products are designed to assist in improving a customer's financial success through better money and credit management.

Founded in 1993, the Women's Business Center assists women in starting and growing their business. Its founding made Alabama one of the first states to have such an organization. Until now, representatives from the Women's Business Center would meet on a case-by-case basis with clients and occasionally attend lunch-and-learn sessions in the area. Through its partnership with United Bank, the Center can begin building a stronger presence as it serves a broader community.  

"While we're not reinventing the wheel, what we are doing is redeploying products and reaching out in order to give communities greater access to services to help them be more successful," Jones said. "We have the space, we have the tools. For us it's about creating opportunities and providing ready access to a number of organizations with services that to this point have been unavailable in rural markets."

About United Bank: United Bank is a $450,000,000 financial institution that has enjoyed 108 years of service. United Bank has offices in Atmore, Flomaton, Monroeville, Frisco City, Bay Minette, Foley, Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Silverhill, Spanish Fort and Summerdale in Alabama. United Bank serves Santa Rosa County, Florida in Jay, Milton and Pace. For more information about United Bank please visit our website at www.unitedbank.com. 

For more information on Hale Empowerment & Revitalization Organization, visit www.herohousing.org or call 334-624-0842.

For more on the Women's Business Center visit www.womenbiz.biz or call 251-660-2725.