Top of the Rock
One of the most anticipated moments of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership’s annual meeting is the presentation of the Top of the Rock Award to an organization, business or individual who has worked to elevate downtown Little Rock. Those who have been honored with the Top of the Rock Award vary in their work and scope, but all have helped shape the downtown area.
This year’s honoree is Simmons Bank, which has had a presence in Arkansas for more than 100 years and is critical to the economic and social fabric of Little Rock and the central-Arkansas region. In addition to being a respected and trustworthy financial institution, Simmons Bank has always made community involvement a priority.
“What sets us apart from other regional banks that are on large growth patterns like ourselves is that we’ve stayed true to our community roots, our community service,” said Carole Smith, senior vice president and commercial banker. “We encourage our employees to serve on boards and attend community events, and we make an effort to sponsor things that are going to make a difference.”
Throughout 2020, a year when community support was needed more than ever, Simmons Bank held true to its core values and pulled through. The bank pledged more than $30,000 in sponsorship dollars for two socially distanced family events in 2020. The first was Shadows at Sixth, a drive-thru Halloween event, and the second was Holidays on Main, a drive-thru and walkthrough holiday-lights event.
With Simmons’ financial support, the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Little Rock Zoo — both nonprofits — were able to successfully host these profitgenerating events. Not only did their proceeds provide a small bit of financial respite for the two organizations during a tough year, but the activities offered fun and happiness to families all over central Arkansas.
“We would be crazy not to support an organization like the Downtown Little Rock Partnership that is in existence to better where our main home is,” Smith said.
“Simmons Bank continues to be a long-standing, valuable member of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership,” said Gabe Holmstrom, executive director of the Partnership. “They are most deserving of the 2020 Top of the Rock Award.”