Central Florida Cyclist gets closer to reaching fundraising goal for his participation in Race Across America

EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, based in Lake County, is asking the public to help fund Central Florida cyclist Steven Perezluha’s efforts to win the 30th annual Race Across America (RAAM), the grueling 3,000 mile race that will start in Oceanside, Calif. on June 15 and end less than 12 days later in Annapolis, Md.

Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said 20-year-old Perezluha has a realistic chance of winning this year’s Race Across America but that effort will cost more than $20,000 including registration fees and accommodations for the eight person team that will accompany him on his journey.

“Steven Perezluha is a remarkable young man with a very promising future and First Green Bank is proud to help sponsor him for this monumental effort,” LaRoe said.

“The Race Across America is widely regarded as the toughest bicycle race in the world,” LaRoe said. “Cyclists often ride more than 20 hours every day from the start of the race to the finish, and they must consume upwards of 15,000 calories a day.”

Perezluha rode more than 30,000 miles on his bicycle last year in preparation for the Race Across America. In one six-day stretch, he rode from his home in Longwood to Key West and back, a total of 1,456 miles. And that was a short trip – in 2009, Perezluha rode his bicycle to Alaska and back. He has also won and set records at several racing events over the past couple years.

“Steven also has an excellent pedigree,” LaRoe said. “His uncle, Danny Chew, won the Race Across America in 1996 and 1999.”

Those wishing to also help support Perezluha’s Race Across America can contribute to his team by visiting his Donation Page at www.StevenPerezluha.com

First Green Bank named one of Top 100 Companies for Working Families by Orlando Sentinel

EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, which has locations in Eustis and Clermont and a new LEED Platinum-registered headquarters facility under construction in Mount Dora, was named one of the Top 100 Companies for Working Families by the Orlando Sentinel recently.

Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said First Green Bank’s sound footing, positive growth and corporate policies that focus on doing the right thing for its employees, its customers and shareholders, the local community and the environment all figured into the best company for working families designation.

“We are very pleased at the recognition and proud to be among the top 100 companies,” LaRoe said.

First Green Bank was also named one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work for in 2010 by Florida Trend magazine.

First Green Bank Plans To Expand To Volusia In 2011

EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, the new Lake County bank that has already opened locations in Eustis and Clermont and announced plans to open a headquarters location in Mount Dora in June, also plans opening a branch in Ormond Beach later this year.

Kenneth E. LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said First Green’s mission-driven business is catching on in Lake County with its emphasis on personal customer service and respect for the environment.

The bank offers personal and business banking courier services with a fleet of energy-efficient Toyota Priuses, remote deposit capture machines that mean businesses don’t even have to visit the branch locations, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable business practices that include the bank’s new 11,800 square foot Mount Dora headquarters facility — only the second privately-owned building in Florida to seek the LEED platinum certification, denoting the highest possible energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“Our mission is an environmental and social one,” LaRoe said. “We take a holistic approach to business in which we meld capitalism and shareholder value with environmental and social responsibility,” he said.

First Green Bank of Eustis’ Chief Financial Officer Melissa Atkins is finalist for CFO of the year award

EUSTIS, Fla. – Melissa Atkins, chief financial officer at First Green Bank of Eustis, was recently named a finalist for the CFO of the year award by Orlando Business Journal, the weekly business publication that serves the Central Florida region.

Kenneth E. LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said Atkins was a member of the senior management team who founded First Green Bank in 2008 and ranks as one of the region’s most knowledgeable financial officers.

Atkins attended Campbell University in North Carolina and worked her way up the ranks at Florida Choice Bank – LaRoe’s former bank which was also in Lake County – from 2000-2008, prior to the establishment of First Green Bank.

“Melissa is a highly skilled, dedicated financial officer whose integrity, knowledge and judgment are a tremendous asset to First Green Bank,” LaRoe said.

Atkins and First Green Bank colleagues plan to participate in the CFO of the Year awards ceremonies in Orlando in June, and LaRoe said he thinks Atkins has earned the top honors.

“She has played a major role in the success that we have achieved in this market since we opened in 2008,” LaRoe said. “I don’t know of a more qualified chief financial officer in the Central Florida area,” he said.

First Green Bank is one of the first of its kind in the U.S. to focus on positive environmental and social responsibility while operating as a traditional community bank.

First Green Bank has facilities in Eustis and Clermont and plans to open a new 11,000+ square foot LEED Platinum-registered headquarters facility in Mount Dora in June.