By Holly Fisher
Supplements Editor

Throughout the state, Carolina First Bank of South Carolina is giving back to the communities that have made it a successful financial institution.

Locally, Carolina First supports the Gibbes Museum of Art, the College of Charleston and Spoleto Festival USA, in particular. It made the largest corporate commitment the College of Charleston ever received as the lead donor for the new athletic center, which will be named the Carolina First Athletic Complex.

For its work in the community, Carolina First received a Lowcountry Philanthropy Award from the Lowcountry Association of Fundraising Professionals. Each year the association recognizes one business and one individual for their philanthropy.

The Gibbes was one of the entities to nominate Carolina First: “At the Gibbes Museum of Art, ‘Carolina First’ is synonymous with generosity, creativity and scholarship. While many corporations give to the museum’s exhibition program, annual fund or membership program, Carolina First’s dedication to the Gibbes and its mission is truly unique as it has impacted nearly every aspect of our operations.”

Philanthropy starts at the top at Carolina First. Based in Greenville, Jim Terry is the president of Carolina First Bank in South Carolina.

“We have been dedicated, from the very beginning, to giving back to communities that are good to us,” Terry said. “We see that as part of our responsibility.”

In addition to providing monetary support, Carolina First encourages its employees to volunteer their time with local nonprofits. Bill Medich, Carolina First area executive in Charleston, leads by example. He spent the past two years as president of the Gibbes board of directors and is now serving as president of the College of Charleston Foundation board. He is also a Spoleto Festival board member.

In its nomination letter, the College of Charleston praised Medich for his willingness to serve the community. “Bill has been an active foundation board member since 1998 and has served as president of the board in 2004 and 2005. As president, Bill has provided the leadership to expand the number and regional diversity of our board members. He has encouraged our board members to increase their involvement by giving of their time and resources.”

“We live in an incredible place,” Medich said. “These three (organizations), among others, add an incredible amount of vibrancy to the community. We support that with the bank’s capital, and it’s important to support that with human capital.”

The Charleston market is a bright spot for Carolina First’s future, Terry noted. The bank has an opportunity to grow here during the next few years, so it makes sense to support a market that has supported Carolina First, he said.

Carolina First is supportive of the arts and education initiatives in each of its markets. “An educated marketplace and a marketplace that enjoys an opportunity for the arts affords better leadership, growth and quality of life,” Terry said.

Carolina First works with the state Department of Education to recognize schools and principals who have gone beyond the call of duty. Many bank employees are tutors and participate in fundraisers.

Terry said the bank believes in supporting worthy endeavors year after year until the project can stand on its own.

“It’s not always about writing a check,” Terry said. “It’s often about supporting and encouraging undertakings that have a positive impact on the education process.”

Holly Fisher is the supplements editor for the Business Journal. E-mail her at hfisher@charlestonbusiness.com.

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