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Evergreen Federal Bank (Honorable Mention), Grants Pass, OR

Entry Year: 2018
Entry Category: Community & Economic Development
Asset Size: Small
Program Name: Evergreen's Bear Hotel

Program Summary:

For over 84 years Evergreen Federal Bank has operated as a mutual institution, dedicated to serving customers locally and
investing in the communities we serve. With this mission, Evergreen has been both proactive and creative in the investments
we make to improve the quality of life and economic viability of Southern Oregon.

In 2005, Evergreen realized our community would benefit from having an indoor venue that could host community events.
The following year we built a 23,000 square-foot facility known as Evergreen's Bear Hotel. To ensure its success, we moved
our marketing department to the Bear Hotel. Marketing plans now include utilization of the facility and its staff to assist in
meeting the needs of our community. Evergreen is committed to offering our Bear Hotel to customers and nonprofit
organizations at no charge. Tourists may visit and experience Evergreen's Bear Hotel free of admission.

Evergreen's Bear Hotel is home to Evergreen's popular BearFest community art project. Also featured inside are: a community
room, an interactive art exhibit, and a large space available for nonprofit fundraising events. Throughout the year, Evergreen
utilizes our facility to promote financial literacy, fraud prevention, and customer appreciation.

Through use of this community asset, Evergreen has been able to maximize our volunteer efforts. We are pleased to use the
Bear Hotel to provide vital resources and positive experiences for our community to enjoy.