Hoggatt Named Ambassador of the Year

National Bank

Edwardsville — National Bank is pleased to announce that Gary Hoggatt Jr., AVP – Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer, has been recognized as the 2007 Ambassador of the Year by The River Bend Growth Association.  Gary was honored at the association’s 2008 Annual Dinner with a video presentation and a plaque. “I was very surprised,” said Hoggatt. “The presentation was one of the highlights of my life.  To have my wife, my children and my employer say such wonderful things about me in front of such a great group of people - I was overwhelmed.”

The Ambassador of the Year award is an annual award presented to one of the 36 members of the association’s Ambassador Committee.

 “Each Ambassador earns points throughout the year for their volunteer efforts at all the association’s functions such as ribbon cuttings and ground breakings, networking events, and for their help in recruitment and retentions of members,” explains Joell Aguirre, Director of Member Services. “In addition to being an Ambassador, Gary is also the Chairman of our Promotions Committee.  As chairman of this committee, Gary manages a committee of eight to organize and promote two of our networking events, Breakfast Connections and Total Networking Lunch.  He is an active volunteer for several of our fundraisers, Annual Duck Race and The River Bend Golf Tournament. He is an active recruiter for our organization too, which is extremely helpful to me!  His enthusiasm for what he believes in is contagious and is greatly appreciated.”  

     Harry Hutchison, President and CEO of National Bank, said: “Gary’s role in the Growth Association is important because he needs to stay abreast of the community’s specific needs and plans.  It is important for National Bank and Gary to meet those specific needs and to play an active role in the community.  Gary’s customers like his personal touch and his dedication to customer service.  Gary has a strong belief in God and those values portray the values of National Bank. We are very proud of Gary and his contributions to the Growth Association, and we really appreciate your efforts to recognize him.”

Hoggatt said he was honored to serve as an Ambassador for the Growth Association. “I do not take this position lightly,” he said. “It is a real privilege to serve in this capacity.  I look forward to each opportunity to be of service to our membership, to work on ways to improve our networking events, and to recruit new members.  I am grateful for all of the business contacts I have made and the way that each relationship has enriched my life.  “Thank you again, for allowing me to give back to the community on behalf of myself and National Bank. “

   At National Bank, Hoggatt is responsible for residential lending and business development. He also manages the Edwardsville Banking Center, including teller operations, new accounts and retail lending. Hoggatt has 20 years experience in the banking and finance industry.

Hoggatt volunteers as an Ambassador for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in his church, Faith Baptist Church of Godfrey, where he teaches a young-adults Sunday School class. Hoggatt and his wife, Donna, live in Alton with their two children.

     National Bank was founded in Hillsboro, Ill., in 1869 and currently serves south central Illinois with 10 banking locations. The Edwardsville Banking Center, located at 1611 Troy Road, opened in May 1997.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
National Bank
(217) 532-3991 • (800) 717-3991