Page 14 � Union County GA Magazine � Summer 2022
Tomato Plants & Hotdogs a Treasured Tradition
United Community Bank tells commuity “ Thank You ”
By Norm Cooper
Editor , Union County GA Magazine
Thousands of tomato plants are given away and thousands of hotdogs are consumed annually at United Community Bank in Union County and scores of other banks as part of “ Customer Appreciation Day .”
The event is attended by thousands . Jimmy Tallent , President and Chief Executive Officer of United Community Banks , began the tradition more than 30 years ago .
“ This is really just an expression to our customers as a deep , heart felt thank you for them doing business with us and providing us the opportunity to serve their financial
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needs ,” said Tallent in a prvious year . The day is one the community anticipates and appreciates .
“ It ’ s always a festive time , a time where our employees can interact with customers , maybe on a little different basis ,” said Tallent . “ At the end of the day , we are in the people business and we want to share our deep appreciation to our customers .”
The tradition of giving away tomato plants is legendary . Each individual gets a “ tray ” containing six plants , all of them ready to put in a garden . It has become known to some as tomato plant day . The concept behind that was to provide tomato plants so people could plant and
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President Sharon Arnold
Marketing Director
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enjoy throughout the summer . It was hoped each time they had a tomato sandwich they would think about United Community Bank .
“ This is an opportunity to fellowship and spend time with our customers , thanking them for their business ,” said Tallent .
In May 2022 , the bank in Union County gave out 12,000 plants , plus 2,500 hot dogs fresh and hot off of the grill . Cold soft drinks and water were served . A quartet was entertaining at the table where attendees signed up for door prices . Kids had their face painted by a clown .
Adam Born , Pesident of the United Community Bamk located in Union County , Georgia , stated , “ Our Tomato Day is something that we look forward to each year . We are always grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers , but this one day is our day to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for our customers , and our community , who have trusted United to be their bank . It ’ s a great day of food , fellowship , and fun . The tomato plants provide a fun way for our customers to bring their families of all ages together to enjoy a meal , and United Community Bank is proud to be a part of their families .”
Sharon Arnold , Marketing Director in Union County has been doing this over two decades . “ I have been with the bank 22 years ,” said Sharon . “ This day is always so special to me . Today , when all these people
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Lots & lots of hotdogs in Union County
Photos / NormC
came out in the pouring rain , it made me smile . It makes me realize why we do it , for our customers .”
The event is so large it changes the traffic pattern on Hwy . 515 for hours . The work of the Union County Sheriff ’ s Office deputues keeps traffic moving smoothly ..
United Community Banks is the third-largest Georgia-based bank . Tallent has been with United since 1984 , where he expanded the bank from a single location in Union County to a four-state regional community bank .
Georgia Trend Magazine named Jimmy Tallent among its list of ‘ Notable Georgians ’ on many occasions . Tallent has been recognized by Georgia Trend on ‘ Georgia ' s Power List of 100 Most Influential Georgians ’ and other designations .
The contributions United Community Bank has made to the Union County community is immeasurable . The contributions to charitable causes has been done in both dollars and in employees volunteering tirelessly . The bank has employed thousands during the decades and provided the ability for businesses to begin and grow , for individuals and businesses to have accounts and obtain loans that improved their lives .
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