BB&T celebrates success of first year
By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter
Despite all the fanfare that went on at BB&T’s parking lot last Thursday, Madison Market Leader and Assistant Vice President Kristen Strickland has a hard time believing it’s been 12 months since the branch at the intersection of Highway 72 and Balch Road opened its doors.
“It’s very gratifying to look back and see all that’s gone on in the first year,” Strickland said. “From growing pains of construction and opening to celebrating milestones, it doesn’t seem like it’s been a year. It just seems like it’s been a few months. “
The location hosted a casino night on June 19 that featured raffle prizes and sign-up specials. The games kicked off around 5:30 p.m. and concluded at 7 for the drawing of raffle prizes.
“It was wonderful to have our variety of clients engage with other business owners that typically don’t come to Chamber [of Commerce] events,” she said. “As bank employees, it was wonderful to see our clients and members of the community having such a great time together.” Huntsville’s Party Pros provided the tables and dealers at the event. There were four tables set up, with craps and blackjack among the games available for participants, paving the way for a special opportunity for prospective clients who attended the celebration.
“Several years ago, BB&T chose to invest heavily in this end of Madison with branch expansion,” said Drew Shambarger, the Market President for the Greater Huntsville/Madison area. “We chose Madison, even when compared with all of the other growth markets in the US. Kristen and her team have done an amazing job and we are thrilled with the reception we have received from the Madison community. Madison is a great fit for our community oriented banking culture.”
Raffle prizes included a stay for two at the Westin Hotel at Bridge Street, gift cards for Whistle Stop Sweet Shop, Lilly Pond Art Studio, and Hobbs Jewelers. Strickland said it was a nice conclusion to the evening’s festivities.
“Everybody congratulated us on a successful first year and thanked us for having them out, and it was just a really nice time to celebrate with our clients,” she said.