As Arvest Bank strives every day to create the best experiences for our customers and associates, we are taking this opportunity to recognize the second anniversary of our Associate Impact Groups. These groups are designed to provide our associates an avenue to collectively share perspectives, ideas and solutions that enhance the associate and customer experience.
Launched in September 2020, our eight Associate Impact Groups are voluntary, associate-led and aligned with underrepresented demographics of associates and customers. In addition to taking part in business-impact initiatives, the groups also work to build cultural awareness within Arvest and strategically advocate for changes that support inclusive and equitable experiences for our customers.
More than 900 Arvest associates currently participate in at least one Associate Impact Group and total “memberships” stand at 1,170, with some associates belonging to more than one group.
“Providing such a hands-on program to our associates has been a huge driver of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” said Amy Gleason, Arvest’s diversity, equity and inclusion program manager. “The Associate Impact Groups have been our most consistent and reliable point of engagement with our associates and almost certainly contributed to Forbes magazine naming Arvest one of America’s ‘Best Employers for Diversity.’”
Perhaps the most visible example of the Associate Impact Groups’ work is Arvest’s series of diversity, equity and inclusion-themed debit cards. The cards acknowledge and honor underrepresented demographics of associates and customers, and more than 34,000 cards were ordered over a 14-month period that ended on July 31.
Other community-impact works include:
- Donation to Fayetteville, Ark.-based Crown of Hope, which provides wigs for African American and Latina women on their cancer journey, and sponsorship of its upcoming 5K
- Operation Care Package, which raised more than $11,000 and resulted in 112 packages sent to service members away from family and friends during the holidays
- Flag placement and removal in honor and remembrance of veterans at cemeteries throughout the Arvest footprint
- Winter coat drive in conjunction with Langston (Okla.) University and clothing drive benefiting Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Transition Closet in Fayetteville
- Donation to Camp Barnabas (Purdy, Mo.), which provides Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their families
Additionally, Arvest Associate Impact Groups hosted educational events in support of economic development among Native American-owned businesses and navigating cultural differences in business settings. Internal events and resources also were dedicated to teaching American Sign Language basics and better communicating with individuals on the Autism spectrum.
“These are just some examples of our intentional efforts to be inclusive,” Gleason said. “Our goal is to connect with all of our customers and the communities we serve.”
Learn more about Arvest’s workplace culture and employment opportunities at arvest.com/careers