Ovation Award 2015
Ovation Award 2015

Planters Bank is the honored recipient of the 2015 Ovation Award in the business category. The award is presented by the Austin Peay State University Acuff Circle of Excellence in recognition of outstanding contributions in the arts to the Clarksville-Montgomery County community.

Since its entry into the Clarksville market in 2002, Planters Bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to both visual and performing arts. Each of the bank’s offices proudly displays works purchased from a number of local artists, including painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, and woodwork. The bank sponsors events, purchases art, and donates outright to the arts, including the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Downtown Artists CO-OP, Roxy Regional Theatre, Arts & Heritage Development Council, Frolic on Franklin: A Celebration of the Arts, Rivers & Spires, Riverfest, Cumberland Winds, Gateway Chamber Orchestra, and various secondary school art programs.

Beyond its extensive financial support, the bank also encourages employees to become engaged in supporting local arts organizations. Employees serve on the boards for the Roxy and Customs House, while others volunteer with Frolic on Franklin, Rivers & Spires, and at the Roxy.

The bank’s Hilldale branch purchased a gallery display system and opened exhibit space in 2012. “First Thursday” monthly exhibits complement the established “First Thursday Artwalk” in historic downtown Clarksville. To date, more than 50 artists and two school art clubs have exhibited work, and pieces have been purchased by the public nearly every month. 

Because it is a local business itself, Planters Bank’s philosophy is to whole-heartedly support local businesses and the communities it serves. The arts and artists are meaningful components of any healthy community. Supporting the individuals, the organizations, the events, and the facilities that offer that vital community role have been, and always will be, a priority for Planters Bank.