PIGEON FORGE, TN – During this year’s “Friends Across the Mountains Telethon,” SmartBank presented a $15,000 check to Friends of the Smokies to support its annual fundraising effort for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Since 2010, SmartBank has donated nearly $100,000 to this non-profit.

Billy Carroll, SmartBank; GSMNP Superintendent, Cassius Cash; Bill Carroll, SmartBank - Image courtesy of SmartBank

“We take great pleasure in partnering with Friends of the Smokies and other local organizations that work tirelessly to encourage environmental awareness so that we may enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of our Smoky Mountains,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank President and CEO. “We are excited to contribute toward the Friends of the Smokies’ 25th Anniversary Signature Project: a capital campaign to upgrade the park’s emergency radio communications system.”

Since 2010, SmartBank has donated to Friends of the Smokies and other local organizations, such as the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and the Great Smoky Mountains Association, whose missions align with SmartBank’s own mission of protecting community assets.

“Our Park Partners Program is very meaningful to us,” said Kelley Fowler, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations Officer for SmartBank. “It is an honor to partner with these organizations in an effort to preserve these beautiful mountains in our backyard. This is our home and we look forward to seeing it continue to thrive.”

“We are grateful to SmartBank for continuing to demonstrate their great love for the Smokies,” said Jim Hart, President of Friends of the Smokies. “Their contribution will help us propel our mission forward and continue to preserve and protect the Smokies for generations to come.”

About Friends of the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization which assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and awareness and providing volunteers for needed projects. For more information visit www.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.

About SmartBank
SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank founded in 2007, with 25 branches and four loan production offices spanning Tennessee, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank’s success. More information about SmartBank can be found on its website at www.smartbank.com.