by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Over the course of the fall, Fifth Third Bank once again hit the road and went on tour. But it’s not the type of tour one would normally associate with traveling in 40-foot decorated bus traveling large segments of the country.
There were no sold-out venues, no screaming fans or encore performances. Instead, there were parking lots, community centers and colleges where banking officials and associates provided assistance to people searching for answers on finances regarding homebuying.
“It’s just part of our commitment to financial wellness,” said Nathaniel Herring, Fifth Third Bank Jacksonville city president. “Part of our mission is to connect with the communities that we are a part of and this tour helps do that.”
The five-day, four-location tour included stops at Beaver Street Enterprises, Urban League of Jacksonville, Fifth Third Bank Center on 103rd Street and Northwest Jacksonville CDC (community development corporation), where officials helped people receive credit reports and go through credit repair guidance if necessary. They also provided education on starting checking and savings accounts, mortgages and gave general advice on how to get on the fiscal road to home ownership.
“We get them started on the path,” said Ed Gaston, vice president of Wealth Watchers Inc., which assisted in credit education during the tour’s Jacksonville leg. “Finding out the truth (about homeownership) isn’t hard ... it’s just a matter of when for most people.”
With the economy and high foreclosure rate affecting so many people within the Jacksonville community, Herring said educational outreach opportunities like the E-bus coming to Jacksonville can make a difference. Using a means such as the visually dynamic bus to help educate — instead of the inside of a bank building — helps people become more comfortable with their surroundings, he added, while dealing with the financial issues.
From the outside,the E-Bus looks like a decorated transit provider but the inside has been retrofitted with computer and counseling stations, along with Internet service, to help answer questions.
It was the third time the service stopped in Jacksonville, the second this year, with attendance numbers steady during the midmorning to early afternoon sessions, said Joyce Odongo, Fifth Third Bank community affairs manager.
Odongo took part in each of the events, which were advertised through community fliers, e-mails and radio advertisements as well as a strong word-of-mouth presence.
“For me, it’s a great opportunity because I’m a community organizer by heart,” said Odongo. “Especially in these economic times, things like this can really help people.”
With a vehicle as large and decorated as the E-bus, it did attract a few curious parties, said Herring, but while everyone who inquired didn’t always take advantage of the service, those who walked away did leave with something.
“They might not need it now,” said Herring, “but when they do, it’ll click in their mind and they’ll remember we’re here to help.”
Following the Jacksonville stop, the trip will continue on to South Florida.
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