(Atlantic) First Whitney Bank & Trust has led donation efforts for Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, donating a substantial $2.5 million towards efforts to bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic.
“We are so grateful to First Whitney Bank & Trust’s incredible support of this project. They stepped up before we knew if this project could happen, and their remarkable donation got this project out of the “idea” stage and into reality. We’re blessed to have them in our community and look forward to seeing their gift being felt for generations to come,” Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President, stated.
First Whitney Bank & Trust has supported the project since its beginning and was among the first individuals to pledge monetary support.
“This project changes the conversation on the future of Atlantic from surviving to thriving. Whitney Bank has been a leader in community development, and we see our community’s needs first-hand. We jumped at the chance to be a big part of this life-changing project. I hope that we can make Atlantic the jewel of Western Iowa for generations to come,” Paul Gude, President and CEO of First Whitney Bank, stated.
Through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, Vision Atlantic identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, housing, and quality-of-life amenities. Bid letting for land infrastructure will begin late this summer, with construction of all three projects slated to begin in late spring 2025.
With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $16.4 million has been raised over 50% of a $30 million goal in the past six months. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $14 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, don’t hesitate to contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates.
Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.
