FirstBank, which has 17 banking branches throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, announced it is showcasing 18 local businesses in a new billboard campaign. The chosen businesses, spread out across the Phoenix metropolitan area, are committed to growing their operations here in the Valley. To help them succeed, FirstBank is sharing its billboard space for free to help their business “get big.”

FirstBank’s billboard campaign is the third in a series of announcements demonstrating its commitment to Arizona businesses. The bank recently announced it had passed the major milestone $1 billion in loan originations within the state, and also launched the FirstBank $20,000 Elevator Pitch Business Contest that is currently accepting nominations from any business in Arizona (details at http://shout.lt/bdjML).

“A lot of banks say they help businesses get big, but FirstBank is demonstrating our commitment to actually doing it,” said Bryce Lloyd, Phoenix Market President for FirstBank. “FirstBank has secured nine different billboards across the Phoenix metro area and is sharing our billboards with 18 growing local businesses over the next eight weeks.  While these businesses dream of big marketing campaigns including billboards, most simply can’t afford the expense so we hope that including them in our campaign at no cost will help get them noticed and grow in a big way.”

The billboards are placed so each business is near their billboard during the cycle. Two businesses will be highlighted at the nine billboard locations and will rotate after four weeks. The first nine businesses to be featured are:

Two businesses are featured in the Central Valley:

Three businesses are featured in the East Valley:

Four businesses are featured in the West Valley:

The second group of nine businesses that will be featured on the billboards will be announced publicly in the coming weeks.

“Small- and medium-sized businesses are the engine that drives Arizona’s economy,” added Lloyd. “As a community bank, this is one way to recognize the partnership these 18 and many other business owners have with FirstBank as we work together to grow their businesses and make Arizona a better place to live, work and do business.”

FirstBank opened its first location in Arizona in 2007 and has quickly expanded to 17 locations as highlighted by it having recently surpassed $1 billion in loan originations. All Arizona branches offer a full range of services, including the Anywhere Account, Free Business Checking, mortgages, home equity loans and commercial loans. The bank is the main sponsor of Arizona Give Day, a 24-hour online giving initiative aimed at increasing individual giving throughout the state.