March 19, 2008
For immediate release
New Incentive Announced for
Columbus? Public Safety Employees
NeighborWorks Columbus announced a financial incentive program for Columbus
Public Safety employees today, March 19, 2008.
NeighborWorks Columbus (NWC), in partnership with CB&T, teamed up to create the
NeighborWorks Public Safety IDA (Individual Development Account) Program. This
program is a matching incentive that allows public safety employees ? who are
first time home buyers ? to receive a 3-to-1 match on their savings. The
NeighborWorks Public Safety IDA matches the savings with $3 for every $1 the
employee saves (up to a maximum match of $1,500). This money can be used
towards a down payment or closing costs. Program Director Melanie Faison said
the NeighborWorks Public Safety IDA will ?prove to be a great financial
incentive for the dedicated men and women who serve in Columbus? Public Safety
departments.?
CB&T is the corporate partner in this program, providing the funding for the
matching grants. Mayor Jim Wetherington thanked the banking system for their
generosity, ?We are tremendously grateful for NeighborWorks Columbus for
setting up this program and even more so to CB&T for their generosity in
funding it. CB&T is a superb example of the wonderful corporate support we
receive in this community.?
The response from Public Safety officials was enthusiastic with many of the
department heads agreeing that it will serve as a great incentive and
recruiting tool for the five departments of Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS,
Sheriff, Marshall and Muscogee Prisons.)
A series of Lunch and Learns will be presented at all the Public Safety
Department locations to inform employees about the program.
# # #
For more information about the NeighborWorks Public Safety IDA, please call
Program Director Melanie Faison at 706-324-HOME (4663).
For media information, please call Marquette McKnight at 706-660-9702(o) or
706-570-3705(c).
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