Grand opening ceremonies are set for Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. for Northwest Georgia Bank’s newest branch at Two North Shore on Manufacturer’s Road. It is the 104-year-old community bank’s 10th branch and the first LEED-certified or “green” bank building in Tennessee, according to officials at the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED™ is the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system used to identify and measure high performance, environmentally-responsible buildings.

"With the eco-commitment gaining a lot of steam already in Chattanooga, naturally we wanted to join our friends and neighbors in doing our part. When we decided to build our North Shore branch LEED-certified, we had no idea that it would draw so much attention; we just knew it was smart business and the right thing to do for the neighborhood," said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer.

"More than a year after that decision, it's now evident that there is a real environmental effort going on, and not just here in Chattanooga, but all over the U.S.," he said. "We think it's a real trend with positive, sustainable impact, and one we're happy to support. The Two North Shore Branch will demonstrate Northwest Georgia Bank's commitment to the community and the environment.”

Some LEED features of the North Shore branch:

Alternative transportation, including public transportation access, bicycle racks and storage, along with a shower and changing room;
Water efficiency, including water-efficient landscaping and plumbing;
Materials and resources management, including using recycled building materials and regional materials requiring less fuel emissions to deliver, as well as recycling 50-75 percent of construction waste;
Indoor environmental air quality, including using low-emitting VOC materials (like adhesives, carpet, paint) that contribute to good indoor air quality and an architectural design that uses lots of light.

"Chattanooga has earned a worldwide reputation as a city concerned about its environment, and it seems only fitting that we do our part to help sustain this image," said Wes Smith, chairman and chief executive officer.

"And this is more than a token step. Our Northwest Georgia Bank Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Lookout Mountain Conservancy, a regional land trust focusing on conservation efforts on Lookout Mountain. We are proud to be a part of that environmental effort, as well," he said. "Whether it’s being green or other civic efforts, you will find Northwest Georgia Bank expressing a genuine devotion to the communities we serve."

At about 6,500 square feet, the new branch will offer full-service banking, investments by Raymond James Financial, mortgage services, Internet access, and free gourmet coffee. Opening with a staff of 11, it is the fourth of several new branches planned for the Chattanooga area, including sites on Hwy. 58 and East Brainerd Road.