Dawgs in Business – The 2021 Arch Awards

UGA Athletes Honored For Post Collegiate Business Success

With The Arch Award Presented by Piedmont Bank

The University of Georgia Athletic Association and Piedmont Bank are joining forces as part of an innovative,  multi-year partnership to spotlight and celebrate former student-athletes for their success and contributions as business leaders.

The inaugural honorees of Piedmont Bank’s Arch Award will be announced during the fall as part of an integrated series of content, interviews, and unique access events. This award, the first of its kind, focuses on the honorees’ stories and lessons learned in their time at UGA, on and off the field, and how they have applied them to succeed as leaders in business.

“The same drive and dedication required to be a successful athlete and team player is exactly what’s needed to be a business leader and entrepreneur,” said Monty Watson, Chairman and CEO, Piedmont Bank. “As a bank dedicated to opening doors and opportunities for local businesses, we couldn’t be more excited to join UGAAA in recognizing former athletes leading by example in the business world.”

The initial four honorees will be recognized as part of a special event on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium during the Bulldogs’ game against Missouri on Nov. 6. The partnership includes collaborative events with student-athletes featuring honorees and Piedmont Bank executives sharing their personal experience and advice for business success after college athletics. 

“We are so proud of the rich tradition of Georgia athletics in competition and beyond. Many of our former student-athletes have made a significant impact in their professional careers and we are thrilled that we will be able to recognize them in this very special way,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “Piedmont Bank is a tremendous partner of Georgia athletics and we are grateful for their partnership in this important initiative.”

Every year, Georgia student-athletes graduate and begin their professional careers in a variety of fields. They pursue their athletic and academic goals as Bulldogs and apply that same energy and enthusiasm to building a successful career. The Arch Award enables these stories to be shared with the UGA community to showcase the off-the-field achievements that make UGA unique. 

“As the collegiate world changes, it’s more important than ever for today’s athletes to learn from those who’ve successfully transitioned from the field of play to business and entrepreneurship,” Watson said. “We’re elated to sponsor the Arch Award and help shine a spotlight on past athletes who are driven to become equally successful business leaders.”

Piedmont Bancorp, Inc. is a $1.6 billion asset bank holding company headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Ga. Through its subsidiary, The Piedmont Bank, the company operates 13 offices in the Atlanta area and North Georgia dedicated to exceptional service and innovative products for both business and personal banking. Piedmont Bank is proud to have Mountain Valley Community Bank and Westside Bank as part of their community bank family. For more information, visit www.piedmont.bank.

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Piedmont Bank

Tony Carter

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