South State : Bank pledges $25,000 to the Greenwood Promise

(GREENWOOD, SC - September 12, 2016) South State Bank has committed $25,000 to the Greenwood Promise, an educational initiative aimed at increasing the economic growth of Greenwood County by promoting postsecondary education.

'We are excited to partner with the Greenwood Promise on this much needed program,' said Rhett Baker, Greenwood market executive for South State Bank. 'The Greenwood Promise is such a vital part of the community. Its focus on education will improve the lives of our local citizens and create an economic impact to help make Greenwood an even better place to live.'

The Greenwood Promise helps foster a local skilled and educated workforce by promising all eligible Greenwood County high school graduates tuition assistance. The initial phase of the program, which is set to launch with the Spring 2017 high school graduating class, will guarantee the opportunity for graduates to receive an associate's degree or certificate.

The Greenwood Promise leadership believes this will be a catalyst to positively change the culture of education; attract corporate decision-makers, their families and their employees; while also providing a pipeline of the highly skilled, well-educated workers necessary to fill jobs for existing industry and relocating companies.

'South State Bank's generous contribution to The Greenwood Promise is a reflection of their commitment to education and the Greenwood community,' said Campaign Chair and Self Regional Healthcare President and CEO Jim Pfeiffer. 'Their gift will have an immediate impact and help pave the way for young graduates to further their education and become a vital part of our community.'

Pictured Above: South State Bank Senior Vice President and Community Development Officer Nathaniel A. Barber; The Greenwood Promise Campaign Cabinet Member and Wesley Commons CEO David Buckshorn; The Greenwood Promise Steering Committee Chairman Ron Millender; and South State Bank Senior Vice President and Market President Rhett M. Baker.

South State Corporation is the largest bank holding company headquartered in South Carolina. Founded in 1933, the company's primary subsidiary, South State Bank, has been serving the financial needs of its local communities in 24 South Carolina counties, 13 Georgia counties and 4 North Carolina counties for over 80 years. The bank also operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401K Fiduciaries, Inc., both registered investment advisors; and First Southeast Investor Services, Inc., a limited purpose broker-dealer. South State Corporation has assets of approximately $8.7 billion and its stock is traded under the symbol SSB on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. More information can be found atwww.SouthStateBank.com.