Our nation continues to witness unjustified human loss. Incidents of racial injustice and hatred have compounded the disproportionate impact and economic hardship endured by our communities of color and remind us that there is still much work to be done.
As the CEO of Financial Institutions, Inc. and Five Star Bank, I am committed to doing all we can to support progress towards a stronger tomorrow. A tomorrow that allows us to truly remove barriers, discrimination and intolerance and create a space where employees and customers feel included and supported. We pledge to support our people and foster a company culture that deeply values and respects diversity and inclusion. This not only means standing against racism, but understanding, accepting and valuing all individuals.
To help guide our team, a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council has been established. This Council will bring together associates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to assess our cultural climate and recommend strategies to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Areas of focus include:
- Identifying strategies to meet current and future workforce needs
- Providing employee learning opportunities that encourage positive behaviors
- Establishing channels for employee discussions on equity and inclusion
- Supporting our corporate duty to provide fair and responsible financial solutions
This must be a sustained effort and our leadership team understands the importance of fostering a more inclusive and diverse organization. Part of our journey is listening to the experiences of others and having an honest and open dialogue. We must all work together to take care of each other and build a fair and equitable society.
Together. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
Sincerely,
Martin K. Birmingham
President and Chief Executive Officer
