This week's business news includes Bank of America grants, WT day, Blizzard flavor

Bank of America contributes more than $420,000 in Amarillo during year of 2023

As part of its dedication to support growth within the community, Bank of America contributed a total of $423,229 to local nonprofit organizations across Amarillo in 2023. According to a news release, these philanthropic grants, sponsorships, employee contributions and company-matched donations supported economic mobility and addressed education, food supply and workforce disparities in the region.

Among several other nonprofit groups impacted by these donations, Family Support Services received a grant and leadership training as part of the Neighborhood Champion program for their work to increase access to adequate education and advance economic mobility by equipping underserved communities and individuals with the support and resources necessary to achieve healthy lifestyles.

“Many of our teammates grew up in the Amarillo area and have worked together for more than 25 years. At Bank of America, we are proud of the increasing level of financial and volunteer support we have been able to provide our hometown, always aligning to the evolving needs of our neighbors,” said Ashley Allen, president of Bank of America Amarillo in the release.

Organizations that received grants in 2023 include Amarillo Area CASA, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity, Amarillo Wesley Community Center, Downtown Women's Center, Faith City Inc., Family Support Services of Amarillo, High Plains Food Bank, Heal the City Free Clinic, Snack Pak 4 Kids, The Maverick Boys and Girls Club of Amarillo and The United Way of Amarillo.

Amarillo-area bank employees also donated furniture to Heal the City Free Clinic and Amarillo Area Foundation as well as their time, logging more than 1,238 volunteer hours over the course of the year.

"Bank of America’s efforts throughout 2023 speak to its dedication to our community and its commitment to service. The generous donations and acts of community service support individuals and organizations within our community create opportunities and expand resources to residents in need," the release states.

New employment perk for WT staff will benefit region

CANYON — A new benefit for West Texas A&M University (WT) staff members will offer employees the chance to make an impact on their community. According to a Jan. 2 memo from WT President Walter V. Wendler, all full-time, non-faculty staff members will be allowed eight hours a year for a service day off, WT announced this week.

Staff may volunteer for nonprofit organizations or for community relief efforts in the region. The leave, with approval from the employee’s direct supervisor, can be taken as one eight-hour day or in two four-hour increments. The new benefit was suggested by the WT Staff Council.

“This benefit will be a great opportunity for WT employees to engage in regional community service projects,” Wendler said in the memo. “I commend the Staff Council for their continual efforts to provide staff development and service recognition opportunities.”

“We encourage all staff members to take advantage of this benefit,” said Steven Knadle, assistant registrar and Staff Council president. “WT is one of the largest employers in Amarillo and Canyon, so allowing our staff to take a day off to give back to their community could make a meaningful impact. I have already received several emails from staff members praising this benefit.”

DQ's featured Blizzard of the Month is Caramel Fudge Cheesecake

BEDFORD, Texas – A delicious new Blizzard Treat is the perfect way to kick off the new year. The Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat will be in DQ restaurants in Texas in January; a news release says that for a limited time, fans can enjoy creamy cheesecake pieces and fudge-covered salty caramel pieces blended with its world-famous soft serve.

Perfect for dine-in, take-out or delivery where available, the Caramel Cheesecake Blizzard Treat is only available through the end of January while supplies last at DQ restaurants in Texas.

Fans can order all their favorite Treats and Eats through the DQ Texas mobile app. Sign up for the “Best Treats & Eats in Texas,” learn about great deals and earn rewards. New users receive a free Blizzard Treat (any size) or a Hungr-Buster just for signing up.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories, the release states. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for Jan. 7, 2024