Community First Bank & HFG Trust Announces New Scholarship Fund

Local community bank and trust company Community First Bank & HFG Trust is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for students who are pursuing higher education.

Beginning in 2022, the Richard C. Emery Business and Finance Scholarship Fund will award scholarships in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per year to students on track to receive a four-year degree in the areas of business, accounting, finance, economics, or a related field.

This scholarship fund was formed to honor the legacy of the late Richard C. Emery, former President and CEO of Community First Bank. Under Emery’s leadership, Community First Bank established and strengthened relationships with local businesses, poising itself for future growth that would eventually lead to the opening of three new branches: Connell (2004), Richland (2006), and Pasco (2008).

“Rich is a legend in Washington State community banking. He had a tremendous impact on a number of financial institutions and is directly responsible for setting the foundation on which Community First Bank & HFG Trust has been built. Perhaps Rich’s most lasting impact is the one he had on those who worked with him. He mentored countless young bankers in his efforts to build a team that would go on to serve future generations—that is why this scholarship is so appropriate. This scholarship will allow for Rich’s legacy to continue to impact the careers and lives of young businesspersons for generations to come,” said Eric Pearson, CEO, Community First Bank.

Higher education has the power to transform lives, and with this new scholarship fund, the Emery family and Community First Bank & HFG Trust aim to reduce financial barriers and open opportunities to students working toward a post-graduation career in the financial services industry.

“The Emery family is honored that Community First Bank and HFG Trust is creating this scholarship in memory of Richard Emery. Rich would be so grateful to know that this scholarship will help future students achieve their collegiate goals,” said Kathy Emery, Richard’s wife. “As a family, we are incredibly thankful to have him remembered this way.”

In its inaugural year, Community First Bank & HFG Trust will be endowing the fund with a minimum of $5,000—a contribution that will evolve and continue annually as the fund grows. Along with Community First Bank & HFG Trust, the Emery family welcomes all those who wish to make a contribution in Richard’s memory, and, together with the 3 Rivers Community Foundation, have made online contributions available through their Make a Donation link at www.3cf.org.

To be eligible, students must be residents of Benton or Franklin County and currently enrolled as a full-time high school senior or returning college student. Official scholarship rules to be released January 2022.