Taking Care of Our Communities

In true South Atlantic spirit, our very own John Rowe III doesn’t stop serving the needs of his neighbors in the Grand Strand when he leaves the office each day.

Having grown up in this area himself, Rowe feels tied to his community in more ways than one. He enjoys volunteering his time and energy to local charity groups.

Rowe noticed right away that his philanthropic desire resonated with coworkers at the bank. 

“That’s one extraordinary thing about South Atlantic Bank. I don’t know how to articulate it,” Rowe explained, “helping out is woven in our DNA. From the CEO and president of our bank to executive leaders in the company to human resources, everybody is passionate about our community. Many of us have grown up here; we go to church here, our kids go to school here, and we raise our families here. There is a sense of loyalty and a commitment to give back to our community,” Rowe expressed.

One role Rowe holds dear is with the United Way of Horry County. He initially volunteered at the Day of Caring event about 12 years ago. He connected with leaders of the organization and joined the campaign committee, which raises money from the public, investors, and donors to fund all of their missions. That year, he made great efforts to help the group reach their fundraising goal of one million dollars and surpassed it by nearly half a million dollars.

“It was a team effort, but being a part of that is still one of my proudest accomplishments because every bit of that money went right back to the community.That $1.4 million stayed right here in my hometown and supported those in need, and that was a big milestone for me.”

Rowe has served many different roles within United Way. After a year of working on the campaign committee, he graciously accepted the opportunity to serve on the board. He worked as campaign chairman, vice chair of the board and is currently serving his second year as chairman of the board.

As a board member, Rowe is responsible for general oversight of the organization and interacting with the nonprofit agencies throughout Horry County to examine their financials, staffing, structure, and mission to ensure all agencies are appropriately supported.

“We help raise money for a variety of different purposes, and we are also a contact point for folks that are in need. They can call us and get to the right agency based on their needs. I see United Way as a quarterback in the community—we can do a lot of different things, and get you where you need to be and help with the funding,” Rowe explained. 

Rowe’s work with United Way has even connected him with coworkers who volunteer with other organizations, like Mary Jo Rogers of New Directions.

“That group is changing the outlook of people’s lives. They provide the necessary resources for our unhoused community to get ahead in life and break the cycle that they’re currently in. The United Way’s funding helps that mission, which makes me so passionate. I love it.”

Additionally, Rowe serves on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Murrells Inlet Rotary Club.

Of all the work he does, one of his favorite ways to give back to the community is with his team at South Atlantic Bank. 

“We get a group of 25 to 50 volunteers, and we go to these local agencies to take care of whatever they need us to do. It’s rewarding to do that, and it’s a team-building experience for my fellow coworkers and me to get out of the office and see all that we can accomplish in just one day together. I think South Atlantic Bank contributes in every way that it can.”

Click here if you would like to learn more or get involved with the United Way of Horry County.

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