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Socially Conscious Performance

Arrow Financial Corporation Environmental, Social and Governance Contributions

Corporate responsibility and sustainability play an important role in Arrow’s business, operating strategies and long term value creation for its stockholders, customers and team members. Arrow believes that environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are critical to attracting and retaining the best talent, meeting the evolving needs of its customers and being good stewards of its communities. Arrow is committed to conducting operations and activities in a manner that provides and maintains safe and healthful working conditions, protects the environment and conserves natural resources. It maintains practices so that its operations are managed and run in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Arrow recognizes the importance of ESG considerations and is firmly committed to conducting business in a responsible manner. Below are examples of these commitments.

Environmental

Arrow is dedicated to conserving natural resources and complying with environmental regulations. The steps it has taken to help promote environmentally responsible corporate citizenship include:

  • Provide and encourage digital banking options and paperless statements
  • Emissions reduction via remote work and video conferencing for large segments of employees
  • Interior and exterior LED lighting and energy-efficient plumbing in 40% of the branch network
  • The Glens Falls, N.Y. headquarters renovation of 76,000 square feet of office space consists of significant energy efficiency improvements including the above as well as, motion-activated lighting for offices; significant improvements to exterior wall and roof insulation; new HVAC systems with higher efficiency, meeting modern fresh-air and ventilation requirements; energy-efficient windows and entry doors; low-VOC materials; a separate tie-in to the city storm water and sewer system to bypass the municipal treatment of rainwater collected off the building; and a portion of the roof will include green plantings

Social

Arrow is proud of its many contributions to its employees, customers and communities, which include meeting financial needs of the low- to moderate-income population, providing professional development and holistic support of its Team and giving back to its communities in dollars and volunteer hours. Arrow is working on many ways to demonstrate the value of differences, particularly around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). The steps it has taken to help promote socially responsible corporate citizenship include:

  • Longstanding dedication to diversity on Arrow’s Board of Directors, exceeding Nasdaq requirements
  • Professional development, wellness and mental health services available to employees through the HR Department
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contracted services available to employees
  • Ongoing outreach to measure employee engagement
  • Two years of special COVID-19 pandemic bonuses for all employees
  • Annually, significant time, dollars and expertise are donated to community organizations, with an emphasis on affordable homeownership, economic empowerment, health and human services and social progress
  • Annual engagement with a third-party to assess diversity within its employee base and support for the setting and tracking of affirmative action goals to encourage the advancement of minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities
  • New mission, vision and culture statements with a value that references ESG
  • Incorporation of inclusion and belonging into HR policies, practices and programs
  • Upcoming DEIB educational series for the Arrow Team and a related stakeholder group to guide further initiatives
  • Extensive COVID-19 pandemic-related support to customers in need, including loan deferrals and over 2,400 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
  • Lending program to facilitate first-time home ownership
  • Bank On-certification for Smart Steps checking with no overdraft fees to serve the underbanked
  • Partnership with organizations to meet the financials needs of the low- to moderate-income population

Governance

Arrow believes that strong corporate governance is the foundation to delivering on its commitments to its stakeholders. Arrow adheres to a comprehensive governance program.

  • Strong cybersecurity protections and training for the Arrow Team
  • Separate CEO and Chairman roles
  • Majority “Independent” Directors
  • Strong Board of Directors risk oversight
  • Diverse Board of Directors membership
  • Strong compensation policies
  • Benchmarking and third-party review of compensation decisions

FAQs

Additional details can be found in Arrow Financial Corporation’s shareholder communications and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.