University Communications
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
Release date: Oct. 6, 1999
Contact: Elaine Justice, Assistant Director, 404-727-0643, or ejustic@emory.edu
CEO OF 'BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR IN AMERICA' TO GIVE BUSINESS ETHICS LECTURE AT EMORY
WHO: James H. Blanchard, CEO of Synovus Financial Corporation, will speak on "Tending the Heart of a Business." He will reflect on his experiences in the business realm and the formative influences shaping his values and ethics as a leader.
WHAT: The Center for Ethics in Public Policy and the Professions, Emory University.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21, 1999
WHERE: Room 130, Goizueta Business School, 1300 Clifton Road, Emory University.
COST: Free and open to the public. For information, call 404-727-3064, or go to www.emory.edu/ETHICS.
Synovus Financial Corporation CEO James Blanchard has managed to develop a multi-billion dollar business that's also been called "The Best Company to Work for in America" by Fortune magazine. Guided by a philosophy known as a "culture of the heart," Synovus under Blanchard has practiced a different approach to the financial services industry.
"We are dedicated to hiring the best people and providing them an atmosphere of teamwork, education, growth and opportunities," says the company's web site. "By ensuring that team members know they are loved and cared for and that someone is determined to see that they grow, develop and achieve all of their potential, we are setting the stage for unlimited possibilities for success."
Blanchard began his career as a lawyer, but at 29 was hand-picked to
assume leadership of Columbus Bank and Trust Company in Columbus, Ga., which
later became Synovus, one of the largest financial services companies headquartered
in Georgia. In his talk at Emory, he will reflect on his experiences in
business and the formative influences shaping his values and ethics as a
leader. On Friday, Oct. 22, Blanchard will be the guest of honor at a business
leaders' breakfast sponsored by The Southern Institute for Ethics in Business
and the Professions at Atlanta's Capital City Club.