‘Green’ Investing Remains Priority Despite Economic Conditions, According to SunTrust Survey of Wealthy Business Owners

ATLANTA, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Even while citing a down
economy and concerns about the earth’s ecosystem, business owners continue to
be optimistic about giving to environmental causes, according to a survey
released today by SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management. The study surveyed
more than 200 business owners with at least $10 million in annual revenue
about their outlook on “green” giving and investing.

Sixty-nine percent of business owners claimed, “Even if there is an
economic downturn that moderately affects my business, I plan to maintain my
current level of giving to environmental causes in the coming year.”

Balancing sentiments about the nation’s economy and the health of the
planet, most survey respondents believe it is a “good” or “average” time to
invest in mutual funds or other financial instruments that are specifically
marketed as “green” or environmentally responsible. In addition, forty percent
of respondents believe it is a “good time” for all businesses to adhere to the
highest possible environmental standards.

“The survey shows that business owners recognize that environmental
stewardship can have genuine bottom-line results,” says Dave Johnston, Senior
Vice President, SunTrust Private Wealth Management. “Through our Business
Owner Specialty Group, we see that business owners want to give back to the
community while also supporting strategic, ‘green’ investing.”

In addition, business owners feel confident about investing in
environmental funds. Fifty-nine percent believe that a “green” investment
would generate a rate of return similar to any other fund.

An Environment Ripe for Change

Certainly a motivating factor in “green” investing is business owners’
belief that the earth’s environment is slowly deteriorating (45 percent). When
assessing the larger world around us, nearly half characterized the health of
the earth’s environment as “fair” (47%), with 30 percent citing it as “good,”
18 percent as “poor” and five percent as “excellent.”

“In the surveys we have conducted over the past year, we have found
business owners give altruistically and abundantly,” added Johnston. “This
survey indicates that business owners consider it a priority to take action
based on their personal concerns about changes in the world around them.”

Pollution and energy policy topped the list of concerns that prompted
business owners to invest in environmental funds and causes. Other influencers
included a personal desire to make positive changes in the world, and past
performance of a particular investment fund.

Personal and Professional Investment in the Cause

There were some caveats: Eighty-eight percent of business owners surveyed
lend financial support only to environmental organizations they have
researched thoroughly. And 72 percent give only to environmental organizations
that are “well established.”

And, as a whole, while attitudes and preferences toward green investing
remain strong, most business owners had neither invested personal money nor
business money in mutual funds or financial instruments marketed as “green” or
environmentally responsible. Only 31 percent had invested personally this way.
Only 28 percent had allocated business funds to these investments.

However, nearly half said their company had an official “green” policy
that included recycling, energy saving plans and other measures. And, nearly
half of the business owners donated personal money to organizations devoted to
helping the environment, such as the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, the
Wilderness Society or some other such organization.

“Business owners believe in the integrity and prosperity that can come
from green investing,” said Johnston. “As they balance personal concerns and
economic needs, they continue to see eco investing and ‘green’ workplace
policies as viable and appealing.”

Methodology

GfK Roper Public Affairs conducted an online survey for SunTrust Bank
Private Wealth Management to better understand the key issues and concerns
among high net worth business owners. In total, 202 business owners with $10
million or more in revenue were surveyed. All interviews were
self-administered using GfK’s proprietary web-based platform. Respondents were
drawn from GfK’s online panel. The random sample was conducted in November
2008.

The Bank’s Commercial and Private Wealth Management lines of business have
formed a strategic partnership, through the Business Owner Specialty Group, to
address the unique business and personal financial complexities faced by this
high net worth population.

About SunTrust

SunTrust Banks, Inc., (NYSE: STI) headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the
nation’s largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer,
commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of September 30, 2008,
SunTrust had total assets of $174.8 billion and total deposits of $115.9
billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout
the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of
technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves
customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include
deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries
the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment
management, equipment leasing and capital markets services. SunTrust’s
Internet address is http://www.suntrust.com .

About GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media

GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media is a division of GfK Custom Research
North America. The division specializes in customized public opinion polling,
media & communications research, and corporate reputation measurement — in
the US and globally. In addition to delivering a broad range of customized
research studies, GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media draws from GfK’s syndicated
consumer tracking services, GfK Roper Reports(R) US and GfK Roper Reports(R)
Worldwide, which monitor consumer values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors in
the US and more than 25 other countries.

    Securities and Insurance            Are not FDIC or any other
    Products and Services               Government Agency Insured

    Are Not Bank Guaranteed             May Lose Value

SunTrust Private Wealth Management Business Owner Specialty Group is a
marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc. and the following affiliates:
Banking and trust products and services are provided by SunTrust Bank.
Securities, insurance (including annuities and certain life insurance
products) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust
Investment Services, Inc., a SEC registered broker/dealer and a member of the
FINRA and SIPC. Other insurance products and services are offered by SunTrust
Insurance Services, Inc., a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory
products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. and
GenSpring Family Offices, LLC (f/k/a Asset Management Advisors, L.L.C.),
investment advisers registered with the SEC. Mr. Johnston is not affiliated
with SunTrust Investment Services, Inc.

SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.