Learning tree.

• Author: Mildenberg, David
• Position: NC TREND: Triad Region

BB&T, which prides itself on loyalty and common purpose, is stepping up its game with a plush leadership training site near Piedmont Triad International Airport. It's a pet project of CEO Kelly King, who has worked at the Winston-Salem-based bank for 45 years.

BB&T got into the leadership consulting business in 1994 when it bought Farr Associates, a High Point-based company run by psychologist Jim Farr. He had started the business after co-founding the Center for Creative Leadership, a much bigger Greensboro-based training nonprofit. Farr, who died in 2000, developed strong ties with former BB&T CEO John Allison and King, who have long stressed the importance of teaching core philosophies to the bank's managers.

While the renamed BB&T Leadership Institute has had its own office in High Point, the new site is a game changer, says Will Sutton, who runs the 25-employee center. BB&T is investing $34 million in the 58,000-square-foot property, which will have 48 overnight guest rooms for clients who typically spend $7,000 to attend the main, five-day training program. The new center is scheduled to open in early 2018.

About 30% of clients are companies, mostly bank customers, that want more skilled leaders, Sutton says...