Bankers embrace opportunities to shine for clients

Community banks across the region, many with stronger-than-ever balance sheets, were looking forward to a robust 2020 — before the coronavirus pandemic.

Bankers have instead shifted to a survival mindset in working with clients, many of whom will struggle to make mortgage or loan payments in coming months. “This is the time when relationship-banking reveals itself,” says Bill West, president and CEO of the Bank of Tampa, which had $1.87 billion in assets through Dec. 31. “In the good times you can get anything from anybody, but it’s times like these when you get to see what your bank is made of.”