The following guest editorial was submitted by Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.
In the wake of hurricanes in recent years that have devastated our island communities, the path to recovery has been challenging. Homes were destroyed, businesses closed and the very foundation of our islands was shaken. Yet, one thing has remained constant – our island’s resilience. At the heart of this resilience is the unwavering commitment of community banks, which exist to serve local individuals, businesses and nonprofits – helping them navigate hardships with stability and dedication.
Community banks are more than just financial institutions; they are the lifeline of economic recovery and growth. Unlike larger banks that send deposits to distant corporate headquarters or prioritize profits over people, community banks, like SanCap Bank, reinvest nearly every dollar deposited back into the local economy. Over the past decade, our bank has maintained an average loan-to-deposit ratio of 92%, ensuring that the money entrusted to us actively supports homeowners and small businesses, supporting local economic stability.
Since the hurricanes, we have provided over $188 million to island businesses struggling to reopen their doors, facilitated loans to homeowners facing mounting repair costs and supported island nonprofits to help fund critical recovery projects.
Banking locally goes beyond financial transactions; it embodies the spirit of community solidarity. This is why our employees are deeply engaged in local causes, contributing time, expertise and resources to ensure our communities don’t just recover – they thrive. Whether serving on nonprofit boards, volunteering for local initiatives or sponsoring events that uplift and support our neighbors, we believe true investment in a community means more than writing checks – it means showing up when it matters most.
Rebuilding after a disaster requires commitment, along with capital. While many banks claim to support the community, their priorities often lie elsewhere. As a community bank, we exist for one reason: to serve the people and businesses that make up the place we call home.
When you choose to bank locally, you make a conscious decision to keep your money in your community, support businesses that invest in your neighborhood and empower an institution that stands by your side in times of crisis.
As we continue down the road to recovery, remember that how we bank matters. Every dollar deposited with a true community bank is a dollar that can be loaned to a local business or a family rebuilding their home or given to support a nonprofit providing critical aid. Banking locally isn’t just a sound financial choice – it’s an investment in our shared future. Together, we can ensure that our islands and the people who call them home emerge stronger, more resilient and more united than ever before.
Support your island community. Bank local. Rebuild together.