As we dive into the new year, it's a great opportunity to share the bank's focus moving forward.
Most importantly, we take the primary purpose of being a community bank very seriously. We will continue to serve and grow in the communities in which we are located. With the opening of our downtown headquarters last spring, our offices are strategically located in the West, East and South to accommodate the citizens and businesses of Sarasota County.
In addition to being conveniently located, we will continue to stay on the cutting edge of banking technology to bring our customers the latest methods of electronic banking. This enables us to reach and service customers that may not be in the immediate area of our branches. The day is fast approaching where the majority of customers will accomplish their daily banking via technology, and we take that challenge seriously.
Sabal Palm Bank continues to be firmly committed to lending to our local businesses. We have set the goal high this year, and plan to lend at least 50 million new dollars to local businesses, homeowner associations and homeowners. We will put your deposit money to work in
your community.
We also have some ongoing partnerships to better serve our customers now and going forward. Sabal Palm Life Insurance is a full-service company offering comprehensive risk management for both individuals and businesses. We utilize independent agents to keep the costs down for you. In addition, we now have an independent merchant services agent able to get our customers the best rates and newest and most cost-effective technology.
Sabal Palm Bank has grown our staff this last year 30% in order to continue the high quality of customer service while we grow our business. I am confident that this year our staff will continue to amaze me, and you, with their hard work and dedication in serving the needs of our customers and community.
All together, 2019 is shaping up to be a banner-year.
