California Banker Issue 2 2025

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our customers see that, too. They’re right there with us because they’re our neighbors, our friends, and the people we sit next to at community events. That’s how we build trust — by being present, by supporting the causes that matter to the people we serve. Our commitment goes well beyond financial products and services. We’re invested in the entire community, whether someone is a customer or not. That’s the heart of who we are. Can you share examples of how the bank has supported small businesses and local economic growth? As a true community bank, we’re here to serve ev eryone — but our focus has always been on small- to mid-sized businesses. We provide the products and services they need, but more importantly, we offer them with flexibility and creativity. We don’t operate inside a box; we stay nimble and look for ways to say “yes.” That kind of responsive ness is exactly what small businesses need to thrive. One of the clearest examples of this was during the rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program. At the time, we weren’t yet an SBA-approved lender, but that didn’t stop us. We moved quickly, got approved, and made sure our customers could access the funds they needed without turning to a bank that didn’t know them. In the end, we also helped a large number of non customers, simply because they couldn’t get the help they needed at their own institutions. Many of them moved their full relationship to us afterward. In a moment of anxiety and uncertainty, they experienced firsthand what it means to have a bank that’s truly in their corner. That’s who we are: not just lenders, but partners in our community’s economic growth. Beyond financial services, what role does your bank play in strengthening the Santa Maria community? We’re deeply embedded in the fabric of Santa Maria. You’ll find us out in force supporting local nonprof its and service organizations — not always with the biggest checks, but with boots on the ground, ready

to help. Whether it’s volunteering, lending a hand at events, or simply showing up, we believe presence matters. We’re also actively involved in workforce develop ment initiatives, serve in leadership and support roles with the Chamber of Commerce, and make it a point to be front and center at the events that bring our community together. I’m proud that when someone in the community needs support, whether it’s an indi vidual, a cause, or an organization, Community Bank of Santa Maria is often one of the first calls made. We’ve earned that trust, and being recognized as a true partner to the community is not only an honor — it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. How has the Community Bank of Santa Maria responded to economic challenges within the community, such as supporting businesses during uncertain times? This example might be getting a little “well-worn,” but it’s such a clear reflection of how seriously we take our role in the community that I never mind sharing it. During the pandemic, we didn’t close our doors. We stayed open with a live person answering every phone call. I can’t give you an exact number, but I’m confident we spoke daily with customers from other banks, people who simply couldn’t get a hold of any one at their own institution and needed help. When the Paycheck Protection Program rolled out, we weren’t even an SBA-approved lender yet. But we moved fast, got certified, and made sure our custom ers had access to the support they needed. Not sur prisingly, we also ended up helping hundreds of non customers, because we were one of the few banks they could reach. Many of those businesses moved their entire relationship to us after that. Why? Because we were there when it mattered most. If you look back even further, the Great Recession was another moment that set us apart. While many banks were foreclosing, we were working with our borrowers. Yes, we took some losses, but I like to focus on the losses we didn’t take, because they were significant.

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