Florida Banking April/May 2025

Lafayette State Bank: Balancing Innovation and Community Impact

L ocated in the heart of north central Florida – in the part of our state some refer to as “The Real Florida” – is Lafayette State Bank. With branches in Mayo, Branford, Live Oak and Bell, the bank’s leadership and staff are hometown partners who are reimagining collaboration and teamwork – and, in the process, expanding the area’s possibilities and growth through community banking. “Lafayette State Bank is deeply rooted in the communities we serve,” President & CEO David Claussen said. “Over the years, we’ve become more than just a financial institution – we’re a trusted partner for families, businesses and organizations.” During a recent conversation with FBA President & CEO Kathy Kraninger, Claussen, along with Lafayette State Bank Chief Financial Officer Todd Battle, emphasized the significance of maintaining community banking values despite industry consolidation. They noted the importance of the bank’s strategic plan, employee training programs and community involvement. Fraud concerns, particularly elder abuse and cryptocurrency scams, were highlighted, along with the need for improved fraud prevention and education. The conversation also touched on the FBA’s advocacy events, including the Washington, D.C. fly in in February and Capitol Day + Capitol Night in March, and the powerful effect community bankers have at these events as they discuss key policy issues with lawmakers. Blending Tradition With Teamwork Currently, Lafayette State Bank holds a total of $230 million in assets and $214 million in deposits. Since it was founded in 1946, the bank has grown significantly – especially through the culture transformation its leadership and staff have undergone in the last two years. “We’ve shifted our focus to building a learning and teaching culture, emphasizing professional growth for our team,” Claussen said. “While our commitment to personal relationships and community has remained constant, we’ve modernized our services to meet the needs of today’s customers. From embracing new technology to expanding our offerings, we’ve stayed agile while honoring the traditions that make us a community bank.” Three members of the bank’s Senior Management Team are graduates of the FBA’s Florida School of Banking, a foundational priority that continues with the bank’s planned future enrollments.

For its customers, what sets Lafayette State Bank apart is the dedication of staff and leadership to providing unmatched excellence in customer service. The bank’s boutique approach, staff say, facilitates offering personalized solutions that can be challenging for larger banks to provide. “We excel in building trusted relationships with small businesses, helping them grow and thrive,” Battle said. “Our focus on integrity and humility ensures every customer interaction is authentic and meaningful. “While we might not be the largest,” Battle added, “we believe our personal touch is our most powerful offering.” The bank’s leadership and staff have worked to foster an environment where their team collaborates, learns and grows together. This learning-focused culture has strengthened their management team and, ultimately, their entire organization. It’s this cultural shift, they say, that has prepared them for the future. “Our culture is built on collaboration, growth and service,” Chief Operating Officer Jessica Lambert said. “We believe that ‘together we are smarter,’ and this mindset has allowed us to create a unique bond within our management team that extends throughout the bank. “Our core values — trusted relationships, compassion, exceptional service, family and community, integrity, and humility — guide every decision we make,” Lambert said. “They’re not just words; they’re our way of doing business and treating each other and our customers respectfully.” Rooted in Community, Driven to Grow Lafayette State Bank is deeply committed to supporting area communities through meaningful contributions and active participation. The bank proudly invests in local school literacy programs, youth sports events, Future Farmers of America charters, educational foundations and scholarships, helping to shape the next generation of leaders. “Our dedication extends beyond education – we actively engage in local chamber events and contribute to community-driven initiatives, including donations to local need drives,” Commercial Lender Jacey Gresham said. “From empowering local initiatives to partnering with schools and sponsoring community

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