Florida Banking December 2024-January 2025

KUDOS

Cogent Bank Celebrates Grand Opening of Ocala Banking Center

C ogent Bank celebrated the grand opening of its Ocala Banking Center, its first location expansion into the North Central Florida market and its ninth in Florida. To commemorate the opening, Cogent held a grand opening ceremony, hosting more than 300 Ocala community residents and business owners. “Ocala is a rapidly growing city united by a community of fiercely passionate businesses and residents,” said Nick Blaser, Cogent Bank North Central Florida president.“I’ve lived and worked here for almost three decades, and I’m confident Cogent Bank will be a welcome addition to such a robust community.” The Ocala Banking Center, led by Blaser alongside North Central Florida Market Executive Tom Ingram and Senior Commercial Relationship Manager Joe Vorwerk, has employed five new team members. Cogent, committed to supporting the Ocala community, donated $2,500 to Pace Center for Girls

Marion (Pace Marion) and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Supports Affordable Housing, Benefits Local Community

S anibel Captiva Community Bank announced an initiative that puts philanthropy directly in the hands of its employees. Each employee received a $500 stipend to donate to a local cause of their choice, resulting in a $40,000 total donation by the bank to the local community. “By enabling our employees to choose where they direct this donation, we are encouraging charitable giving while reinforcing the importance of community engagement on a personal level,” said Amy McQuagge, vice president and director of marketing at the bank. The bank also announces its $10,000 sponsorship and support

CHR formed in 1979 to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Sanibel and Captiva area. CHR also serves as the City of Sanibel’s housing foundation under the Affordable Housing Program established in 1983. Today, CHR owns 76 affordable housing units at various locations and nine Limited Equity Ownership homes through the Coast and Islands Community Land Trust. For more information, visit sancapchr.org.

for Community Housing and Resources (CHR) “Give Your Art to CHR” fundraising project and Feb. 1 gala at The Community House on Sanibel Island. CHR will display artwork at participating businesses for several months. The artwork will then be auctioned off during the gala to raise funds for affordable workforce housing and resources on Sanibel.

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024 — 27