Community Bank Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary and Announces Planned Opening of a Branch in St. Petersburg, FL

BRADENTON, Fla., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen years ago today Community Bank began serving the community from an office on State Road 70 East in Bradenton, FL.  Founded by veteran Manatee County banker William H. Sedgeman, Jr., Community Bank has delivered sound financial services to thousands of local businesses and families.  

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"My sincerest gratitude goes out to all of our loyal customers, employees and shareholders who have contributed to the success of Community Bank these past 15 years," remarked Sedgeman, Chairman and CEO.  "As we look towards the next decade, we are more excited than ever about the prospects for our community and for our bank," he added.  "Hundreds of new customers have recently established their banking relationship with Community Bank and we are actively lending in Tampa Bay."

Since inception, Community Bank has specialized in finding sophisticated solutions for small businesses and the bank continues to be one of the area leaders in Small Business Administration lending.  More recently Community Bank started offering residential loans to consumers who want to purchase or refinance their homes.

Today Community Bank has nearly fifty employees serving Tampa Bay with its network of branches in South Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and Riverview.  The bank's newest location in St. Petersburg is expected to open during the first quarter of 2011, pending regulatory approval.  The future branch site is located in the Ovation Condominium on Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.  

President Katie Pemble noted, "The bank's long heritage of established, valuable banking relationships with businesses and individuals in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties positions us well for a logical expansion into Pinellas County.  I am confident businesses and individuals will appreciate Community Bank's approach to doing business – local, fast decision making and tailored checking and savings accounts and services."  

Director Trevor Burgess added, "We are excited about being part of the vibrant Beach Drive marketplace and providing innovative banking solutions to serve all of Pinellas County from downtown St. Petersburg."

ABOUT COMMUNITY BANK OF MANATEE

Founded in 1995, Community Bank continues to specialize in solutions for individuals by offering the regions best checking account, "Clover Gold," residential mortgages including "jumbo mortgages" with local, quick decision-making, and in business solutions including Small Business Administration loans.  Community Bank was recently ranked as the number one local community bank for SBA loans.

Community Bank, is a local, independent bank serving the communities of Florida's central Gulf Coast with five branches in Manatee and Hillsborough counties:

For more information, visit the bank's website at:  www.CommunityBankNow.com or contact the nearest office.

SOURCE Community Bank of Manatee