In the current economic cycle, many banks
are being criticized for not lending. Is that
also true at Desert Community Bank?
While it is prudent for every institution to think in terms of self-preservation, it
is equally important for bankers to remember that they are in the business of
lending money. At its core, a credit crunch signals a lack of confidence in the
future. Bankers are by nature risk averse and, often, the conservative thing to do
when faced with uncertainty is to do nothing. But our economic recovery will
be fueled as much by optimism as by the capital markets’ return to stability. It
will take both faith and credit to get the economy back on its feet.
Desert Community Bank has maintained conservative underwriting standards,
which has insulated us from the current situation affecting credit availability.
Community banks, unlike large financial institutions, can bring local community
knowledge that can help them stay ahead of trouble. Yet it all comes down to
management’s effectiveness. At Desert Community Bank, we stand ready as
always to assist with the needs of our local business, professional and individual
clients who look to us to provide the capital for expansion, new business or
ongoing operation. As always, we stand ready to serve.
— James W. Howard, President & CEO