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