Crews Banking Unifies to Strengthen Community Commitment

Central and Southwest, Fla., September 8, 2023 – Crews Banking, known for its hometown banks and rooted in a rich history of community focus and family ownership, is preparing for unification under the name Crews Bank & Trust on September 25, 2023. This move reflects the institution's enduring dedication to its customers and communities throughout Central and Southwest Florida.

The Crews family of banks is currently comprised of four distinct banks: Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust and Wauchula State Bank. Unification will bring the banks together as Crews Bank & Trust, ensuring consistency and enhancing services.

"This is an exciting time for our company and our customers,” said Jake Crews IV, CEO and the fourth generation of the Crews family to lead the Bank. "This opens up opportunities for more locations as well as new products and services that will enable us to better serve our customers.”

For customers, the transition means they will now have access to 19 branches in 13 counties across the region, including the Arcadia North and Englewood branches. (Both locations are expected to reopen in the coming months after being rebuilt due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ian last year.) The unification will enable Crews Bank & Trust to expand their portfolio by offering a comprehensive range of services, including residential and commercial real estate loans, along with a full-service Trust and Wealth Management division.

"The goal of unification isn’t to become a bigger bank," explained M.W. “Larry” McLaren, Chief Banking Officer. "It is to become a better bank. Better for our customers with increased product offerings across the larger network of branches, and more opportunities for professional growth for our family of employees. Crews Bank & Trust’s purpose is to build relationships that span generations. This unification only solidifies that, demonstrating our commitment to our customers and the best-in-class service our team provides."

Crews Bank & Trust has, since 1929 when the first branch opened, consistently upheld its core values of Stewardship, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Community and a Pioneering Spirit. As the Bank embarks on the unification process, it reaffirms its commitment to transparent communication, assuring customers that the most significant change they’ll experience is the sign over the door. For more information, visit www.crews.bank/unify or any local branch.

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