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South Coast Bank & Trust Board of Directors: (from left, front row) Brad Butler, Al McKinnon, president; Jack Kilgore, chairman; Robbie Turner, Ansel Clark; (back row) Dr. Mitchell Jones, Bill Brunson, Tommy Bryan, Will Varn, Lewayne Dalton, Rick Strickland
It was the goal from the very beginning. Before the bank was a bank, before there was a local board of directors or loyal customers. Before there was a main office or a branch or any employees, there was a vision - build a local bank for the community.
The fruit of that vision is South Coast Bank & Trust. Careful planning, countless meetings, and plenty of hard work and elbow grease have given the Golden Isles a gift that is as unique as the story of its founding. And President Al McKinnon isn't shy about sharing their purpose, "We want to be the best bank, and that means something different for each and every customer. We're not a cookie-cutter organization. You won't get ordinary with our team, you'll get personal service and topnotch products or solutions that are specific to your needs."
McKinnon knows that with a goal like that the bank has a mandate to perform, and he is okay with that. "Banks need to be nimble and responsive, which means we need to be talking to our customers. And we are. We're more than a place to park your money or where you come looking for a loan, we're here to help our customers by making it easy, convenient, and enjoyable to manage your money."
This original vision was put into action when the bank opened in 2009, but a milestone in the journey occurred this spring when the bank obtained an independent charter. The financial equivalent of a business license, this authorization is granted by the FDIC and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, and solidifies confidence in South Coast. One advantage of having a charter is the ability for the bank to make decisions locally, with a board of directors and team of bankers who live in the community. The bank also has the benefit of a strong parent company, WB&T Bankshares, Inc. The holding company operates two other banks in three Southeast Georgia markets, and its 27-year history demonstrates its strength and stability.
Having the established support of a holding company and the advantage of a charter is a powerful advantage, and one that Jack Kilgore, Chairman of the board of directors, believes makes all the difference, "The seats around our boardroom table are filled with doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who understand this market. They live here, work here, play here, and most were here before there was a South Coast Bank & Trust. That business experience and market history allows our board to make informed decisions that help serve our customers."
But service for this team of bankers doesn't just apply to banking. At any given charity event or fundraiser, you'll likely spot the South Coast sails. Already this year, the group has manned the registration table at the Ducks Unlimited Banquet, modeled at the annual Wine, Women, and Shoes fundraiser, and hosted a Law Enforcement Appreciation breakfast.
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South Coast Bank & Trust’s Team Members Norma Kay Bass, Felicia Salter and Valerie Martin
"We love our community," said Linda Butler, Vice President and Manager of the Newcastle Street branch. "Being a part of our customers' lives helps us understand them better and therefore be better bankers for them. We know your name when you walk in the door, we wish you a happy birthday, we come to your events, and we understand what's going on in your world - those kind of relationships just aren't as common these days."
Butler is proud of their commitment to customers and the follow through on that promise, "Lots of businesses talk about customer service, superior products, and community involvement. It's rewarding to work for a company and with people who follow through with delivering what they promise."
"We know in order to be the very best that we have to do more than excel in banking," adds McKinnon. "We have to start there, of course, and we do. We train and read and study, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. To be the very best we have to take those skills into the community to serve the people, in whatever shape, form, or fashion that makes for a particular customer. It's just what we do - provide superior service."
So with a vision, a history, and a commitment, the bank charts a new course for its future - one centered on the customer experience with the willingness and desire to be the local bank meeting the needs of the people of the Golden Isles.
South Coast Bank has offices at 60 Midway Square on St. Simons Island and at 1500 Newcastle Street, Brunswick. The main office can be reached at 912.264.8887.
