US Banker: Beyond Business as Usual

Some banks only have nightmares about setting up disaster-recovery operations. But when the Southern California fires destroyed hundreds of homes this fall, Pacific Coast National Bank’s came true. Although neither of the two branches of the $89.7 million-asset bank, which is based in San Clemente, was affected by the fires, the nearby town of Fallbrook lost 221 houses. The town was also home to nearly 300 Pacific shareholders and numerous employees.

The bank tapped its $225-a-month deal with Agility Recovery Solutions, a business-continuity firm, to open a temporary headquarters in Fallbrook for 60 days on land donated by a resident. Agility opened a 720-square-foot mobile branch, complete with a power generator, satellite system and computer system sufficient for 45 employees, according to Michael Hahn, president and COO of PCNB.

“Residents were thankful for having us here,” says Hahn, who notes the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved the bank’s request for a temporary facility in only 24 hours. The bank’s largest contribution? Helping affected residents wade through reams of loan-application pages from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as answering questions about potential renovation loans.

“The primary reason we did it was to build up our image in the community,” he admits. “I’m sure it’ll pay off, maybe with some deposit customers or loan customers. And from a CRA [Community Reinvestment Act] perspective, we felt like this is an area we needed to help out. We want to give back and we have some talented people who can.”

According to Bob Boyd, the president and CEO of Agility, the entire project will cost Pacific Coast about $50,000, beyond the monthly fee.