DAVID EMMONS of Rockland Trust Co. on Dec. 10 was named the 2020 Banker of the Year by the South Eastern Economic Development Corp. Emmons, who has served as vice president and a commercial loan officer at the bank since 2017, partnered with SEED on financing projects during fiscal 2020, demonstrating his participation in facilitating the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 program, which aided the small-business community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What was your reaction to being named SEED’s 2020 Banker of the Year? I was very grateful to receive this recognition from SEED. Rockland Trust has had a long and successful partnership with SEED and I was honored to be recognized as Banker of the Year. I could not have done it alone, however, and I would like to recognize the dedicated team of lenders within SEED. They have gone above and beyond during this pandemic, ensuring businesses received the attention, support and capital that was critical for them to keep their doors open.
What led you to pursue a career in the banking industry? I knew early on that I wanted to work in accounting and finance after graduating. During college I worked as a summer teller at Rockland Trust and was immediately drawn to the culture. Following graduation, the bank offered me a position as a staff accountant. This was a fantastic starting role, as I had the opportunity to learn the functions of a commercial bank and how different departments contribute to the bank’s financial performance.
How important is it for businesses to have a lifeline during the pandemic through programs such as the SBA’s 504 program? Accessibility to programs through the SBA have been essential for businesses of all sizes throughout the pandemic. Businesses who took part in the 504 program received a benefit in the CARES [Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security] Act, where the SBA portion of the loan payment was subsidized by the government. This was a major lift for borrowers, who in many cases were forced to close as states rolled out restrictions in response to the pandemic. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program allowed businesses to keep their employees on payroll, despite significant reductions to their bottom lines. The current economic conditions are difficult to assess with the mixing of government stimulus, state restrictions and consumer uncertainty. The road to recovery will continue to be bumpy.
What do you hope to leave as your legacy working in the banking industry? It is very rewarding to work with businesses on the path to achieving their financial goals. Whether this means hitting a sales target, expanding their product line, or purchasing a building – business owners are undoubtedly passionate about what they do. I would like to build a legacy where my customers do not consider me as just their banker but also their trusted adviser. The businesses I serve are the lifeblood of the communities they are in and helping them achieve their version of success … is my ultimate goal.
