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Sustainability

At Seacoast, our board and management team recognize the importance of operating in a responsible and sustainable manner that is aligned with our mission, vision and values.  While our Board of Directors (the “Board”) oversees the Company’s general ESG efforts, the primary oversight of ESG matters has been delegated to the Compensation and Governance Committee of the Board and implementation of ESG-related initiatives to members of our Senior Leadership Team. 



ENVIRONMENTAL



We have been serving our Florida-based communities since 1926 and are aware of the unique exposures of our communities to climate change and to weather-related events.

DISASTER RESPONSE PROGRAMS

Seacoast has invested a great deal of time and effort into developing a strong business continuity plan.  We understand that our customers may experience financial challenges as a result of business interruption from disasters and other emergencies.  Seacoast Bank assists by offering special programs to meet individual customer needs. 

CORPORATE ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Select locations are LEED-certified facilities

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, providing a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Registered through the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. 

Select locations with electric vehicle charging stations

Electric vehicle (“EV”) charging stations, currently available at selected branches, provide a valuable amenity for our customers and associates and support the transition away from fossil fuels.  Use of these charging stations and the vehicles they support has a tangible impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

Using reclaimed water for irrigation

While water covers over 70% of the earth’s surface, only 0.5% of the earth’s water is drinkable.  To preserve that precious resource, our facilities use reclaimed water whenever possible to maintain landscaping. Over the past ten years, Seacoast has saved over 350,000 gallons of drinkable water by using reclaimed water.  

LED lighting

LED lights use energy much more efficiently than other types of bulbs, producing light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs and 80% more efficiently than CFLs. Throughout most of our facilities, interior and exterior lighting has been converted to LED, which also saves electricity and materials costs because the life span of LEDs far surpasses that of other bulbs.

Recycling program   

Recycling and paper shredding programs have been implemented across our footprint, including on our main campus. In addition, electronics are recycled according to federal, state and local guidelines, as well as certified R2 and ISO 14001 guidelines. 

Printing and paper reduction

We have optimized many of our operational processes, including consolidating printers and increasing awareness of printing and paper use.  These changes have helped substantially reduce our use of consumables such as paper, ink, and toner, while reducing electricity use and maintenance costs.  Toner cartridges are recycled and paper waste is disposed of responsibly.  

Supplies and sourcing

Centralized sourcing for the purchase of office supplies reduces waste and lowers costs. Our robust third party risk management function works to ensure that our suppliers apply sustainable and resilient business practices.



SOCIAL



We believe that a key element of sustainability is being a great place to work. Seacoast has received recognition from various organizations for its commitment to provide associates with a positive workplace that fosters engagement and opportunity. We are also committed to serving the needs of low and moderate income communities. Seacoast Bank has a long history of fulfilling the spirit of the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) by exceeding regulatory expectations in the requisite areas of lending, investment and service.

HEALTH AND FINANCIAL WELL-BEING OF OUR ASSOCIATES

Seacoast provides access to a variety of resources to address personal health and financial wellness. Comprehensive Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources are accessible to all associates, addressing a wide range of topics from substance abuse to child and elder care resources. Associates are encouraged to balance their physical fitness with their work life, with a Company reimbursement for a portion of fitness center memberships. We also offer financial planning resources for help with student debt, retirement planning and one-on-one financial planning sessions to all associates.  

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We strive to create an atmosphere where all associates feel welcome and confident bringing their whole self to work. Inclusion, respect, and fairness live at the core of our Company culture, and we believe the diversity of our associate base and of the communities we serve makes us stronger.  We believe each associate has a unique perspective that is valuable to our Company, our customers, and our communities.

As part of the many things we do to support our associates and their families, we have established five Associate Resource Groups (“ARGs”): LGBT+, Military Outreach, Women Mean Business, Black Associates and Allies Network (“BAAN”) and Latin American and Hispanic Associates (“Unidos”). The Company places a high value on inclusion, engaging employees in our ARG programs, which are composed of associates with diverse backgrounds, experiences or characteristics who share a common interest in professional development, improving corporate culture and delivering sustained business results. Each group is sponsored by a senior executive leader. As of December 31, 2023, 36% of the employees across the Company are a member of at least one of our ARGs.  

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Seacoast offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and appropriate training to provide growth, development opportunities and career paths within our Company. We invest in our associates through training and development programs, as well as tuition reimbursement to promote continued professional growth. In 2023, an average of 41 hours per associate was spent on training and development courses. To ensure that we are meeting associates’ expectations, we conduct an Employee Engagement Survey each year. The results of the survey and the process of continuous improvement are discussed with the Board at least annually. In 2023, 97% of associates participated in the annual engagement survey, up 2% from prior year. Seacoast’s associate engagement score increased by 2% to 85% from the previous year.

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Community Reinvestment

Seacoast Bank strives to serve the needs of all the communities in which it operates across the Bank’s varied markets. The policy objectives and performance requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) inspire and challenge Seacoast Bank to meet and exceed regulatory expectations for outreach to small businesses, small farms, and low- and moderate-income communities in its footprint. Seacoast Bank has a long history of fulfilling the spirit of the CRA by exceeding baseline regulatory expectations in the requisite areas of lending, investment, and service: in every CRA Performance Evaluation since 2009, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) has accorded Seacoast Bank with an overall rating of “Outstanding.”

As required by regulation, Seacoast Bank maintains a public file that includes CRA-specific information about the Bank’s performance in helping to meet community credit needs. Seacoast’s most recent CRA Performance Evaluation Public Disclosure is available from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and can be accessed here.

Seacoast is committed to continued outstanding CRA performance by improving and developing products to assure that the Bank’s community outreach keeps pace with its growth and entry into new markets. The Bank offers mortgage loans through several federal flexible loan programs, including VA, FHA, and Fannie Mae. In response to the anticipated mortgage needs of rural communities in the Bank’s markets, Seacoast received approval to participate in the USDA mortgage loan program, as well as launched its “Community Home Mortgage Program”, providing a flexible portfolio mortgage product geared toward first time homebuyers. Additionally, Seacoast expanded its underwriting of down payment assistance (“DPA”) programs in 2022. In addition to partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank through two DPA products, the Bank now participates in two DPA programs: the DARE Homeownership Program of Tampa and the East Tampa Community Revitalization Area Down Payment Assistance Program. To deliver on these new initiatives, the Bank created a new role for a CRA Mortgage Loan Originator to work with qualifying applicants directly and through referral from other mortgage loan originators.

Seacoast is also committed to fulfilling the CRA’s small business and community development lending objectives. Seacoast participates in the Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 programs, offering flexible terms to qualifying business borrowers. Seacoast continues to facilitate economic development that promotes revitalization and stabilization of economically challenged areas by financing new and expanding business projects that create and/or retain jobs and are sited in low- and moderate- income census tracts.

In addition to lending, Seacoast supports CRA’s community development goals through investments in various areas of community development. Seacoast supports a multi-year grant for operational expenses to the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), a Florida-based non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (“CDFI”) that develops and promotes Black, minority, and underserved businesses through education, training, loans, and investments. Seacoast also supports financial literacy development and delivery through an annual grant to Florida Prosperity Partnership, a Statewide agency that leverages coalition engagement to support financial education for un-/underbanked low- and moderate- income residents in Florida. Seacoast also supports organizations that support homeownership for low-and moderate-income borrowers, including Solita’s House, a certified CDFI that focuses on personal financial education and counseling to promote and maintain homeownership and provides access to affordable capital through consumer small dollar loans, down payment assistance loans and a matched savings program. Seacoast continues to support United Way affiliates across its markets through corporate contributions and by encouraging employee payroll deduction giving. Since 2010, Seacoast Bank associates have contributed over $1.5 million towards the to its hometown United Way, or its agencies, through the Bank’s annual United Way Corporate Giving Campaign and Seacoast Stewardship Pledge. Additionally, Seacoast is an active contributor to the American Cancer Society, with associates raising over $200,000 for the Making Strides fundraising campaign in 2023.

Community Ambassadors

Seacoast’s commitment to its communities often takes the form of outreach through volunteerism. The Bank’s Community Ambassadors Program continues to engage employees by leading participation in various service initiatives, including food and toy drives, fundraising for breast cancer awareness, and representing the Bank at annual events such as Orlando’s Pride parade and Martin Luther King Day celebration. Seacoast encourages all levels of staff employees who offer their expertise to community development organizations by teaching financial literacy or serving on committees or boards of directors of non-profits facilitating affordable housing and community services. In 2023, Bank employees logged over 10,000 volunteer hours helping over 500 organizations, such as United Way, Rotary, homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and arts organizations. Seacoast encourages all levels of staff and its directors to become active in community service by supporting various community, educational and nonprofit organizations. Seacoast’s Community Ambassador’s Program was established to facilitate greater community engagement and foster better understanding and improve knowledge of CRA across our footprint. The team of Community Ambassadors is comprised of associates representing each of its markets, including the CRA Officer and Director of Compliance, who meet on a quarterly basis to discuss initiatives.

Financial Wellness Program

Seacoast Bank On-Site Financial Wellness Program offers workshops and free seminars to its communities that provides educational information, resources, and tools for money management, fundamentals of credit and protecting against scams and fraud.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

We believe that a key element of sustainability is being a great place to work for our employees.  Seacoast’s efforts in this area also earned several awards and recognitions:

Seacoast Bank Named One of the “Best Banks to Work For” by American Banker for Fourth Consecutive Year in 2023

American Banker identifies and recognizes U.S. banks for outstanding associate satisfaction. The award is given based on a two-step process, including an evaluation of our policies, practices, and demographics, and employee surveys conducted to directly assess experiences and attitudes with respect to the workplace. The combined scores determine the top banks and the final ranking.

Fortune’s “Best Workplaces For Women” in 2023

Seacoast Bank was recognized among Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women in 2023. Seacoast sets a leading example by fostering inclusivity, empowering women and creating a workplace for development and opportunity.

Seacoast Bank Local Recognition for “Best Places to Work” in 2023

Seacoast is proud to be named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by the South Florida Business Journal, Orlando Business Journal and Greater Gainesville. This recognition validates Seacoast’s commitment to our employees’ well-being, as well as highlights our team effectiveness, work engagement, and trust among associates.

Seacoast Bank Certified™ by Great Place to Work® in 2023

Seacoast Bank earned the Great Place To Work Certification® for 2023. Certified™ recognizes workplaces that create the conditions for a positive employee experience.

Manager Excellence Program featured in American Banker

The Seacoast Manager Excellence Program is designed to provide foundational management and leadership skills with a Seacoast lens. It is a blended learning experience consisting of instructor-led training, case studies, group activities, self-study, and ongoing leadership development and support. Participants are introduced to the foundational skills that all Seacoast managers should know, learning how to understand and shape their personal leadership style while focusing on creating purpose, delivering results, developing self and others, and leading change.



GOVERNANCE



Seacoast is committed to long-term success through strong corporate governance and ethical business practices, with appropriate controls and transparency forming the foundation for achievement of our strategic mission. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

An important element of our corporate governance framework is our governance policies, which include:

  • Corporate Governance Guidelines
  • Compensation Recoupment Policy
  • Insider Trading Policy
  • Related Party Transaction Policy

These policies and other governance documents are available on the Investor Relations page at www.SeacoastBanking.com or by clicking here.

CODE OF CONDUCT / CODE OF ETHICS

Seacoast believes in maintaining a high standard of ethics and has adopted a Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and a Contingent Worker Code of Conduct.  All associates are required to comply with the Code of Conduct, and complete an annual certification.  In 2023, our certification completion rate was 100%.  For additional details about our Code of Conduct click here.

Additionally, the Bank has established an independent anonymous 24/7 Employee Ethics Hotline for reporting unethical practices, which can be accessed by phone or internet.  The hotline includes a reporting system that allows management and employees to work together to address any potential unethical issues related to financial reporting, fraud, inappropriate conduct, harassment, discrimination, or other matters in the workplace. All reports are reviewed, investigated and addressed, as applicable, by one or more of the Company’s Chief Risk Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer, and the Board’s Audit Committee.

Seacoast expects its associates to create an atmosphere that supports respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.  Retaliation or harassment against any reporting person, or any whistleblower is explicitly prohibited. Any incidents of potential retaliation are to be reported directly to the office of the Chief Human Resource Officer for investigation and corrective action, in order to protect the confidentiality of the reporting person.

DATA PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SECURITY

Seacoast is committed to protecting our customers’ personal and financial information. The Bank has adopted Information Security and Data Privacy policies that are reviewed by the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC) of the Board of Directors on an annual basis.  Through an integrated enterprise risk management process, key risks, including those related to privacy and cybersecurity are evaluated by the ERMC at least quarterly, and reviewed by the full Board.  We have also adopted an Online and Mobile Privacy Policy and Privacy Policy Statement to ensure compliance with requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The Privacy Policy and other Information Security resources can be viewed by clicking here.

Our Board recognizes the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients, employees and business partners.  We strive to continuously assess and update our response to information security risks and changes in the cyber security landscape.  Information security risks are identified using internal risk assessments, internal audits, regulatory exams and third-party testing.  Identified risks are prioritized, tracked and managed with senior management oversight. 

Our data security strategy includes a host of defense mechanisms that include, but are not limited to:

  • Policies and procedures
  • Annual employee training, educational opportunities and regular associate communications
  • Third party program oversight
  • Encryption technologies
  • Incident response program

We provide our associates with ongoing training opportunities and educational resources to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, keep abreast of cyber environment trends and continue to build knowledge in safeguarding against potential security and fraud risks.  Additionally, our information security team maintains awareness of trends and best practices by pursuing professional certifications and educational opportunities with industry experts and professional organizations.

Periodic penetration tests are performed by independent third parties and are audited by an external firm with expertise in information security.  During 2022, we did not experience a material compromise to any of our data systems or vendor platforms, and did not incur any expenses resulting from information security breaches, penalties or settlements.  Should an information security incident occur, we have resources to assist with forensic analysis, response strategies and crisis communications.

BANK SECRECY ACT / ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PRACTICES

The Board, and its Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC”), is responsible for the oversight of our Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) / Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) / Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) Program.  The BSA/AML/OFAC program is designed to help monitor, detect and prevent financial crimes and report suspicious or illicit activities to adhere with applicable laws, rules and regulations related to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing initiatives.  As part of the BSA/AML/OFAC framework, the Board has adopted policies and procedures to comply with those requirements. The BSA/AML/OFAC policy is reviewed annually and approved by our Board, and all employees and Board members are required to complete annual training related to BSA/AML/OFAC.    

In addition, Seacoast has procedures in place to comply with anti-bribery laws, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which contains anti-bribery provisions prohibiting individuals and businesses from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business, and accounting provisions that require keeping records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect transactions and the disposition of assets.

BOARD OVERSIGHT OF STRATEGY AND RISK

Our Board has ultimate oversight responsibility for strategy and risk management, and directly advises management on development and execution of the Company’s strategy. Oversight is also provided through the extensive work of the Board’s committees – Audit Committee; Compensation and Governance Committee; Corporate Development Committee; Enterprise Risk Management Committee; and Information Technology Committee – in key areas such as financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, cyber/information security, corporate governance, compensation programs, capital planning and risk management. The ERMC oversees the integration of risk management at Seacoast, monitors the risk framework and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the Company’s risk appetite. Additionally, the Compensation and Governance Committee oversees risks and exposures related to the Company’s corporate governance, director succession planning, and compensation practices to ensure that they do not encourage imprudent or excessive risk-taking.

BOARD COMPOSITION

Seacoast continues to build a diverse Board with experience aligned with our strategic mission to ensure a balanced mix of directors with a deep knowledge of Seacoast and its markets, as well as new members with fresh perspectives. Our Board consists of all independent Board members, with the exception of one executive officer and one former executive officer. All members of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Governance Committee of the Board and the Chair of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee are independent directors. To further strengthen our corporate governance, our independent directors annually select a Lead Independent Director from the independent directors. Our lead independent director chairs regularly scheduled executive sessions, without management present, at which directors can discuss management performance, succession planning, board informational needs, board effectiveness or any other matter.  

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that a substantial majority of the Board be composed of independent directors.  In accordance with those guidelines, non-employee directors must advise the Chairman of the Board or Chair of the Compensation and Governance Committee in advance of accepting membership on any other public company board and before accepting membership on the audit committee or compensation committee of any other public company board.  Employee Directors may serve on no other boards of public companies, unless otherwise approved by the Compensation and Governance Committee.

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The Company engages with our shareholders to ensure that the Board and management are aware of and address issues of importance to our investors.  We regularly meet with various institutional shareholders and welcome feedback from other shareholders, which is considered by the Board or appropriate Board committee.  To facilitate shareholder participation in meetings, the Company provides for voting on proxy resolutions by mail, internet, and telephone.