Built Here, Growing Here

Twenty years ago, a group of Sussex County leaders set out to build more than a bank. They set out to create an institution rooted in the local community it serves.

Two decades later, Community Bank remains guided by that same vision. What began as a local idea has grown into a trusted financial institution serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Sussex County while maintaining a strong commitment to local relationships and community investment.

The idea for Community Bank emerged when CEO and Founder Alexander “Alex” Pires recognized an opportunity to create a financial institution focused exclusively on Sussex County. He believed residents and business owners would benefit from a bank where decisions were made locally by people who understood the special local community, its economy, and its unique needs.

“You can make a difference in your family,” said Pires. “But if you want to make a difference in your community, it is extremely difficult.”

That vision quickly gained support throughout the region as local investors embraced the concept and rallied behind the effort to create a locally owned and operated financial institution. With strong community backing and a shared commitment to local decision-making, the bank moved from idea to reality. Community Bank officially opened its doors in 2005.

“The basic premise that Mr. Pires put together when we started here was to bring local control to banking systems,” said President and Director Jack Riddle. “He wanted to provide something you didn’t have to go out of state to get. That was the whole guiding premise. We can do it here, better ourselves having local control.”

Community Bank provides a wide range of personal and business banking services designed to meet the needs of the specific communities it serves. From helping individuals and families manage their finances, to working with entrepreneurs and small business owners, the bank focuses on delivering personalized service and a community-centered approach. In addition to traditional banking services, Community Bank is committed to supporting financial literacy, regional growth, and the long-term success of the people and businesses that call Sussex County home.

From the very beginning, Community Bank’s leadership understood that banking is ultimately a relationship business. By fostering a welcoming environment for both employees and customers, the bank established a culture centered on trust, familiarity, and personal service. That people-first approach continues to shape the organization today.

“It’s a relationship business,” said Riddle. “It’s all about coming in and feeling comfortable. You can get banking services anywhere. It’s making the customers feel comfortable with what we offer, how we do it, and who offers it. I don’t see every single customer that comes in. Alex doesn’t see every single customer that comes in. It’s the folks downstairs that really make this thing work for us. That’s why the feeling from the board from the beginning is to treat the employees right, they’ll treat the customers right, and that’ll help the bank prosper. That’s been the model since day zero here.”

“We found that employees don’t leave anymore,” said Pires. “I think that’s our biggest accomplishment.”

A strong connection to the community is what sets local banks, like Community Bank, apart. Rather than looking at a region from afar, local banks have the opportunity to build relationships and make decisions based on firsthand knowledge of the people and businesses they serve. The bank’s priority remains on helping local individuals, families, and small business owners achieve their goals.

“We’re all about it,” said Riddle. “Everything we do is local. Lend locally, take deposits locally, help the local community, invest in nonprofits in the community. Alex’s big proponent is ‘we all rise together.’ So the way that we can direct money to help other people grow their businesses, that comes around. We spend our money locally. That’s why we’ve enjoyed our relationship with the Cape Gazette, because it’s local. It’s all about local. I think a lot of people enjoy being a part of something local.”

Community Bank believes that strong communities are built through local investment and local relationships. By supporting businesses, organizations and community initiatives throughout Sussex County, the bank helps contribute to a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual businesses. Successful local businesses create jobs, support nonprofits, sponsor community events, and help strengthen the overall broader community. Whether through lending, charitable giving, financial education, or community partnerships, Community Bank remains committed to investing in the people and businesses that help make Sussex County the unique and special community it is today.