This month, a bank opening in Miami once again proved the region’s importance to major economic sectors. First American Bank celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its renovated 6,000-square-foot offices in Coral Gables. The bank acquired the space this year as a result of the increase in services and growth within the Coral Gables community.
The new headquarters is conveniently located near the historic Coral Gables City Hall and Miracle Mile. First American Bank is looking forward to leaving its mark in the South Florida marketplace and providing their services to individuals and local businesses to prosper in the burgeoning market in the years to follow. The privately held bank with a 40-year history is the largest privately held bank in Illinois with 59 locations across Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin and over $5.5 billion in assets.
“We opened a headquarters in Coral Gables due to the businesses here in South Florida. One of the most fascinating things I have encountered here is the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in this community,” said Tom Wells, First American Bank’s Chairman and CEO. “It is a spirit you find in the educated foreign nationals who understand what they’re leaving and what they’re coming to, and we are here to help those individuals succeed. We are pleased to be here and to make Coral Gables the headquarters of our Florida operations.”
Guests who attended the privately held, in-person, event included the Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdés-Fauli; Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce President Mark Trowbridge; key members of First American Bank including Chairman and CEO, Tom Wells; Florida Market President, Brian Hagan; Senior Vice President of Trade Finance, Dan Pische (recently selected as an honoree for SFBW’s Up and Comers Awards); and advisory board members, Bill Kerdyk and Carlos Rodriguez. During the event, all guests followed the CDC guidelines on social distancing and were required to wear masks during the entirety of the event. The event concluded with Mayor Raul Valdés-Fauli presenting First American Bank with a gift from the city of Coral Gables as a token of appreciation.
“I believe that Miami is the financial, transportation and communications hub for South America,” said Mayor Raul Valdés-Fauli. “Coral Gables is the place to be. On behalf of our beautiful city, we welcome First American Bank with open arms and are here to support the bank in all its future endeavors.”
Pictured above: Tom Wells and Mark Trowbridge
Pictured below: Mark Trowbridge and Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli
