Growing with Southwest Louisiana

<p>Lakeside Bank is migrating to Sulphur. The new branch, depicted in this architectural rendering, will be Lakeside’s fourth area bank. It will be located at the corner of Maplewood and Shasta Drive. (Special to the American Press)</p>

<p class="p1"> Lakeside Bank is opening its fourth branch. Its newest location will be in Sulphur at the corner of Maplewood and Shasta Drive.

<p class="p3">“I just received the final FDIC approval this morning,” said Mike Harmison, president and CEO of Lakeside Bank. 

<p class="p3"> This announcement comes at a time when many large regional and national banks are choosing automation over personal attention and even closing local branches, sending customers scrambling to begin a new banking relationship.

<p class="p3">Large institutions may decide to close down a branch not based on what the community needs or even a branch’s deposit strength, but based on a corporate plan dictated from an office that could be thousands of miles away, according to Harmison. <p>"We would consider it a privilege to be part of your business team," said Lakeside Bank president and CEO Mike Harmison. (Special to the American Press)</p>

<p class="p3"> Lakeside Bank officers, staff and board of directors live, shop and work in Southwest Louisiana. Lakeside supports local community endeavors, including sponsoring local sports teams from little leaguers to collegiate athletes. Its programs and products help recognize the service of military veterans and first responders. Decision makers are accessible and decision-making is nimble.

<p class="p3">Banking with Lakeside can be just the edge a local business needs. Not every bank understands the current Southwest Louisiana business environment, including opportunities for growth, like Lakeside Bank. 

<p class="p3">“We work hard to keep you in business, because you keep us in business,” Harmison said.  

<p class="p3">Lakeside offers products tailored for Southwest Louisiana businesses. 

<p class="p3"> “It’s not unusual for a national or regional institution to curtail a certain type of lending, which could very well be the exact type of lending your business needs,” Harmison said. “We understand that in this environment, when you do business with local industry for example, collectibles at 90 to 120 days are good, collectible receivables. Other banks don’t always see that the same way.”

<p class="p3">Whether you are a business owner just starting out or need help reaching a new level of success, Lakeside Bank has the resources and personal service you need to achieve your business goals. 

<p class="p3">“We would consider it a privilege to be part of your business team,” Harmison said. 

<p class="p3">Lakeside has grown each year since opening its first branch in 2010 on Nelson Road in Lake Charles. It was the only bank of its kind in the country to be granted a charter during a time when the recession resulted in rigorous federal oversight. 

<p class="p3">In addition to the main office on Nelson Road, Lakeside Bank has branches at 2132 Oak Park Boulevard in Lake Charles, and at 2203 Sampson St. in Westlake.