Dear Horizon Community Bank (“HCB”) Client:
You recently looked to HCB to provide your Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) loan under the CARES Act put forward by the federal government to help business owners deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We very much appreciate the fact you trusted HCB enough to turn to us during this extraordinary and unprecedented time of need. Now that you have your loan funding, I am sure you are wondering how the debt forgiveness aspect of the loan program will be rolled out by the federal government. Please understand, we are as apprehensive about the details of this process as are you. Rest assured, HCB intends to assist you as best we can to ensure you are able to avail yourself of the debt forgiveness to which you are entitled under the terms of the legislation.
The federal government has already begun to issue guidance and even application forms to allow PPP borrowers to begin this process. Despite the early guidance and process forms that have been put forward by the federal government, there continue to be more questions than answers. The process is far from being definitive at this point. Furthermore, federal legislators are seriously considering revising certain aspects of the program to accomplish such things as (i) extend the maturity period of PPP loans to as long as five years; (ii) extend the forgiveness period; (iii) extend the time period within which the funds must be expended; (iv) lower the percentage requirement of the funds that must be spent for payroll versus other eligible costs; and (v) simplify the process and forms required of borrowers and banks to avail themselves of the forgiveness provisions.
While none of these revisions are yet assured, HCB understands the anxiety that may come with awaiting the finalization of these details by our government. Please understand HCB will remain attentive to these matters on your behalf and will assist you in moving forward as the situation becomes better defined.
We are here for you!
Very Best,
Mark J. Martinez
Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
Click Here for the latest update: Message from Mark Martinez
Message for Clients and Communities from Horizon Community Bank:
Horizon Community Bank (“HCB”) has been assisting our clients and communities with their financial needs for almost 20 years. We are significantly vested in the success of our clients and communities. Over the course of our existence as a financial institution, we have never been faced with such a far reaching and prolific challenge as that of the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation has impacted all of us in ways we could have never imagined just a short time ago. We feel it is important to affirm for all our clients, shareholders and employees that HCB clearly recognizes our roles and responsibilities in the communities and markets in which we operate. You may take comfort in the fact that HCB is a healthy financial institution that is underpinned by a strong capital position, earnings, liquidity and asset quality. HCB continues to operate as a Bauer Financial 5-Star rated bank. We are making a commitment to continue to serve you in a responsible manner through these difficult times.
At a time when there is a constant stream of seemingly contradictory information it is easy for any of us to be confused and tend toward panic. Please know that your financial institution has a well-developed Business Continuity Plan in place that will allow us to react to rapidly changing scenarios to ensure we are positioned to provide for your day to day financial needs as this situation develops and defines itself while doing so in a safe and sound manner. We fully understand how important it is for you to know that we will be there to help you conduct your financial affairs regardless of the depth and severity of this crisis.
Many of you are business owners or are employed by businesses that have been impacted more significantly than others to this point. Locally and regionally we see more prolific financial stress affecting such industries as hospitality, travel and leisure, restaurants, drinking establishments and others. As the pandemic progresses, we fully expect this impact to extend to other market sectors. HCB is committed to acting as your resource and stand ready to work with our clients that have been impacted by this situation. We ask you to communicate with us as the need arises.
HCB is consulting with and taking direction from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and others in order to constantly assess the manner in which we safely and soundly deliver financial services to you in this environment. We know many of you will require financial assistance in surviving and recovering from this pandemic. HCB will strive to provide that assistance wherever possible and be a resource. We are also working closely with such other organizations as the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in tapping their various lending programs to support you. The SBA is making disaster relief loans available to small businesses that can be accessed through its website. Banks do not engage directly in those loan requests. However, be advised we will take steps to help and guide you any way we can as you deal with the SBA in seeking access to those funds.
HCB has been and will continue to be at your side as you face the challenges that are in front of us. Together we will get through this and come out the other side stronger for having survived the challenge. We are here for you.
Sincerely,
Ralph Tapscott
President and CEO