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Trendsetters - March 2006
The Fast Track
 Sam Davis will head American Commerce Bank. |
There are de novos -- new banks with usually around $15 million in startup capital -- and there are super de novos like 2002's U.S. Century Bank, with its then Florida-record $30 million in startup capital, and Great Florida Bank, with $60 million in 2004. Now there's a new record-holder aiming for a June opening in Tampa -- American Commerce Bank with $100 million.
Sam Davis II, 58, who once ran half of Florida for Barnett Bank, was tapped as president by Texas businessman Donald A. Adam, who is putting up $91 million of that $100 million. The statewide bank would serve commercial real estate customers, corporations, small businesses and professionals. The board is a who's who of the connected: Developers Mel Sembler in St. Petersburg, James Pugh Jr. in Orlando and Lee Arnold Jr. in Clearwater; Orlando consultant Dick Batchelor, Naples hospital and healthcare system President Dr. Allen Weiss; and University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft.
Three in the Pipeline
Twenty-five de novo bank applications were filed with the state in 2005. Here are the people behind three of the most recent:
C. Alan Renfroe, 54, president, CEO, Hometown Community Bank, Crestview. Has raised $15 million. Renfroe was CEO of First National Bank of Crestview.
Freddy G. Carr, 49, chairman, president, CEO, Destin First Bank. Aiming for $15 million to $18 million. Carr was executive VP of Destin Bank.
Brenda O'Neil, 53, chairwoman and CEO, Preferred Community Bank, Fort Myers. Wants to raise $9.5 million to $14 million. Was president, CEO, Premier Community Bank, Fort Myers.
