The CommunityBanker 18 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) discussions in the investing world have quickly become ubiquitous. ESG criteria are standards of a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. Social criteria examine its relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates. Governance evaluates a company’s leadership, executive pay, internal controls, and shareholder rights. In this article, we’re going to focus on the “E” in ESG. In 1946, Oscar-award-winning composer Richard Sherman wrote “It’s A Small World (After All),” a song likely on the Top Ten list of earworms for anyone who has visited Disneyland or Disney World in Orlando. Seventyfive years later, everyday events keep reminding us that Mr. Sherman’s catchy sentiment was right on the money. No matter if you live in Richmond, Rome, or Rio, you likely shared similar concerns about the COVID-19 virus, whether it was fear of falling ill, the stability of your job or bank, or the impact on your family, friends, or local Banking on the “E” in ESG Community bankers have always stepped up to be the backbone in the large cities or small towns they serve. Community bankers were at the forefront of the mission to provide PPP loans to the small businesses in their markets. The industry proved it could be nimble in a time of great distress. Their communities needed community bankers, and they answered the call. By Steven D. Halpern, YHB|CPAs & Consultants
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw