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California Green Fund Expands Statewide Following Commercial Bank of California’s Acquisition of Community Bank of the Bay

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February 20, 2025
Press Release
Minute Read

Fund Now Accessible to Interested Clients Across the State to
Drive Sustainable Growth

Irvine and Oakland, California – (Feb. 20, 2025) – Today, Commercial Bank of California (CBC) announces the expansion of the California Green Fund, a program dedicated to supporting sustainable projects by offering financing to businesses and organizations committed to environmental stewardship. Previously known as the Bay Area Green Fund, the name change reflects the recent acquisition of Community Bank of the Bay (CBB), expanding the program’s reach beyond the Bay Area to now include clients across California.Bank clients can participate in the California Green Fund by designating one or more deposit accounts, knowing that the funds in those accounts will be used exclusively to support sustainable projects. The California Green Fund resulted in over $50 million for green initiatives since its launch in 2006. It supports businesses and organizations that focus on sustainable initiatives such as clean energy, waste reduction, green real estate and sustainable food systems. The expansion is a direct result of the merger of CBC and CBB, bringing together two powerhouse institutions committed to offering innovative solutions that empower businesses to contribute to the health of the environment.

“We’re thrilled to extend the California Green Fund to clients across the state,” said Ash Patel, CEO, president & chairman of Commercial Bank of California. “The expansion of this fund represents our commitment not only to fostering economic growth but also driving a sustainable future. By offering financing solutions for green initiatives, we’re helping our clients make a lasting, positive impact on California’s environment.”

The California Green Fund has already proven successful, with many clients eager to partner with a financial institution that shares their values. Bill Keller, former CEO of Community Bank of the Bay and now chairman of the Northern California Advisory Board at Commercial Bank of California, emphasized the success and growing demand for such programs. “We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from businesses, organizations and individuals who want to make a difference. They’re looking for banking partners who support sustainable initiatives rather than funding projects that don’t prioritize environmental responsibility. The California Green Fund gives them an avenue to align their banking relationship and investments with their values.”

With access to funding for projects in five key environmental categories—Waste Reduction, Clean Energy, Green Real Estate, Environmental Stewardship, and Sustainable Food Systems—the California Green Fund aims to help businesses of all sizes invest in and execute their sustainability goals.

This expansion marks an important milestone for both banks as they continue to support the state’s businesses and organizations while advocating for sustainable development. The California Green Fund is now accepting new clients. CBC invites businesses and individuals to open a Green Fund checking or savings account and contribute to driving investment in sustainable projects. Contact CBC today to learn more.

About Commercial Bank of California
Commercial Bank of California is a full-service bank and diversified financial services company serving the business and professional communities of the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Orange County. Recognized as a BauerFinancial, Inc. “Four-Star Excellent Bank” for its financial strength and stability, CBC provides the financial expertise of a major bank while maintaining a commitment to personalized service for every CBC client. CBC is heavily focused on community reinvestment and has been named one of So Cal’s Best Places to Work each year since 2022. For more information, please visit www.cbcal.com.

 

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein may constitute forward-looking statements.  Although Commercial Bank of California believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Commercial Bank of California’s expectations include fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations, and economic conditions and competition in the geographic and business areas in which Commercial Bank of California conducts its operations.