#United States #Corporate Responsibility #SouthState Bank #Winter Haven #Stewardship Report

SouthState Bank's 2026 Corporate Stewardship Report

On March 3, 2026, SouthState Bank unveiled its sixth edition of the Corporate Stewardship Report, highlighting the organization's unwavering commitment to community engagement, colleague support, and environmental sustainability. This year's report captures a pivotal moment for the bank, celebrating the successful merger with Independent Financial, which expanded their operations into Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee. '

LeDon Jones, the Director of Corporate Stewardship at SouthState, articulated the significance of the report, stating, "Each year, this document underlines our transparency and the initiatives we implement to enhance the communities we operate in and foster the well-being of our staff. It outlines how our corporate culture propels us toward meaningful progress and long-term success."

Commitment to Community

The report showcases a remarkable commitment to community service, with $2.57 billion dedicated to CRA-eligible loans, which significantly impacts local economies. SouthState employees dedicated an impressive 22,900 hours to volunteer efforts, engaging with over 1,300 organizations. The bank also pushed forward with $792 million in community development loans and invested $348 million to support economic development and affordable housing projects. Furthermore, SouthState provided about $9.3 million in down payment assistance to 506 customers, helping them achieve their homeownership dreams.

Commitment to Colleagues

In supporting its workforce, SouthState Bank allocated $197,000 in financial assistance to 101 employees via The Sunshine Fund, addressing unexpected financial hardships. Additionally, the bank continues to nurture leadership through its ReMARKable Leader program, which has seen 78 participants graduate and move into positions where they can contribute uniquely to the organization.

Commitment to Corporate Stewardship

The bank emphasizes robust governance and diversity, maintaining a seasoned board of directors where 60% have CEO-level experience and 27% with senior executive backgrounds at financial institutions. Furthermore, the workforce reflects the diversity of the communities served, with 13.43% of Black or African American and 9.72% of Hispanic/Latino employees. The Infoship program, focused on exposing college students to diverse careers in the banking sector, continues to thrive under the guidance of senior leaders.

Commitment to Environmental Resourcefulness

In terms of environmental sustainability, SouthState's continuous investment in technology allows both clients and employees to utilize digital solutions, leading to a notable reduction in their ecological footprint. The bank reports significant environmental savings, including 1.7 million gallons of water, 1.13 million pounds of CO2 emissions, and a reduction of 90,100 pounds of solid waste, along with preservation of 30.1 acres of forest through the adoption of eStatements by 48% of its customers.

The Corporate Stewardship Report serves as a testament to SouthState Bank's dedication to fostering transparency, community support, and environmental responsibility, showcasing how a financial institution can operate with a staunch commitment to corporate social responsibility. For more insights and details, the full report is accessible through the bank's Corporate Stewardship page.

In conclusion, SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is a leading financial services provider based in Winter Haven, Florida, serving over 1.8 million customers across multiple states, including Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee. Its continued focus on community engagement and corporate stewardship sets an example of how banks can deliver significant societal benefits while ensuring their long-term success.