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Whether you’re a native Floridian or a guest from afar, there’s no question that Florida is known for its citrus. What used to be one of Florida’s most booming industries has experienced many challenges over the past 75 years. Even with obstacles, citrus is more than simply stocking grocery store shelves: it’s about the relationships built with farmers, producers, and the community.

 

The citrus field’s continued production remains founded on relationships. From growers to distributors, those in the industry work to provide the highest quality of citrus to people all over the world. These relationships are the key to success regardless of the challenges that arise. Similarly, Webb Tanner, Chief Executive Officer and President of Food Partners, understands the need for relationships to build a lasting impact in the industry, including local banking relationships with Bank of Central Florida.

 

Mr. Tanner’s story starts before he founded Food Partners. Graduating from the University of Florida, he knew he would work in the commercial citrus sector. He started his professional career working at a citrus processing company before founding Food Partners in 1999. His company specializes in providing quality juice and fruit ingredient products based on the unique needs of their clients. Over the years, Mr. Tanner has seen how citrus has changed, and he has continued to pursue growth by diversifying Food Partner’s range of products. With the various citrus products at the center of their growth strategy, they have been able to expand their partnerships internationally.

 

As they continue to grow, Food Partner’s philosophy of building relationships with clients reflects Mr. Tanner’s desire to build the business on dedication and quality. Because of the company’s dedication to their consumers, Mr. Tanner knew he needed a bank who could provide financial solutions that keep up with Food Partner’s demand while having accessibility to a Relationship Manager. That’s when Bank of Central Florida became involved.

 

Mr. Tanner has appreciated the bank’s mission of serving clients beyond transactions. “Bank of Central Florida is not just a central Florida bank, but a bank that serves at the international level,” he explains, “Bank of Central Florida helps us achieve the same transaction availability as multinational banks, but their point of differentiation is their local connection.” 

 

As Food Partners continues to operate internationally it is important for their team to have the ability to manage cash flow on-the-go. With Bank of Central Florida, Mr. Tanner and his team can now work efficiently using their treasury management services like Check and ACH Positive Pay without unease.

 

As their previous Chief Financial Officer, Deanna Rhodes-Tanner also appreciates Bank of Central Florida’s continued focus on bank security, especially when Food Partners experienced multiple fraudulent threats. “When we opened, the most challenging barrier we faced was the lack of access to someone who can help you solve your problem,” Mrs. Rhodes-Tanner explains. “They were instrumental in educating our team on proactively fighting against fraud and how we can move money more securely. Bank of Central Florida’s personalized service and local expertise is greatly appreciated as a local business who operates internationally.”

 

When asked why Food Partners continues to work with Bank of Central Florida, Mr. Tanner counts on their ability to take care of his business’s financial needs without having to ask twice. “We could call up [Bank of Central Florida] employees, and they would respond to us promptly without hassle,” he continues, “the important part is getting prompt resolution with the people we know.” Through Food Partner’s partnership with Bank of Central Florida, Mr. Tanner is confident that their team can guide them through their financial journey moving towards long-term financial growth.