Do the right thing.
This simple phrase drives how we do business, how we care for our clients, how we help our hometowns flourish, and how we face crises.
It’s also the mantra of our people – our associates, our clients, and our community partners who, when disaster strikes, immediately roll up their sleeves and ask passionately, “how can I help?”
With 150 mph sustained winds and double-digit storm surge, Hurricane Ida delivered a devastating punch to Southeast Louisiana, but our team and our partners were ready to jump into action.
A people-first approach
Within 72 hours of the catastrophic landfall, Hancock Whitney began ensuring people had access to the basic necessities most in need following a disaster.
During the first 10 days following the storm, more than 150 associates traveled from across our five-state footprint to serve Southeast Louisiana communities, accounting for nearly 1,100 volunteer hours. Our neighbors were grateful for the nearly 40,000 meals and 160 tons of ice distributed, but even more so for the warm smiles and words of encouragement that helped provide hope.
Beyond necessities, people need access to cash in the early days of recovery. To ensure our financial centers could reopen, numerous associates from as far away as Tallahassee, Florida, left the comfort of home and their families to restore business operations in hard-hit communities like Houma, Thibodaux, Galliano, and Morgan City. Because of their selfless actions, fellow associates who call these impacted communities home were able to focus on their own recovery plans. Additionally, this associate support allowed Hancock Whitney to open 40 percent of its financial centers in impacted communities within four days, and open 88 percent within 10 days of the storm for residents who needed fast access to cash and other financial services.
These displays of service prove you can’t out-ask a Hancock Whitney associate. Every time the company asks for help, our people deliver and exceed all of our expectations.
Paying it forward
Operating across the Gulf Coast, it’s likely most of our clients have experienced the impacts of a hurricane, and many have been on the receiving end of recovery outreach efforts. We are very fortunate to have an outpouring of support from our business clients who are willing to step up to pay it forward to communities in need, no matter where disaster strikes.
As the storm clouds cleared, it was evident communities needed to restore infrastructure for vital services. Taylor Power Systems led the efforts in helping Hancock Whitney secure 20 generators for the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans that helped power the city’s pump stations following catastrophic power outages.
Other partners like Pelican Ice ensuring four truckloads of ice were available to serve associates and the public, to Macro Companies and Specialty Fuel Services transporting fuel to our associates across Louisiana, highlight how our recovery efforts are dependent on strong, reliable and like-minded partners. We are grateful for their help in jumpstarting recovery for our friends and neighbors.
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