SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): JANUARY 2, 2001
GULF WEST BANKS, INC.
-----------------------------------------
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
FLORIDA 000-23713 59-3276590
---------------------------- ------------ -------------------
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (COMMISSION IRS EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION) FILE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
425 22ND AVENUE NORTH
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33704
---------------------------------------- ----------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (727) 894-5696
NOT APPLICABLE
-----------------------------------------------------------
(FORMER NAME OR FORMER ADDRESS, IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORT)
<PAGE>
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
Gordon W. Campbell, Chairman and President of Gulf West Banks, Inc.
(Nasdaq:GWBK), announced today that Robert A. Blakley, President of Mercantile
Bank, has assumed additional responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of the
bank and Douglas Winton, Senior Executive Vice President of the bank, has been
named Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Blakley has served as President and COO of Mercantile since 1999. He assumes
the bank CEO duties from Gordon Campbell. Mr. Campbell will continue to serve as
Chairman of the bank as well as Chairman and President of the parent company,
Gulf West Banks, Inc., signaling an expanded focus on strategic issues and
investor relations for the company.
Bob Blakley is a 22-year veteran of Florida banking and has been employed with
Mercantile since 1991. He has overseen all credit functions of the bank during
his tenure, a period of significant asset and earnings growth. More recently as
COO he has helped steer branch growth and expansion as well as profit
enhancement efforts for the bank.
Doug Winton, a life-long bay area banker, has been with Mercantile since 1995.
As COO he has oversight responsibilities for marketing, retail banking,
technology and operations.
Mr. Campbell, commenting on the promotions said, "Our Company is fortunate to
have this caliber and depth of management. Bob Blakley and Doug Winton, along
with our Chief Financial Officer, Barry Miller, are three of the finest
community bankers in the state - each bringing unique strengths and experiences
to our team. Mercantile's opportunities for continued success under their
leadership are exciting."
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
GULF WEST BANKS, INC.
Date: January 4, 2001 By: /s/ BARRY K. MILLER
---------------------------------
Barry K. Miller,
Chief Financial Officer
