Veritex Community Bank (Dallas) | Community Service
Welcome to Southern Dallas
In 2019, Veritex Community Bank joined several partners in the revitalization project of Cedar Crest Community Center including TREC Dallas, Troy Aikman, Jordan Spieth, and Clayton Kershaw. Veritex Community Bank is dedicated to transforming the community’s relationship with money and providing more resources to the underbanked in Southern Dallas.
Veritex Community Bank became the first bank to open its doors in Southern Dallas, which was known as a bank desert. The opportunity came from our community partner – Behind Every Door who led the way to reopen Cedar Crest Community Center. Inside this local community center, Veritex Community Bank now calls home to our Cedar Crest banking center.
State Bank of Texas (Dallas) | Architectural Design
The Legacy of SBT - 37 Years of Family Values
The new headquarters of State Bank of Texas presents the bank as a modern and progressive institution and a contemporary statement of its corporate culture and values. The bank was originally created to support Indian immigrants to obtain and begin the operation of real estate and hotels. Since its founding, State Bank of Texas has been a family institution and the family’s values have been a literal governing force behind its operations and growth. In part the building manifests those values in the design and further recognizes the heritage of the founders as immigrants from India that have had tremendous success and achieved the American Dream.
Located in Las Colinas, a planned development in Irving, Texas, the site is at a critical juncture of freeways, canals, and other much larger buildings that all become backdrop to the State Bank of Texas headquarters. The building is much smaller than its neighbors, but its presence is outsized due to careful detailing and an elevated level of refinement. These characteristics support an awareness of its place in the Las Colinas development and along the canal.
Texas Regional Bank (Harlingen) | Community Service
Let the Good Times Boil
How important is shrimp to a community? Well, if your community includes the team at Texas Regional Bank (TRB), you know they play a not-so-shrimpy role in supporting local non-profits. In 2023, TRB served 600 pounds of shrimp at TRB Shrimp Boils for a good cause. What’s more a-peeling? That same year, the TRB Signature Shrimp Boil Program raised over $85,000 for local non-profits in the communities TRB serves. Start with the purchase of locally caught shrimp, add in a spoonful of seasoned TRB volunteer cooks, mix with an abundance of support for a local non-profit, and you have a popular community service dish served by “The People You Know.”
Vista Bank (Dallas) | Financial Literacy
South Dallas Banking Center and Financial Literacy Center
Lubbock Smith’s journey at Vista Bank embodies dedication and community impact. Initially hired to focus on South Dallas, Lubbock expanded his role, championing diversity and community development across Vista Bank. His partnerships and active networking within the black community led to significant growth and understanding, touching thousands through financial literacy initiatives. The impact in a short time has been significant, directly touching 13,987 individuals, teaching financial literacy to 6,797 of them and contributing over $8mm. The
feedback directly related to Mr. Smith’s impact has been both overwhelming and humbling.
Vista Bank’s CEO, John Steinmetz, shares Lubbock’s vision, evident in the opening of the new South Dallas Banking Center, the first new bank in the South Dallas-Fair Park area in over 30 years—a symbol of economic empowerment and inclusivity. The center, with its Financial Literacy Center and partnerships, fosters collaboration and uplifts communities. Lubbock’s aspirations extend to replicating Vista Bank’s success in other markets, aligning with Steinmetz’s scalable vision for holistic community development and financial empowerment. Through these efforts, Vista Bank sets a standard for impactful banking, intertwining financial success with social progress for a brighter, more prosperous future.
Community National Bank (Midland) | Architectural Design
CNB Odessa & Lubbock Headquarters
Community National Bank of Midland initiated a project to simultaneously build two new headquarters in Odessa and Lubbock, emphasizing growth and innovation. In Odessa, the 8,000 square foot building features a striking exterior metal-clad monument wall and showcases local artwork and modern design elements throughout the interior. Similarly, the 11,000 square foot Lubbock headquarters integrates contemporary aesthetics with community-focused spaces, including a versatile community room for non-profits. Led by COO Brad Bullock, the projects prioritize creativity and collaboration with local architects and builders. Brad’s vision aimed to depart from traditional banking environments, focusing on change and innovation. These headquarters serve as symbols of the bank’s dedication to growth and community engagement. Brad Bullock, COO, emphasized that while customer behavior evolves, the construction of these buildings highlights the bank’s commitment to both Odessa and Lubbock. Not only do these buildings showcase the bank’s capabilities, but they provide employees with a source of pride and unity and customers with a sense of stability and community.
First Bank Texas (Willow Park) | Marketing
That's My Bank!
In a competitive environment where banking has become increasingly impersonal, First Bank Texas created the “That’s My Bank!” omnichannel campaign to demonstrate the bank’s commitment to personal banking relationships. At the heart of the campaign are stories of real customers whose lives have been personally improved by their banking relationship at First Bank Texas… so much so that when people ask them about First Bank Texas, they say “That’s My Bank!”
First National Bank Texas (Killeen) | Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy Program
In 2023, First National Bank Texas (FNBT) remained committed to conducting financial literacy education classes and programs aimed at enhancing the community's financial well-being. The bank ensured its employees were equipped with essential tools, training, and resources to effectively deliver financial literacy education, thereby addressing the financial health needs of the community.
FNBT maintained a particular focus on underserved communities, making them a priority in their financial literacy efforts. In collaboration with Banzai, FNBT contributed a total of $30,000 towards financial education curriculum for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) schools in 2023. This partnership reflects FNBT’s commitment to addressing financial education disparities and empowering individuals in all segments of the community to achieve financial stability.
Legend Bank (Bowie) | Bank Culture
Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) Committee
The Leadership Enrichment And Development (LEAD) Program was created in May 2023 because we felt it was important to our success to grow and develop future leaders of our organization.
We also know how important community banking is to the growth and development of the small towns that we serve. You can tell the impact that community banks have made just by driving through a small town with a community bank and seeing the difference in how the community thrives versus those that do not have the support and involvement of a community bank. Legend Bank was founded in a small town over 134 years ago and it’s an important priority to us to make a difference in the communities we serve. With this in mind, LEAD was also created to ensure that we are developing the next generation of community bank leaders within our bank.
Each executive team member nominated an employee from their specific area of responsibility within the bank to participate in the two-year LEAD program, and from that, eight individuals that had exhibited leadership qualities were selected to participate.
Lone Star National Bank (McAllen) | Community Service
Community Service and Financial Literacy Initiatives
At LSNB, we empower community members though service and financial literacy. Our employees are equally dedicated to community service and financial literacy initiatives, as we prioritize lasting change and fostering a culture of giving back. In 2023, our 100-member running team celebrated its 10th anniversary, exemplifying our commitment to health, teamwork, and community spirit. And, overall, our employees logged over 13,000 hours of community service, making a profound difference in the lives of those around us.
Sponsorships totaled more than $700,000 supporting nonprofits for cancer foundations, sports programs for disadvantaged kids, civic leadership, Boys and Girls Club events, university recruiting programs, scholarships, senior summits, Easterseals, the American Diabetes Association, Make a Wish, and more.
Our community outreach, business development, and banking center team members participated in close to 200 financial literacy and community events from Rio Grande City in Starr County to South Padre Island and north to San Antonio, impacting approximately 53,600 lives.
During Financial Literacy Month, we partnered with DHR Health to host former Astronaut José Hernández. Thousands of students heard him speak about his educational and career journey. At LSNB, we empower students to reach for the stars and achieve success in both their academic and financial endeavors.
Texas Bank (Henderson) | Community Service
Anna's Angel Tree
Texas Bank’s mission states that “We are dedicated to delivering personalized financial services and exceptional customer satisfaction by meeting the needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations of the hometowns we serve.” One of those hometowns Texas Bank serves lies just about 45 miles North of Dallas in the town of Anna, Texas. Even though our Anna Branch has only been opened since 2020, the Anna Staff have been working together in the Anna community together and have been heading up Anna’s Angel Tree since 2007. Most of the staff worked together with Texas Star Bank before it was acquired.
The goal for Anna’s Angel Tree is to provide Christmas for underprivileged students in the Anna ISD School District. All children should be able to have Christmas gifts during the Christmas season despite their home life and socioeconomic background. Anna’s Angel Tree helps to fill the gaps to ensure that all students of Anna ID have something for Christmas.
Despite the overall strains on the economy during 2023, Anna’s Angel Tree helped provide gifts to over 400 students in Anna ISD and raised additional cash gifts on top of the gift giving. People throughout the Anna community came together to provide Christmas cheer for underprivileged children. Texas Bank Anna Branch served as the sole collection and distribution point for the community to drop off gifts and funds. Anna staff meticulously organized, cataloged, stored, shopped, and distributed gifts. Every day for 2 months seemed like Christmas morning in our lobby. Throughout the event, Facebook was alive with Christmas Cheer pointing the community to come support Anna’s Angel Tree. Posts were made from Anna ISD’s Superintendent’s office, Chamber of Commerce, City Council, First Responders, and businesses throughout the Anna community.
TFNB Your Bank for Life (Waco) | Community Service
Charity Champions
Helping those who help others. This core belief has been at the heart of everything TFNB Your Bank for Life has done for the past 135 years, and it’s what drives their “Charity Champions” initiative.
Charity Champions was established in 2014 to commemorate the bank’s 125th anniversary, and to benefit the charitable organizations in Central Texas. Various types of non-profit organizations have been equipped over the years to carry out their mission and make a positive impact on the community thanks to the Charity Champion program.
Organizations must be nominated on the charitychampions.org website and have a service office located in McLennan County. Being selected as a TFNB Your Bank for Life Charity Champion comes with several benefits including a live, on-field/court presentation at a Baylor University home game, 30s spot about them, radio interview during the Baylor Alumni Network Tailgate Show, exposure on social media, marketing and grant writing interns, and leadership development provided by 360 Solutions. After 10 years of the program, 57 organizations have been recognized as TFNB Your Bank for Life Charity Champions, showcasing the success of the initiative in supporting and empowering local charities in the Central Texas community.
Veritex Community Bank (Dallas) | Financial Literacy
Strikeout for Financial Literacy
Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly approached Veritex Community Bank to begin a financial literacy program that would benefit teens. Veritex turned to our community partner, Junior Achievement of SE Texas leng them know that we would help raise funds for their financial literacy programs.
For every regular season strikeout pitched by Ryan Pressly, both he and Veritex Community Bank would donate $100 to Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. It wasn't just about the game; it was about the future of our children. Veritex Community Bank with the enthusiasm of World Series winning pitcher, Ryan Pressly and his wife Kat Pressly, raised $14,800 for financial literacy advocates, Junior Achievement (JA) of SE Texas.
Citizens State Bank (Woodville) | Bank Culture
Doing the Right Thing
In 2021, Citizens State Bank was acquired by GrahamJB6 Co. and began operation under the direction of CEO, President and Chairman Harry J. Brooks. Since the acquisition, CSB has undergone significant changes and experienced tremendous growth. Of those many changes, one of the most important is a culture change.
In January of 2023, we decided it was time to establish the culture and mission of Citizens State Bank moving forward. Through various team meetings and an offsite retreat including our Board of Directors, we were officially able to define who we are as a community bank and what we value.
As a bank, we operate under the defining principle of “Doing the Right Thing.” Doing the right thing by our clients, communities and team members.
Community National Bank & Trust of Texas (Corsicana) | Financial Literacy
Financial Wellness in Our Communities’ Schools Each Year
Build strong communities. It’s one of three main focuses in our mission statement at Community National Bank & Trust of Texas. In 2024, we adjusted our Financial Literacy program to do just that.
Financial literacy has been a constant at our bank, partnering with Banzai! to teach financial wellness in our communities’ schools each year. In 2024, we redefined our strategic initiatives to not only maintain our financial literacy efforts, but to expand them to serve our communities the best we can. Our objectives are to become a go-to resource in our communities (regardless of their bank partner), and to guide our neighbors to reach their financial goals through intentional and consistent learning programs.
First Bank Texas (Willow Park) | Community Service
Serving Through PPP
First Bank Texas believes small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, spirit and our communities. When government shutdowns in 2020 forced many small businesses to close their doors, First Bank Texas saw the urgent need of these integral members of their community and stepped in to help them navigate their options and secure their vital PPP funding to safeguard their businesses and preserve local livelihoods.
FirstBank Southwest (Amarillo) | Community Service
Banking Advisory Council
FirstBank Southwest CEO, Andy Marshall, wanted to learn the perspective of banking from the latest generation. Thus, the Banking Advisory Council (BAC) was born. The BAC is comprised of 15 high school seniors and college freshman/sophomores located throughout the Amarillo area. Each student had to go through a rigorous application process to be selected into the program.
The program consisted of 9 monthly meetings from September through May, with a formal graduation ceremony in June. In the meetings, each student would learn about banking, learn a leadership skill, then provide feedback on banking and finance. The Council also worked on three group projects and two community service projects throughout the year. For completing the program, each student received a $3,000 scholarship to their school of choice.
Lamar National Bank (Paris) | Financial Literacy
Fraud Awareness Program - Helping Protect Your Money and Personal Information
In 2023 Americans were victims to over $10 Billion in fraud losses. Each and everyday customers fall prey to an endless variety of financial and identity theft. The problem is so pervasive that law enforcement is helpless to stop this rampant problem. It is against this backdrop that Lamar National Bank felt compelled to try to help this epidemic in our communities. Our approach to the problem is to raise awareness by educating the community in which we serve. Our solution is to inform community members through public speaking engagements so they can recognize potential scams so that they can protect themselves.
Legend Bank (Bowie) | Marketing
Banking on Christmas
The Legend Bank Christmas video tradition continued in 2023 with “Banking on Christmas.” This was our seventh video since we started the annual Christmas video tradition in 2017. When brainstorming the concept for the video, we decided we wanted to do a Hallmark Christmas Movie parody. We saw this as a great opportunity to feature a bank customer as well as our bankers to create a story of “love and payments.” We also wanted to spotlight and build awareness of the Montague County Child Welfare Board (MCCWB) and the work they do to meet the needs of abused and neglected children in Montague County and to assist foster parents and Child Protective Services in aiding the children under their care. The MCCWB is in desperate need of a new Child Advocacy Center to provide their services. In 2023, Legend Bank made a significant financial contribution to aid in their fundraising efforts for the new center. By involving them in the Christmas video, we could spotlight their needs in a fun creative way, while also announcing our contribution.
TXN Bank (Hondo) | Architectural Design
Forging Two Bank Cultures into One Bank
In 2022 TXN Bank in Hondo was formed from the merger of Hondo National Bank and Community National Bank. As the merger of the two banks took shape it became clear to the ownership and leadership that a new facility would be necessary to meet the following goals: Bring
employees from two separate bank cultures and locations together under the new banner of TXN Bank in a modern workspace that provides room for future growth; Honor the legacy of Hondo National Bank and Community National Bank and the roles they have played in the Hondo community; and Provide customers with a banking facility that meets modern banking needs.
A location on the main thoroughfare in Hondo, HWY 90, was chosen which has provided convenient accessibility to customers as well as prominent visibility for visitors entering the Hondo City limits from the east.
To honor the rich local history, and that of the two banks, and establish a state-of the art facility that accommodates a 21st century community bank, design-build firm, New Ground, was engaged to spearhead the project. Throughout the construction journey members of the design-build firm, along with TXN Bank staff, researched community history and through various external resources and bank archives, uncovered elements that were used throughout the building. Especially important to the ownership was the preservation of the historic vault door, originally installed in The Hondo National Bank in 1950.
VeraBank (Longview) | Innovation
Re-imagining Our Digital Front Door
We live in a digital world, with more and more daily functions – both personal and professional – transitioning to our computers and mobile devices. That trend will only continue, making it imperative that financial institutions like ours evolve to stay relevant and grow.
At VeraBank, we are fully committed to not only meeting but exceeding our customers’ expectations. In the past year we completely re-imagined our digital front door for customers, introducing a new website; online and mobile banking platform; online account opening; and online loan origination. We invested well over $1 million in digital infrastructure alongside a significant investment in human capital to ensure successful implementation, adoption, and use of our digital portfolio.
VeraBank (Longview) | Marketing
Holiday Shopping Debit Card Campaign
With the VeraBank Holiday Shopping Debit Card Campaign, the Grinch didn’t stand a chance of ruining our debit card customers’ Christmas spirit! The primary campaign objective was to help combat fraud during the holiday shopping season through customer education regarding: common financial fraud scams; protecting personal financial information; digital wallets; and signature-based transactions.
Supporting these consumer behaviors is beneficial for both customers and VeraBank. Consumers win with fast, convenient, and secure transactions, and perhaps even more importantly by reducing their risk of fraud and its multitude of related losses and inconveniences. Our bank of course benefits from any consumer behaviors that diminish fraud risks, as well as increasing debit card transactions with higher average interchange revenue.
First Texas National Bank (Floydada) | Architectural Design
Rebranded and Opened First Branch in Sherman
After 134 years of continuous service, we rebranded and opened our first branch in Sherman, Texas. PhaseOne Design Builders were integral in our design and helping bring out culture, history, and vision and bringing it to life at our new location. They helped us create a banking environment that embodied our long, Texas history and blended it with progress that not only symbolizes our company, but the great state in which we get to operate.
FirstBank Southwest (Amarillo) | Bank Culture
Earned Time Off Program
One of FirstBank Southwest’s Guiding Principles is Community. We want to create a culture of community, to empower our employees to give back, to reward them for supporting causes that are dear to them. With this goal in mind, we created the Earned Time Off program. Employees can earn up to 2 additional days off per year, just by volunteering. We made the program very lenient to encourage high participation. Thus far the program has been very successful and vastly surpassed our expectations. Not only does this program reward employees, it also has increased our CRA credits.
Lone Star National Bank (McAllen) | Bank Culture
Employee Suggestion Program
Welcoming new employees and making them feel valued is crucial, our "Lunch with the President" events offer new hires a unique opportunity to engage with senior leadership, fostering belonging and open communication. And LSNB cultivates a culture where new ideas are celebrated. The Employee Suggestion Program encourages employees to submit ideas, ensuring innovation and improvements to operations. Employees can reach their full potential, contributing to their personal growth and the bank’s overall performance.
Lone Star National Bank (McAllen) | Innovation
Building Lasting Relationships With Our Customers and Helping Them Thrive Financially
Lone Star National Bank is not just a bank; it's a beacon of innovation in South Texas. We're committed to redefining banking through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. Our vision is clear: to be the largest premier independent community bank in the region, delivering quality sales and service with a smile.
At LSNB, we highlight our new small business clients by featuring their business on our social media platforms. We also created a summer series of Lunch and Learn Small Business Seminars and to date, we have hosted more than 200 business members who have signed up to attend our educational presentations. Additionally, our LSNB Reward Program benefits small businesses by offering exclusive rewards and incentives that help them grow and thrive.
Our mission is simple yet profound: build lasting relationships with our customers and help them thrive financially. We stand on the pillars of customer trust, employee empowerment, community pride, and shareholder value. These values drive us to excel in everything we do!
Texas Bank (Henderson) | Architectural Design
Main Bank Remodel
Texas Bank is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Henderson, Texas with eleven locations serving the East Texas and Dallas areas. We have approximately 170 employees and maintain an active, fresh website, a Facebook page, and an intuitive Online Account Opening Virtual Branch. Our mission states that “We are dedicated to delivering personalized financial services and exceptional customer satisfaction by meeting the needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations of the hometowns we serve.” One of those hometowns Texas Bank serves in the heart of East Texas in the city of Henderson, Texas. Henderson is home to three of our branches; one of which, is our Main Bank.
Calendar year 2023 marked two milestones for Texas Bank. First and foremost, 2023 marked our 50th anniversary serving our great communities. The second milestone was undertaking a massive remodel project at our Main Bank facility in Henderson. The attached documentation underscores our desire to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations in Henderson, Texas and throughout our footprint.
Woodforest National Bank (The Woodlands) | Innovation
AIC CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund: Lake Cliff Affordable and Workforce Housing Project
Woodforest National Bank® made a $26 million seed investment in AIC CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund, an innovative collaboration between Allivate Impact Capital® (AIC) and CEI-Boulos Capital Management.
The $50.1 million fund (closed March 2024) invests in high-impact commercial real estate projects in qualified Opportunity Zones. Fund projects create jobs, affordable / workforce housing, environmentally
sustainable focused real estate developments, Main Street revitalization and / or historic preservation developments.
AIC, launched in 2022 as subsidiary of Woodforest Financial Group (the Bank’s parent company), is an impact investing firm that leverages the strength of Woodforest’s 40+ years in financial services, and the
skills of its award-winning Community Development Team to deploy innovative capital solutions that elevate communities, alleviate poverty, and activate entrepreneurial ecosystems. AIC is as an ImpactAssets 50 2024 Emerging Impact Manager.
The AIC Team is creating positive social impact nationwide, including Dallas, Texas with Lake Cliff Affordable and Workforce Housing Project. The $3.4 million investment creates 250+ affordable workforce housing units, 745 jobs, and community revitalization for the South Dallas community.
The Fund also has two Texas commercial real estate projects in the investment pipeline with a targeted June 2024 investment close date.