Texas Banking

The Road to Recovery

If one is looking for bad news stories about the US economy they are easy to find. Earlier this year the focus was on a decline in business investment, which was declared by some commentators to be a potential harbinger of a recession. Recently, worries about credit markets and mortgage lenders have taken center stage, with sub-prime borrowers about to run into steep resets on their mortgage payments. Despite credit market and housing market turmoil, nothing fundamental has changed. The econo...

Who's Who Among Hispanic Banking Executives

Today, particularly in South Texas, the barriers to entry at the upper levels of banks have been removed, and Hispanics are increasingly being accepted in banking leadership positions by both their banks and communities. Part of the reason is the upward mobility of Hispanics in general. This paper recently interviewed some of the state's top Hispanic bankers, many of whom have risen up the career ladder through different methods and under different circumstances. Some suffered discrimination,...

First Class Graduates From Tba's Management Development Program

The inaugural class of TBA's Management Development Program completed its fifth and final session, concluding what some say is a life-changing experience. During the students farewell speeches they all talked about what they gained from the 18-month program and how they will carry on the principles of teamwork, communications and planning. These future leaders will share with one another best practices, experiences and invaluable resources. Because the graduation session coincided with the be...

Most Consumers Pay $3 or Less On Monthly Fees

Sixty-five percent of consumers spend $3 or less in monthly fees for bank services such as checking account maintenance and ATM access, according to a recent survey by the American Bankers Association. The annual survey of 1,000 consumers typically asks questions designed to take a snapshot of current consumer trends. The results are reflective of the increasing competitive focus among banks to provide the best customer services. While some consumer groups place focus on avoidable fees at the...

Banking Bytes

Chairman's Forum

Tba Staff Works for You

Two years ago, the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) began a self-assessment process and corporate culture survey as part of a continuing effort to better serve its members. Through the author's association with TBA, he has learned that TBA has one of the most professional and dedicated staffs that he has ever worked with. They are dedicated to serving everyone, their customer, and working hard to do the best job possible for "their bankers." Wherever one is located and whatever one's bank size...

News & Trends

Usaa Reunites Military Family

USAA, a Fortune 200 company providing financial services to the military and their families, launched a joint effort with Strikeouts For Troops, a national nonprofit organization that assists war-wounded veterans, with a surprise homecoming at Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards. During Military Appreciation Day at the ballpark, USAA reunited a deployed sailor with his family. A growing number of all-stars throughout professional baseball are joining Strikeouts For Troops, and are making ...

Sterling Bank Brings Texas History to Life

The Alamo was history, and rebellious Texians set about creating a nation after winning the final battle with Mexico at San Jacinto. In 1836, Texas became an independent republic sandwiched between Mexico and the still young USA. Within a decade, Texas would join its neighbor to the east as the 28th state. Artifacts, documents and personal items from key figures of that era will go on display October 19 at Sterling Bank's Greenville Banking Center in Dallas. The Dallas Historical Society, whi...

First Financial Announces Plans for Third Granbury Area Location

Wells Fargo Donates $500,000

Tba Calendar of Events

Ibc Bank Hits Growth Milestone of 250 Branches

What's Hot With Tbasco

Pentegra Offers Full-Service Approach to Retirement Plans

Support for the Hr Manager

Human resources managers at small and medium-sized banks have their plates full with a multitude of daily responsibilities, involving everything from payroll processing and benefits management to recruiting and government compliance. It is difficult for one person to posess all of the necessary skills or knowledge of an entire team. A professional employer organization serves as a full-service HR department for small and medium-sized banks, providing much-needed support to HR managers and usi...

Your Advocate

Fight Against Fcs Expansion Plans Continues

The Farm Bill is responsible for providing farmers with invaluable assistance that enables them to continue producing crops for American families. Under the terms of the 2002 Farm Bill, if a new Farm Bill or a reauthorization was not passed by September 30, this assistance would disappear. What one may not know, however, is that the Farm Credit System lobbied hard to attach its expansion plan, known as the Horizons Project, onto this vital piece of legislation. It appears at press time that r...

Message From The President

Good Vibrations in Sunny San Diego

Banker To Banker

Fnb Byers Celebrates 100 Years of Service

The First National Bank of Byers celebrated 100 years of service to the citizens of Byers, Wichita Falls and Clay Counties on June 8 and 9. The events coincided with the 103rd anniversary of the city of Byers. In 1904, with the railroad station in place, the town really began to grow. Newspapers, schools and churches soon followed, which prompted a local group of eight investors to charter the First National Bank of Byers. To further diversify the bank's market area a branch was opened in Wic...

Legal Hotline

Answers to Your Legal Questions

Community Banker: Spotlight

Rio Bank - Where Everybody Knows Your Name

In the last 13 years, Rey Hernandez, first EVP, Rio Bank, has grown with Rio Bank in McAllen. When Hernandez started at Rio Bank in 1994, he was a part-time teller working at the bank's single location. After two years with the bank and a college diploma in hand, he became a full time employee and began management training. Since Hernandez started working at Rio Bank a lot has changed, including management and the type of business they focus on. Previously a retail bank, now Rio Bank is more ...

From The Editor

Spotlight On Hispanic Bankers

Banker's Roundtable

What Is the Main Thing You Learned From the Management Development Program?

Several bank executives shared their views on the main things they learned from the Management Development Program (MDP). For Carolyn Bruha, VP of San Angelo Banking Center-FNB, the MDP program taught her the importance of teamwork. Danny Cremeens, SVP of Fidelity Bank, Wichita Falls, said MDP is all about the practical application of leadership skills. The MDP program has given him a different outlook into the future of his banking career and where it will go from here, shared David Tarver, ...