Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Publication Touts Kleberg Bank’s Internship Program

Kingsville-based Kleberg Bank is featured in the latest issue of The Islander magazine for its robust internship program. The Islander, published by Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU–CC), touts the community bank for helping cultivate “a vibrant South Texas workforce by connecting students and employers through internships and, ultimately, permanent employment. TAMU-CC’s Career and Professional Development … Read more

Texas First Bank to Open New Branch in Beaumont in January

Texas City-based Texas First Bank has announced plans to open a new full-service banking center in Beaumont in January 2022. The location—at 6363 Phelan Blvd., just east of Dowlen Rd.—will be the 27th banking center in the family-owned and operated Texas First Bank network. The Beaumont team will include Michelle Bowen, banking center manager (transferring … Read more

First Foundation Inc. Completes Acquisition of TGR Financial and First Florida Integrity Bank

Dallas-based First Foundation Inc., a financial services company with two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, announced that it has completed its acquisition of TGR Financial Inc. and its bank subsidiary, Naples, Florida-based First Florida Integrity Bank, a Florida state-chartered bank with seven branch offices located throughout Southwest Florida, plus … Read more

Home BancShares Receives State Approval for Merger with Happy Bancshares

On December 16, Home BancShares Inc., the parent company of Conway, Arkansas-based Centennial Bank, announced that it has received approval from the Arkansas State Banking Board and the Arkansas State bank commissioner of its applications for the previously announced merger with Happy Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank. On December 15, … Read more

Home Bancorp Announces Expansion Into Houston and Agreement to Acquire Friendswood Capital Corp.

On December 16, Home Bancorp Inc., the holding company of the 113-year-old Lafayette, Louisiana-based Home Bank NA, and Friendswood Capital Corp., the holding company of Houston-based Texan Bank NA, jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement and plan of merger under which Home Bancorp will acquire Friendswood Capital Corp. in an all-cash transaction. The … Read more

Two Texas Community Banks Included in Independent Banker’s ‘Best Community Banks to Work For’ in 2021

Independent Banker magazine published its list of the 2021 “Best Community Banks to Work For” in its December issue. Five community banks across the U.S. made the list, each according to the bank’s asset size, and two of the five are headquartered in Texas: Corsicana-based Community Bank & Trust of Texas and Gainesville-based First State … Read more

Woodforest National Bank and FHLB Dallas Award More Than $250K in Disaster Aid

When February’s ice storm caused unprecedented power outages throughout much of Texas, Yeneka Younger (pictured above) shivered in an unheated Dallas home for days. But that wasn’t the worst of it. The freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst in her kitchen resulting in extensive water damage to her cabinets and flooring. The Woodlands-based Woodforest National … Read more

Peoples State Bank Celebrates Golden Anniversary in 2021

This year marks Shepherd-based Peoples State Bank’s golden anniversary and the bank recently celebrated the occasion in grand style. Bank staff, Texas banking industry leaders and members of the community gathered on October 2 in Shepherd for an anniversary bash that included barbecue, door prizes, give-aways, a performance by the Kenny Martin Band and bounce … Read more

California-based East West Bank Honors First Responders with Contribution to Houston Police Foundation

Pasadena, California-based East West Bank, which operates 13 locations in Texas and the Southwest, recently honored Houston’s first responders by contributing $10,000 to the Houston Police Foundation. The contribution was presented to Houston Police Foundation Executive Director Charlene Floyd, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and Houston Assistant Police Chief Ban Tien at a public safety … Read more

Simmons First National Corp. and Spirit of Texas Bancshares Announce Intent to Merge

On November 19, Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based Simmons First National Corp., the holding company for Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based Simmons Bank, and Conroe-based Spirit of Texas Bancshares Inc. announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Simmons will acquire Spirit, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Spirit of Texas Bank SSB, in a transaction consisting … Read more