Mississippi-Based BancorpSouth Bank to Acquire National United Bancshares

On December 2, Tupelo, Mississippi-based BancorpSouth Bank announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with National United Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Gatesville-based National United, pursuant to which National United will be merged with and into BancorpSouth. The merger is anticipated to close during the first half of 2021. National United, established in 1889, … Read more

Texas Bankers Foundation Commits $100,000 to Support ‘State-of-the-Art’ Banking Program at Texas Southern University

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), has committed $100,000 over three years to the Future Bankers Leadership Program at the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University (TSU), which will prepare students for careers in the field of banking. The all-new banking program will launch in … Read more

Central Bank to Open Full-Service Branch in Houston’s Lower Heights District

Houston-based Central Bank will soon have a home in the city’s Lower Heights District mixed-use development. The bank will open the doors for its newest full-service branch at 2799 Katy Frwy., Ste. 150, on January 11. The new location, which replaces the Midtown Houston branch at 2217 Milam St., will provide business and personal banking services in … Read more

Several Texas Financial Institutions Named ‘Top 100 Places to Work’ by Dallas Morning News

Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas, one of the oldest independently owned banks in Texas, has made The Dallas Morning News’ “Top 100 Places to Work 2020” list in the large-company category. This is the 11th time the bank has achieved this significant recognition as a top employer in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. In addition, … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Yennik Inc. with 2020 President’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Yennik Inc. with the IBAT President’s Award. R. Kinney Williams, Yennik president and founder, accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the company during the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal (46th Annual Convention), which was presented virtually earlier this month. The IBAT President’s Award is given at the … Read more

Rawls College of Business Establishes E.W. & J. David Williams Institute for Community Banking & Finance

With approval from the Texas Tech University System’s Board of Regents at its October 16 meeting, Texas Tech University’s Jerry S. Rawls College of Business has established the E.W. & J. David Williams Institute for Community Banking & Finance. Made possible by a generous gift from longtime Texas Tech supporter and community bank executive J. … Read more

FDIC Issues Report on the Importance of Community Banks in Paycheck Protection Program Lending

An analysis of call report data from FDIC-insured banks finds that community banks are playing a vital role in supporting small businesses through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Community banks hold nearly a third of all bank-held PPP loans, compared to holding only 15 percent of all bank loans, according to a … Read more

Texas Panhandle Boasts Numerous ‘Best Banks to Work For’ in 2020

American Banker, along with Best Companies Group, recently cited 85 financial institutions across the U.S. as inductees on its 2020 “Best Banks to Work For” list. The recognition honors U.S. banks for outstanding employee satisfaction. It’s no surprise that a number of Texas-based community banks are included on the list. What’s interesting, though, is the … Read more

First Financial Named One of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek

Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares has announced that its subsidiary, First Financial Bank NA, has been named to Newsweek magazine’s inaugural listing of “America’s Best Banks 2021.” Newsweek’s ranking recognizes the financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs in each state. First Financial Bank was recognized as the No. 1 bank in Texas. The announcement … Read more

Happy State Bank to Acquire First Bank of Muleshoe

In a joint statement on October 29, J. Pat Hickman, chairman of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank, and Tommy Gunstream, chairman of Muleshoe-based Muleshoe Bancshares Inc., announced that Happy State Bank is acquiring Muleshoe Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, First Bank of Muleshoe, through a series of mergers. A Texas state bank, First Bank of Muleshoe … Read more