On September 8, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced the three winners of its coveted Five*Star Award: Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford LLP (tier 1); CalTech (tier 2); and Fitech Payments (tier 3).
Since 2002, IBAT’s Five*Star Award has recognized associate members that routinely provide excellent service and innovative solutions to help community banks grow, enhance profits and gain efficiency. One award is given in each of three tiers, which are based on the number of employees. To be in consideration for the Five*Star Award, an associate member must earn enough engagement points—gained through participation in IBAT and industry events, etc.—to be in the top 10 percent of its tier. IBAT member banks then vote to determine the winner in each tier. Criteria used to determine this year’s winners included service excellence, human relationships, integrity, commitment to the community banking industry and exceptional value to the banks they serve.
“It is our pleasure to recognize this year’s Five*Star Award winners that not only support Texas community banks through their exceptional products and services, but also through their industry advocacy efforts,” says Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO. “These companies are dedicated to and passionate about our industry, and IBAT member banks are extremely appreciative.”
Tier 1 winner Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford is a law firm built for community banks. It specializes in providing legal services to community banks throughout the country on a full range of corporate, securities, governance, regulatory matters and mergers and acquisitions. All of its partners are alumni of financial institutions practice groups within large international law firms, bringing a wealth of sophisticated experience in representing financial institutions.
Tier 2 winner CalTech specializes in optimizing technology for financial institutions by designing unique business-aligned IT strategies. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry, CalTech’s services are designed to increase financial institutions’ profitability and efficiency while ensuring security. Its mission is to build lasting relationships and deliver value through exceptional technology services.
Finally, Tier 3 winner Fitech Payments is a leading provider of payment processing solutions delivered to business owners through their community bank. Established in 2008 and headquartered in downtown Fort Worth, it helps community banks across the country increase bank income, while delivering best-in-class solutions to their customers. Fitech Payments is committed to helping its bank partners grow and maintain their payment processing business, as well as providing onboarding, set up, day-to-day assistance with questions and customer care with pride.
The three Five*Star Award winners will be recognized on October 6 as part of the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal, the association’s virtual convention.
