TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

community banking

Southern Bancshares and SouthStar Bank Sign Agreement to Merge with Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp

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Omaha, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Southern Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Moulton-based SouthStar Bank. SouthStar Bank has $1.35 billion in assets with 16 full-service locations in Central Texas: Austin, Bee Cave, Brazoria, Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Georgetown, Gonzales, Harker Heights, Hearne, Kerrville, Leander, Moulton, Round Rock and Shiner. In … Read more

Third Coast Bancshares Announces Agreement to Acquire Oklahoma-based Great Plains Bancshares

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On October 7, Third Coast Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Humble-based Third Coast Bank, and Great Plains Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based Great Plains National Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Third Coast will acquire Great Plains in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately … Read more

Salazar Named Amarillo Market President at Bank19

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In October, Memphis, Texas-based Bank19 announced the appointment of Ernesto J. Salazar as Amarillo market president as the bank seeks to expand its presence and strengthen its relationships across the Texas Panhandle. He brings more than 35 years of banking experience serving business owners, commercial clients, professionals and individuals. Salazar will lead Bank19’s Amarillo market … Read more

Community Bankers Bestow IBAT Chairman’s Award to VeraBank’s Tidwell and Renzetti

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The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Brad Tidwell and Claire Renzetti with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions extend beyond service to IBAT and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the community banking industry as a whole. IBAT’s 2025–26 Chair Greg Wilson, … Read more

Community Bankers Honor IntraFi’s Blackwell with IBAT President’s Award

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Rob Blackwell, chief content officer and head of external affairs at Arlington, Virginia-based IntraFi, with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond … Read more

Community Bankers’ 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio Will be an Event to Remember

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Community bankers from across the state will gather in San Antonio later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 52nd Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 19–22 at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Adds Southern Methodist University’s Sawers to Board of Trustees

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The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business (SWGSB) has added a new trustee to its board of advisors. Kit Sawers, inaugural CEO of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) new Dallas office and a vice president of the university, has joined the SWGSB board as the SMU representative. In her … Read more

Louisiana-based Investar Bank Rings Nasdaq Closing Bell in Celebration of 20 Years of Service

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On August 24, members of the leadership team at Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA rang the Nasdaq Closing Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City’s Times Square. The ceremonial bell ringing marks a significant milestone for Investar Bank as it celebrates 20 years of serving customers, supporting communities and building relationships across … Read more

Pilgrim Bank Adds Bockman to Lending Team

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Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank announced that it has added Garrett Bockman to its lending team. He will serve customers in Wise County and surrounding North Texas communities. Bockman brings experience in commercial and community banking, including leadership roles with The Community Bank in Bridgeport, American National Bank & Trust in Decatur and First State Bank in … Read more

Future Financial Bankshares to Acquire Palmer Bancshares and Commercial State Bank

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On July 17, Plano-based Future Financial Bankshares Inc., a recently formed Texas corporation, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Palmer Bancshares Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Palmer-based Commercial State Bank. Future Financial Bankshares was founded by CEO Jeffrey A. Kesler, a seasoned banker with more than 25 years of experience. … Read more