TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Coastal Bend Bancshares, the holding company for Corpus Christi-based First Community Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Port Lavaca-based First National Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. “Our roots along the Texas Gulf Coast run deep at First Community Bank,” notes Wes Hoskins, First Community … Read more
On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July. The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more
On July 1, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company for Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA, and Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Investar will acquire Wichita Falls for cash and stock consideration. The merger is … Read more
Dimmitt-based First United Bank has hired Drew C. Anderson to serve as president of the Lubbock market. He will office at the Lubbock-Northwest Banking Center located at 5802 4th St. He joins First United Bank with more than 25 years of experience. Anderson has served in key roles at First National Bank, Norwest, Wells Fargo … Read more
To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more
On March 5, Spearman-based First National Bank and Guymon, Oklahoma-based Bank of the Panhandle announced their intent to merge and become Panhandle First Bank. The two banks have frequently partnered over the past 39 years to serve their communities, and have determined that the communities will be better served by combining the two institutions into … Read more
A tornado tore through the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton last Thursday evening, June 15, killing three people, injuring dozens more and causing widespread damage. Perryton’s banks—including FirstBank Southwest, First National Bank, Perryton National Bank and Interstate Bank—were affected to varying degrees. While First National Bank was able to remain open the day after the … Read more
Longtime banker Emmet Ross Harris, affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren, passed away on October 10. He was 75. In 2010, Harris was diagnosed with liver cancer. After exhausting other treatment options, he received a liver transplant in 2012. He was fortunate to receive this gift of life from an unknown organ donor, … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2021 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and four other states traveled to the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions … Read more