First National Bank of Eldorado to Acquire Loraine Branch of Western Bank

On January 8, the First National Bank of Eldorado and Lubbock-based Western Bank announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the First National Bank of Eldorado’s acquisition of the Loraine branch of Western Bank. The transaction is targeted for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2025. “We are excited to … Read more

Community Banks vs. the Big Banks: Leveling the Playing Field

By DR. SEAN PAYANT, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, HABERFELD In our ever-changing industry, many community bankers fall into the trap of trying to grow market share by following the lead of the “big banks.” Many of them are finding it just doesn’t work. Customers continue to flee from banks that focus on regular service charges and … Read more

Karnes County National Bank Establishes Holding Company for Growth

In November, Karnes City-based Karnes County National Bank announced the formation of Karnes County National Bancshares Inc., a new holding company for the bank, according to a report in the Beeville Bee-Picayune. “The move aims to maintain the bank’s independence while supporting future growth and ensuring its position as a premier community bank in South … Read more

Louisiana-based BOM Bank Completes Acquisition of Nine American State Bank Locations in Texas

On November 18, Natchitoches, Louisiana-based Grant Bancshares Inc., the holding company for BOM Bank, announced the completion of its acquisition of nine American State Bank locations across Texas. The acquired locations include branches in Haslam, Timpson, Center, Lufkin, Huntington, Chester and Conroe. With the expansion, BOM Bank now operates 26 branches and two operations facilities across … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Celebrates Opening of Montgomery Banking Center

On November 21, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank and the Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chambers of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new full-service banking center in Montgomery. The ceremony was well attended by both chambers and business leaders, the Austin Bank leadership team and employees, along with associates from the SLI Group … Read more

Frontier Bank Opening New Full-Service Location In Georgetown

After more than a year in temporary offices, Elgin-based Frontier Bank is relocating to a full-service Georgetown location on E. University Ave. The new facility marks the fourth full-service Williamson County location for Frontier Bank and the 12th overall for the Central Texas bank. Other Williamson County communities already served by the bank include Leander, … Read more

Oklahoma-based MidFirst Bank Completes Acquisition of Florida-based Amerant Bank Locations in Houston

On November 8, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based MidFirst Bank announced the completion of its acquisition of the Houston banking locations of Coral Gables, Florida-based Amerant Bank NA, the main subsidiary of Amerant Bancorp Inc. Through the acquisition, MidFirst gained Amerant’s Houston client relationships and added six banking locations and 45 employees. “Houston is a highly desirable and … Read more

The First National Bank of Central Texas Celebrates College Station Groundbreaking

On October 31, Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new branch in College Station. The state-of-the-art 21,000-square-foot building will be located at 4270 State Hwy. 6 S. The College Station team expects to move into the new building sometime in early 2026. The bank has been in … Read more

Amarillo National Bank Celebrates New Medical Center Branch with Community Donations

On October 17, Amarillo National Bank celebrated the grand opening of its 29th branch, located at the Amarillo Medical Center at 1700 Coulter St. This branch opening marks Amarillo National Bank’s first new branch in the city in 15 years. In honor of the new financial center, the bank presented two $25,000 donations to area … Read more

First Liberty National Banchares to Acquire First National Bank of Alvin and Pearland State Bank

On October 17, Charles McGuire, chairman of First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Liberty-based First Liberty Bank, and Kelly Stretcher, president and CEO of First Liberty Bank, announced that a definitive agreement has been executed wherein First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding … Read more