Community Bankers Heading to Capitol Hill in February to Advocate and Broaden Awareness

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will host community bank leaders from across the state during its 32nd Annual Congressional Visit, February 24–26 in the nation’s capital. During the event, community banks will meet with key policymakers to bring greater awareness to the community banking industry’s legislative and regulatory agenda and share personal accounts … Read more

Two Texas Community Banks Included in Independent Banker’s ‘Best Community Banks to Work For’ in 2025

Independent Banker magazine, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA),  published its list of the 2025 “Best Community Banks to Work For” in the December issue. Five community banks across the U.S. made the list, each according to the bank’s asset size, and two of the five are headquartered in Texas: … Read more

Community Bankers Saddle Up for Fort Worth Convention in September

Community bankers from across the state will gather in Fort Worth later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 51st Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 20–23 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, the convention will feature … Read more

Texas Bankers Included in Independent Banker Magazine’s 2025 ‘40 Under 40’ List of Community Bank Leaders

On June 3, Independent Banker magazine, the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its seventh annual “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders” list, recognizing the rising stars transforming community banking through innovation, leadership and service. Several Texas-based bankers were included on the list, which represents a diverse mix of emerging … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Announces New Leadership and Additions to Board of Trustees

The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University has announced new leadership and added three new trustees to its board of advisors. T. Gary Hudson, former president and CEO and current board member of Farmers & Merchant’s Bank, is the new SWGSB chair and R. Scott … Read more

Texas Community Bankers Make Their Case on Capitol Hill

During the last week of February, a large group of Texas community bankers made their voices heard in Washington, D.C. More than 140 members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) and other representatives of the state’s community banking industry visited influential lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill. The message of community bankers … Read more

State Bank of Texas Tops Independent Banker’s List of Best-performing Community Banks Again

In May, Independent Banker, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), published its annual list of the “Best-performing Banks 2024,” which includes 10 banks based in Texas. According to a press release from Independent Banker, “These community banks hit their stride in 2024, and they intend to keep the momentum going … Read more

In Memoriam: Security State Bank’s Gary Dean Edmiston

Longtime banker and community banking advocate Gary Dean Edmiston, 84, of Odessa passed away on April 26. Edmiston played tennis while attending North Texas State University. Upon graduating, he also found immense joy in his career as a banker in West Texas, becoming president of Security State Bank in 1979 and later being named chief … Read more

Williston Elected Chair of the Council of Community Banking Associations

In early October, Christopher Williston, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, was elected to serve as chairman of the Council of Community Banking Associations (CCBA). CCBA is comprised of the leaders of independent community banking associations around the country, and is exclusively affiliated with the Independent Community Bankers of America. The … Read more

State Bank of Texas Tops Independent Banker’s List of Best-performing Community Banks

In May, Independent Banker, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), published its annual list of the “Best-performing Banks 2023,” which includes six banks based in Texas or with branches in Texas. “Through creativity, local knowledge and dedication to their customers, community banks continued to demonstrate the value of their relationship-based … Read more