In August, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the eight recipients of its 2021 Cornerstone Award and Leader in Financial Education (LiFE) Award. Each of the banks selected has demonstrated excellence in community involvement or promoted financial education in its communities. The banks selected were celebrated at the Texas Bankers Association’s 136th Annual Convention in Austin during a special awards luncheon on August 26.

This year’s winning Cornerstone projects include:

• Amarillo National Bank (project: “A-Team”)
• First National Bank Texas (project: “Power of Change”)
• FirstCapital Bank of Texas NA (project: “Supporting Our Communities in Times of Crisis”)
• Mineola Community Bank SSB (project: “Small-Town Strong”)

This year’s winning LiFE projects include:

• Comerica Bank (project: “Comerica Business $ense Bootcamp”)
• First National Bank Texas (project: “Virtual Financial Literacy”)
• Texas Security Bank (project: “Texas Security Bank Education”)
• Woodforest National Bank (project: “Woodforest Foundry’s Entrepreneurship 4 All”)

“These awards celebrate the banks and bankers who have made a commitment to be cornerstones in their communities and are dedicated leaders in promoting financial education,” says Chris Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. “Those recognized this year have had a significant impact on their communities and we are honored to congratulate them on their efforts.”

FirstCapital Bank of Texas was recognized with a Cornerstone Award for its efforts to help communities during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Paycheck Protection Program, events to benefit health care workers and first responders, and safe community events to benefit local children.

“As a community bank, FirstCapital Bank of Texas is dedicated to supporting our communities and those who keep our communities healthy and safe during a time of crisis,” says Hazel Morrison, the bank’s vice president/marketing manager. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that pursued in 2020, we identified new ways of contributing to our communities while also offering support during a difficult time.”

The September issue of Texas Banking magazine includes details on the Cornerstone and LiFE Award Winners, including details on the projects for which the banks were recognized.