TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The Education Foundation of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is gearing up for the debut of IBAT EDGE, a new program that offers two-and-a-half days of education, renowned industry keynote speakers and leadership development training focused on community banks in Texas. The goal is to Educate, Develop, Guide and Empower (EDGE) community bank … Read more
Harlan Raymond Heitkamp, founder and former chairman of Corpus Christi-based ValueBank Texas, passed away on February 6. Raised in Bracken, he attended Texas Tech University, earning a master’s degree in civil engineering. After marrying his wife of 64 years, Gerry, in 1958, the couple moved to Corpus Christi where Heitkamp worked for the City of … Read more
Bankers Helping Bankers, an online platform that promotes innovation among community banks, has named Discover Financial Services’ PULSE debit network its exclusive debit partner. The agreement builds upon PULSE’s longstanding support of community banks and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), which co-founded Bankers Helping Bankers in partnership with FedFis. As the exclusive debit … Read more
On January 2, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2023 inductees who will be honored at the 10th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala, April 27 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Five iconic bankers—Kenneth L. Burgess Jr., Ron Butler, James D. Goudge, J. Pat Parsons and the late … Read more
Bee Cave-based Keystone Bank raised $18 million in its latest round of funding—with an industry expert noting that its growth makes it one of the fastest-growing banks in the country. The fresh funds will be used to expand the bank’s team, enhance its banking technology and put the four-year-old community bank on track to handle … Read more
As the Bankers Helping Bankers (BHB) network expands, community banks can now participate in BHB’s new Test Pilots program and be among the innovative bankers to test fintech products and services. These screened, early-stage fintech companies need the partnership of banks to establish their viability in providing stable solutions for the banking industry. “The BHB … Read more
Members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will return to Colorado for the 22nd Annual Winter Summit, January 29–31 at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The meeting provides a memorable opportunity for bankers to have face-to-face interaction and invaluable conversations with senior regulators … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that K. Kyle Irwin, president of Gruver-based Western Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2022–23. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 48th annual convention held September 24–27 in Fort Worth. In addition to Irwin, members of the community … Read more
On September 26, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recognized two of the industry’s finest for their service to community banking. The IBAT Chairman’s Award and the IBAT President’s Award were bestowed during the association’s Awards Luncheon, held during IBAT’s 48th Annual Convention in Fort Worth. Curt Nelson, IBAT’s director of membership, received the … Read more
Karen Neeley, general counsel for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) since 1989, retired on August 31. The association paid tribute to Neeley’s many years of service to the community banking industry in a special edition of its ongoing Ask IBAT Anything series. “After 33 years of representing IBAT as its general counsel, it … Read more