IBAT’s VendorConnect Offers a Virtual Improvement Over Old-School Meet-’n’-Greets

Many aspects of life are beginning the return to normal. In a number of ways, we can see light at the end of the tunnel. We look forward to the days when we can do things the ways that we had before, prior to COVID-19. But we are also asking: Should everything go back to the way … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Temple with 2020 Chairman’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Robb Temple with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. Temple, chief government affairs officer at McKinney-based Independent Financial, was presented this prestigious award during the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal, the association’s 46th annual Convention presented virtually in early October. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, selected solely … Read more

Community Bankers Launch Ed. @ Your Desk Virtual Education Series

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) launched its Ed. @ Your Desk virtual education series on October 13. The program, part of the community banking association’s 2020 unCONVENTIONal virtual convention, will feature new sessions every Tuesday and Thursday through December 17. Ed. @ Your Desk will cover a wide range of topics, including accounting, … Read more

TFNB Your Bank for Life Wins Top Statewide Best of Community Banking Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored McGregor-based TFNB Your Bank for Life with Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. The bank received both a Gold Eagle and the “Best of Show” award, which is the competition’s top honor, for its community service program, Charity Champions. TFNB created Charity Champions six years ago … Read more

IBAT Kicks Off Fall Lineup of unCONVENTIONal Events

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) planned its 2020 Annual Convention for September 26–29 in Fort Worth. Then came COVID and plans changed. Now, instead of gathering in Fort Worth, the show is being held virtually. Instead of a week in September, the event is now spread out through the end of the year. … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors 2020 Five*Star Award Winners

On September 8, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced the three winners of its coveted Five*Star Award: Fenimore, Kay, Harrison & Ford LLP (tier 1); CalTech (tier 2); and Fitech Payments (tier 3). Since 2002, IBAT’s Five*Star Award has recognized associate members that routinely provide excellent service and innovative solutions to help community … Read more

Texas Community Banks Honored with Best of Community Banking Awards

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored 17 Texas community banks with Best of Community Banking Awards. This year marks the 29th annual celebration of the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks and the critical role they play in communities across Texas. “Community banks do so much for their customers, neighbors and employees, … Read more

Staying Socially Connected in a Socially Distanced World

Let’s be honest, COVID-19 is not going away. But social distancing is being replaced with reasonable reopening. As I write this, the news feeds report that 21 reopened states have increasing rates of infection. That means that businesses need to be smart about how they bring customers back in, but it is not likely that … Read more

Pandemic Banking: A Prologue to the Future

“What’s past is prologue.” —William Shakespeare, The Tempest I cannot see the future. Honestly, I am struggling to keep up with the present—but I am taking notes. These notes will serve as the prologue for a future in which there will be plenty of questions about what banks did or did not do to put … Read more