Texas First Bank Judged 'Best in Show' for Katrina-Rita Community Service
Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Galveston County Institution
October 3, 2006 - When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, Texas First Bank opened its doors throughout Galveston County.
Bank personnel worked hand-in-hand with the Red Cross to recruit volunteers to work in the shelters and solicit contributions for the National Disaster Relief Fund. Texas First proposed the “Katrina Challenge” to Galveston County residents, matching up to $1,000 per day and raising $95,000 for those who had fled the hurricanes. The bank provided evacuees with money orders or cashier’s checks or cash advances on credit cards. ATM fees were refunded.
Texas First’s commitment to the communities continued long after the hurricanes were gone. The bank sponsored a “Toys for Tots” drive to bring toys to children affected by Katrina and established a Hurricane Relief Loan to help victims with repairs, clean-up and unexpected travel expenses.
Although Texas First and its committed employees were not thinking of awards during those tough days of 2005, the results earned them “Best of Show” honors in the 2006 Best of Community Banking Awards sponsored by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT).
Texas First also won a Gold Medal for Community Service and a Bronze for Architectural Design during ceremonies at the IBAT 32nd Annual Convention in San Antonio Oct. 2-3.
First National Bank of McGregor and ValueBank Texas of Corpus Christi each captured two gold medals. The McGregor institution was honored for Community Service and Architectural Design, while ValueBank received its awards in Community Service and Marketing.
Other award winners included:
Architectural Design
Gold - First National Bank of McGregor, First National Bank of Giddings, National Bank & Trust of La Grange Silver - Texas Heritage Bank of San Antonio
Bronze - Bank of the West in Irving, Texas First Bank of Texas City
Community Service
Gold - First National Bank of McGregor, Texas First Bank of Texas City, ValueBank Texas of Corpus Christi
Silver - Bank of the West in El Paso, First Bank in Farmersville, First International Bank in Plano
Bronze - Fort Hood National Bank
Financial Literacy
Gold - Texas Bank & Trust Company in Longview
Silver - Fort Hood National Bank
Marketing
Gold - ValueBank Texas in Corpus Christi
Silver - First National Bank of Weatherford, First National Bank of Giddings, State Bank in La Grange
Bronze - First National Bank of Baird, First Victoria National Bank, First National Bank of Giddings
