Staff reports

LOCKHART – The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) – the nation’s largest state-owned community banking association – recently awarded First Lockhart National Bank the Best of Community Banking (BOCB) award. The Lockhart, Texas-based bank received a BOCB Gold Eagle Award in Architectural Design for its new branch in San Marcos, Texas. First Lockhart National Bank received this honor on September 20 at the IBAT 2021 convention in Austin, Texas.

In 2020, First Lockhart National Bank opened its new 4,195 square foot branch in San Marcos. Allen, Texas PhaseOne Design Builders has partnered with the bank to provide a signature branch in the area. The contemporary architectural design is marked by colorful exterior night lighting. The structure is a mix of stone, glass and rich wood materials with a standing seam metal roof and a convenient four-lane passage. The stunning interior features a central, two-story wooden atrium and features sliding doors for all offices and a non-traditional coffee shop desk. Community accessibility was a priority in the design of this branch, making the boardroom and outdoor pavilion essential.

IBAT has celebrated the outstanding achievements of Texas community banks with the BOCB award since 1991. Community banks play a vital role in their local communities. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor these banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees and community. The BOCB Awards recognize community banks across the state for their innovation, creativity, and success in meeting a specific community or internal need. Each submission receives a Gold Eagle, Silver Eagle or Bronze Eagle award in one of six categories: banking culture, community service, financial literacy, marketing, architectural design and, new this year, pandemic response.

“The past year has been difficult around the world as we continue to fight the pandemic,” said Christopher Williston, IBAT President and CEO. “But community bankers were truly inspiring during those tough days by processing the majority (57.5%) of Paycheck Protection Program (P3) loans for small businesses and helping their communities when they had the chance. Not needed anymore. This year’s BOCB award recipients have been particularly inspiring in their efforts to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic, and this recognition is just a small token of our immense pride in Texas community banks to improve the lives of those around them. I sincerely congratulate all the winners of the BOCB 2021 award. ”

About the Texas Independent Bankers Association

Founded in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) represents community banks in Texas. The Austin-based group is the nation’s largest state-owned community banking organization, with members comprising more than 4,600 banks and branches in 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, the assets of IBAT member banks range from $ 26 million to $ 44 billion with combined statewide assets of nearly $ 193 billion. dollars. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities.