First Bank Texas wins statewide “Best of Community Banking” award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored First Bank Texas of Willow Park with a Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Award. It received a Gold Eagle award for its “Community Partners Program” community service entry.

“First Bank Texas’ Community Partners Program is more than just a charitable mission; it is a way of life for the bank's leadership and employees,” said a release from IBAT. “Zan Prince, Chairman of the Board at First Bank Texas in Willow Park, instills the values of generosity and servitude not only in her actions, but also empowers her employees to do the same.”

The bank's leadership actively participates in numerous charitable organizations, committees, and Chambers of Commerce across Texas. The Community Partners Program focuses on giving back to causes and neighbors within the community because the bank believes a need identified is a need met. First Bank Texas supported more than 50 different organizations in 2022, with a fundamental principle of offering a hand up, not a handout—resulting in more than $1.1 million donated.

2023 marks the 32nd year that IBAT — the largest state community banking association in the nation — has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. Community banks, such as First Bank Texas, play a critical role in their local communities. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor local banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees and community. 

First Bank Texas is a full-service financial institution, serving customers with locations in Abilene, Baird, Bedford, Clyde, Grapevine, Haskell, Hudson Oaks, Munday, Stamford, Weatherford, and Willow Park.

Formed in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) represents Texas community banks. The Austin-based group is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with membership comprised of almost 5,000 banks and branches in more than 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, IBAT member bank assets range in size from $28 million to $51 billion with combined assets statewide of $296 billion. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities.

All BOCB gold, silver and bronze submissions can be viewed at www.ibat.org. For more information about First Bank Texas’ submission, call Vice President of Marketing Jacqline Gaber at 817-550-8962. First Bank’s video submission can be found at https://vimeo.com/832331793/a0bf4cfd27.