Statewide banking organization honors Lamar National Bank with two 2021 Best of Community Banking Awards

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)—the largest state community banking association in the nation—recently honored Lamar National Bank with two Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. The bank, based in Paris, Texas, received a Silver Eagle BOCB Award for its efforts in response to the pandemic. Lamar National Bank also won a Bronze Eagle BOCB Award in architectural design for its new branch in Celina, Texas. The bank received the honors on September 20 during IBAT’s 2021 Convention in Austin, Texas.

During the pandemic, the safety of Lamar National Bank employees and customers was of foremost concern, along with continuity of services. The bank made the difficult, but necessary, decision to close lobbies, sending half the workforce home. When Paycheck Protection Program loans were dispersed, the bank’s dedicated team ultimately helped save 6,432 jobs and processed more than 576 loans. As the pandemic raged on, the bank continued to support United Way, the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, and many other local charities. Through United Way, Lamar National Bank helped with rental assistance for those affected by COVID who were at risk of losing their homes. Assistance was also provided to the Chamber of Commerce to pay chamber dues, thus easing that burden on local businesses. For its initiatives, the bank won a 2021 Silver Eagle BOCB Award.

IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Award since 1991. Community banks play a critical 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. BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout the state for their innovation, creativity, and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need. Each submission receives a Gold Eagle, Silver Eagle, or Bronze Eagle award in one of six categories: bank culture, community service, financial literacy, marketing, architectural design and—new this year—pandemic response.

“This past year has been challenging across the globe as we continue to fight the pandemic,” says Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO. “But community bankers have been truly inspiring during these difficult days by processing a majority (57.5 percent) of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses and helping their communities when they were needed most. This year’s BOCB Award recipients were particularly inspiring in their efforts to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and this recognition is only a small token of our immense pride in Texas community banks to better the lives of those around them. I sincerely congratulate all of the 2021 BOCB Award recipients.”