Friday, November 20, 2009

Austin Bank Donates Books to Bullard Community

Looking to educate and inspire children to become savvy savers, Austin Bank has launched its financial literacy program, Teach Children to $ave, by donating an assortment of children’s books to Bullard Community Library.

The children’s books are part of an Austin Bank educational program provided to area public libraries; in addition to 69 public and private elementary schools in East Texas. The children’s literature explores money management issues and the decisions that they may face such as savings, wants, needs and setting priorities.

Children’s books donated to the Bullard Community Library are:

How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty by Nathan Zimelman
A Dollar for Penny by Julia Glass
Sluggers’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy
Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells

These book donations kick off this year’s educational adventure, Teach Children to $ave. Sponsored by Austin Bank, this program encompasses a special financial lesson for second grade students (and their teachers and parents) within Bullard ISD and Brook Hill School.

“Working with these libraries and elementary schools, Austin Bank wants to promote the importance of financial literacy in these changing economic times,” said Jeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of the Board. “Our staff is committed to helping our future customers become wise savers. We hope to accomplish this by giving our local libraries, schools and teachers educational support that explains, as well as, teaches an important financial lesson.”

Elementary schools in all communities served by Austin Bank’s 28 locations were invited to participate in “Teach Children to $ave”. Teaching tools and materials were distributed to the 299 classrooms for use by some 6,000 second graders.

The Teach Children to $ave program includes:
ü A lesson plan for teachers with accompanying worksheet for the students titled, “Pick a Pet – Making Smart Choices.” (in English and Spanish)
ü A bank-sponsored coloring contest for second grade students. Austin Bank will award a $50 savings bond to one student from each participating school. The winners’ colored drawings will be displayed in bank lobbies beginning November.
ü A book donation to the school library - Sluggars’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy.
ü A letter for parents (in English and Spanish) offering money management tips for children.
ü A $10 coupon that will allow a participating child to open a Young $avers (savings account) with a $10 gift from Austin Bank.
ü A Certificate of Participation for each student.


This is the third year Austin Bank has provided a financial literacy program to area elementary schools. In 2007, the bank offered a program to four grade levels (Kindergarten through third grade students). In 2008, a program was provided to about 7,300 Kindergarten students of East Texas.

“This year, the bank chose to work with an older group of students who can read and have basic math skills. Many children develop early spending patterns long before they develop saving habits,” said Austin. “Through our Teach Children to $ave lesson we hope to show children the difference between wants and needs and how priorities can influence spending. Lessons learned that will help build a generation of saving consumers.”

“We want to thank the schools and libraries for participating in the Teach Children to $ave program. This program is a vital part of our community outreach program which aims to both serve and educate our children,” said Austin “Austin Bank is proud to take an active role in the financial education of the youth of East Texas.”

Austin Bank’s Teach Children to $ave program is affiliated with the American Banker’s Association Million Child Challenge – a program that aims to reach one million children through a financial education lesson.

Austin Bank, a community bank with headquarters in Jacksonville, Texas, has in excess of $1 billion in assets with 28 offices in nine counties throughout East Texas. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.



(Released November 2009)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Austin Bank Donates Books to Jacksonville Library

Looking to educate and inspire children to become savvy savers, Austin Bank has launched its financial literacy program, Teach Children to $ave, by donating an assortment of children’s books to Jacksonville City Library.

The children’s books are part of an Austin Bank educational program provided to area public libraries; in addition to 69 public and private elementary schools in East Texas. The children’s literature explores money management issues and the decisions that they may face such as savings, wants, needs and setting priorities.

Children’s books donated to the Jacksonville City Library are:

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst
Saturday Sancocho by Leyla Torres
Sluggers’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy
Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells

These book donations kick off this year’s educational adventure, Teach Children to $ave. Sponsored by Austin Bank, this program encompasses a special financial lesson for second grade students (and their teachers and parents) within Jacksonville ISD and Jacksonville Christian School.

“Working with these libraries and elementary schools, Austin Bank wants to promote the importance of financial literacy in these changing economic times,” said Jeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of the Board. “Our staff is committed to helping our future customers become wise savers. We hope to accomplish this by giving our local libraries, schools and teachers educational support that explains, as well as, teaches an important financial lesson.”

Elementary schools in all communities served by Austin Bank’s 28 locations were invited to participate in “Teach Children to $ave”. Teaching tools and materials were distributed to the 299 classrooms for use by some 6,000 second graders.

The Teach Children to $ave program includes:
ü A lesson plan for teachers with accompanying worksheet for the students titled, “Pick a Pet – Making Smart Choices.” (in English and Spanish)
ü A bank-sponsored coloring contest for second grade students. Austin Bank will award a $50 savings bond to one student from each participating school. The winners’ colored drawings will be displayed in bank lobbies beginning November.
ü A book donation to the school library - Sluggars’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy.
ü A letter for parents (in English and Spanish) offering money management tips for children.
ü A $10 coupon that will allow a participating child to open a Young $avers (savings account) with a $10 gift from Austin Bank.
ü A Certificate of Participation for each student.


This is the third year Austin Bank has provided a financial literacy program to area elementary schools. In 2007, the bank offered a program to four grade levels (Kindergarten through third grade students). In 2008, a program was provided to about 7,300 Kindergarten students of East Texas.

“This year, the bank chose to work with an older group of students who can read and have basic math skills. Many children develop early spending patterns long before they develop saving habits,” said Austin. “Through our Teach Children to $ave lesson we hope to show children the difference between wants and needs and how priorities can influence spending. Lessons learned that will help build a generation of saving consumers.”

“We want to thank the schools and libraries for participating in the Teach Children to $ave program. This program is a vital part of our community outreach program which aims to both serve and educate our children,” said Austin “Austin Bank is proud to take an active role in the financial education of the youth of East Texas.”

Austin Bank’s Teach Children to $ave program is affiliated with the American Banker’s Association Million Child Challenge – a program that aims to reach one million children through a financial education lesson.

Austin Bank, a community bank with headquarters in Jacksonville, Texas, has in excess of $1 billion in assets with 28 offices in nine counties throughout East Texas. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.



(Released November 2009)

Austin Bank Donates Books to Marshall Library

Looking to educate and inspire children to become savvy savers, Austin Bank has launched its financial literacy program, Teach Children to $ave, by donating an assortment of children’s books to Marshall Public Library.

The children’s books are part of an Austin Bank educational program provided to area public libraries; in addition to 69 public and private elementary schools in East Texas. The children’s literature explores money management issues and the decisions that they may face such as savings, wants, needs and setting priorities.

Children’s books donated to the Marshall Pubic Library are:
Round and Round the Money Goes by Melvin and Gilda Berger
Money, Money Honey Bunny by Marilyn Sadler
Sluggers’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy
Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells

These book donations kick off this year’s educational adventure, Teach Children to $ave. Sponsored by Austin Bank, this program encompasses a special financial lesson for second grade students and their teachers and parents.

“Working with these libraries and elementary schools, Austin Bank wants to promote the importance of financial literacy in these changing economic times,” said Jeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of the Board. “Our staff is committed to helping our future customers become wise savers. We hope to accomplish this by giving our local libraries, schools and teachers educational support that explains, as well as, teaches an important financial lesson.”

Elementary schools in all communities served by Austin Bank’s 28 locations were invited to participate in “Teach Children to $ave”. Teaching tools and materials were distributed to the 299 classrooms for use by some 6,000 second graders.

The Teach Children to $ave program includes:
 A lesson plan for teachers with accompanying worksheet for the students titled, “Pick a Pet – Making Smart Choices.” (in English and Spanish)
 A bank-sponsored coloring contest for second grade students. Austin Bank will award a $50 savings bond to one student from each participating
school. The winners’ colored drawings will be displayed in bank lobbies beginning November.
 A book donation to the school library - Sluggars’ Car Wash by Stuart J. Murphy.
 A letter for parents (in English and Spanish) offering money management tips for children.
 A $10 coupon that will allow a participating child to open a Young $avers (savings account) with a $10 gift from Austin Bank.
 A Certificate of Participation for each student.

This is the third year Austin Bank has provided a financial literacy program to area elementary schools. In 2007, the bank offered a program to four grade levels (Kindergarten through third grade students). In 2008, a program was provided to about 7,300 Kindergarten students of East Texas.

“This year, the bank chose to work with an older group of students who can read and have basic math skills. Many children develop early spending patterns long before they develop saving habits,” said Austin. “Through our Teach Children to $ave lesson we hope to show children the difference between wants and needs and how priorities can influence spending. Lessons learned that will help build a generation of saving consumers.”

“We want to thank the schools and libraries for participating in the Teach Children to $ave program. This program is a vital part of our community outreach program which aims to both serve and educate our children,” said Austin “Austin Bank is proud to take an active role in the financial education of the youth of East Texas.”

Austin Bank’s Teach Children to $ave program is affiliated with the American Banker’s Association Million Child Challenge – a program that aims to reach one million children through a financial education lesson.

Austin Bank, a community bank with headquarters in Jacksonville, Texas, has in excess of $1 billion in assets with 28 offices in nine counties
throughout East Texas. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Patty Steelman Awarded CFMP Designation

Jacksonville, TX, November 9, 2009 – Patty Steelman, Vice President / Director of Marketing for Austin Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association, in Washington, DC.

Steelman has more than 27 years of marketing and advertising experience. She is a graduate of the 2002 American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing at the University of Colorado, the 2009 ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management at SMU, Austin Bank Leadership Class V, and Leadership Tyler Class 19. Steelman is a current Board Member of the Literacy Council of Tyler, the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas, and member of the Tyler Executive Women’s Network. She is the 2007 / 2008 Past Board President of the Literacy Council of Tyler and 2007 Chair of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Tyler/Smith County. In 2006, Steelman received the Austin Bank Community Involvement Award recognizing her volunteer service with the Literacy Council of Tyler.

Steelman joined Austin Bank as Director of Marketing in 1999. Austin Bank is a community bank with more than $1 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, TX, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses with 28 locations in 18 cities. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family who is celebrating 100 years of service in the banking industry. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

The CFMP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial marketing profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans, and marketing components.

Financial services professionals, working through the Institute of Certified Bankers, initiated the CFMP designation and eight other designations in order to establish meaningful standards of knowledge in specialty areas of the financial services industry. ICB certifications formally recognize those who meet these standards and promote professional continuing education and development.

The ICB, with 8,000 certified members, provides financial services professionals with confidence, credibility and recognition through its certifications. As a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association, ICB promotes the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individuals’ knowledge and expertise. For more information about the Institute of Certified Bankers and its professional certifications, call 202-663-5092 or visit www.aba.com/icb.

Mike Simpson Receives National Certification

Mike Simpson, Treasury Management Officer with Austin Bank, was recently awarded the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation.

The AAP is a professional accreditation conferred by NACHA (National Automated Clearinghouse Association), and it designates those individuals who are nationally recognized experts in the ACH industry. It establishes a professional standard based on best practices and on recognized procedures developed by NACHA and the Regional Payments Associations.

To be accredited, the AAP must have a thorough knowledge of the ACH Rule Book and of the various Federal laws that govern its operation and must achieve a passing score on the AAP exam.

“Mike is a true professional who is an integral member of the Austin Bank team,” said Vice Chairman Jeff Austin, III. “His conscientious work within the Treasury Management department, his bilingual skills as well as his most recent achievement, are valuable assets to the bank.”

Simpson became a part of the Austin Bank team in February 2008 when City National Bank merged with Austin Bank. At that time, he had been working as a Personal Banker at City National since December 2004. He now works from the Austin Bank Kilgore location supporting the bank’s Treasury Management products, services and customers.

Simpson is a graduate of the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador, South America and LeTourneau University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Simpson is also a recipient of the 2008 Austin Bank Commitment to Community Award which recognized his volunteer work with Junior Achievement of East Texas. He is a Command Spanish instructor at the Kilgore College Workforce Development Department and member of Kilgore Chamber of Commerce.

Simpson and his wife, Kristi, have five children, Wesley, Halé, Emma, Nathan and Evie.

Austin Bank is a community bank with more than $1 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses in 28 locations, 18 cities and nine counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family who is celebrating 100 years of serving the banking industry. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

Austin Bank Promotes Elena Gomez to AVP

Jeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of the Board, recently announced the promotion of Elena Gomez to Assistant Vice President / Loan Officer of the Tyler Med Center office located at 611 South Beckham in Tyler.

“Elena is a true professional who is an integral member of the Austin Bank team,” said Jeff Austin, III. “She has worked conscientiously within the Loan Department and served her Tyler Med Center customers well.”

Gomez has been with the Austin Bank Med Center office since 1998 and has taken advantage of Austin Bank’s career advancement opportunities. She has worked as a teller, customer service representative, loan assistant, and community lender. A graduate of Tyler Junior College and LeTourneau University, Gomez has completed numerous banking courses.

Austin Bank is a community bank with more than $1 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses in 28 locations, 18 cities and nine counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family who is celebrating 100 years of serving the banking industry. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

Chris Thompson Joins Gladewater Loan Department

Chris Thompson, a Lending Officer, has recently joined the Austin Bank Gladewater office as Assistant Vice President in its Loan Department.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris, who has been lending for three years at our Gilmer office. We are excited about his enthusiasm, work ethic and desire to get involved in the community,” said Regional President Rick Waldrop. “Chris brings a solid banking background; and the citizens of Gladewater and Greg County will find Chris attentive and responsive to their banking needs.”

Thompson has been with Austin Bank since 2002. He has experience as a Teller, Credit Clerk, Loan Administration Assistant, and four years in the Central Loan Documentation Department.

Thompson, a life long Gladewater native, is a graduate of Gladewater High School and Kilgore College with an Associate Degree in Accounting. He also attended Stephen F. Austin State University, the Community Bankers Lending School, and is scheduled to graduate in February 2010 from LeTourneau University.

Thompson and his wife, Betsy, have on son, Mason.

We invite you to come by the Gilmer office and meet Chris. He will be happy to help you with your loan and deposit needs.

Austin Bank is a community bank with more than $1 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses in 28 locations, 18 cities and nine counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family who is celebrating 100 years of serving the banking industry. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

Austin Bank Welcomes Tim Spraggins

Austin Bank Vice-Chairman Jeff Austin, III, recently
announced the appointment of Tim Spraggins as the new
Location President for the Austin Bank Pine Tree location at
2609 Gilmer Road.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim who is a skilled banker and
loan officer with 30 years experience. His strong lending
background and management experience will help to serve
our customers and the Austin Bank team,” said Austin. “Tim
has both the skills and desire to help East Texans with their
financial needs; and a strong desire to become involved in the
Gregg County community.”
Spraggins previously worked at Warren Bank and Trust in
Warren, AR as its Chief Lending Officer. He also held lending
and management positions at Cedar Creek Bank in Seven
Points, TX and at First National Bank Conway County in
Morrilton, AR. At Austin Bank he will be a Senior Vice
President banking officer.
He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor
of Science, the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at
SMU, and Mortgage Banking School at the University of
Oklahoma.
Spraggins was an active community member while residing in
Arkansas. While there, he served as President and Secretary of
the Warren Rotary Club and was President and Board member
for the Warren and Bradley County YMCA. He was a member
of the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce and the Bradley
County Industrial Development Corporation. He also served
as an instructor with the Center for Financial Training and
was an adjunct facility member at the University of Arkansas
Monticello and Trinity Valley Community College.
Spraggins and his wife, Regina, now reside in Longview. They
have one son, Jeffrey, and one granddaughter, Marley.
We invite you to come by the Austin Bank Pine Tree office and
meet Tim, he will be happy to help you with your loan and
deposit needs.
Austin Bank is a community bank headquartered in
Jacksonville, Texas with assets in excess of $1 billion. Bank
offices are located in 28 East Texas locations within 18 cities
and nine counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated
by the Austin Family who is celebrating 100 years of service
in the Texas banking industry.