'What mean these stones?'

The building stands for future generations of bankers.”

The new TBA headquarters is now complete. It will be a state-of-the-art facility from which to host association member-centric activities, to house TBA operations and to serve as the Austin home-away-from-home for bankers from across the Lone Star State. It’s prime location across from the Governor’s Mansion and Capitol of Texas will project the strength of Texas banks and enable the association to effectively advocate for our members and their customers.

But TBA’s new Headquarters is much more than an office. It stands for something. It stands as a memorial to bankers who, since 1885, have helped build our association, their communities and the Great State of Texas. It represents the nobility of bank professionals who, for more than 138 years, have supported families, businesses of every size, as well as farmers and ranchers in times of want and plenty.

The building stands to honor all of our TBA members, chairs, board directors and committee volunteers whose steadfast care for the organization has forged a legacy of service to the industry and left handprints on nearly every Texas community. Prudent leadership investments — years before a shovel touched the ground — provided healthy reserves as the foundation of the building’s construction. And, under the leadership of TIB, the completion of the new headquarters has been made possible by the participation of over 70 Texas community banks —  Cornerstone Partners.  

So, too, the building stands for future generations of bankers. It will be a beacon and gathering place for education, innovation, advocacy and fellowship as they pick up the torch of leadership fueled by humble optimism and new ideas.

In the Bible’s Book of Joshua, the Israelites are directed to assemble 12 stones from the Jordan, so that when their children ask, “what mean these stones?” they might be reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and goodness.

God has blessed the Texas banking industry. The new headquarters of concrete and steel — in a far lesser, but still important way — will help us to recall this truth and to be thankful. And for years to come, we can be grateful for the proud heritage, responsible stewardship and exceptional integrity of Texas bankers past, present and future.

God bless this new building and God bless the Texas banker!