Cornerstone Award

The goal of the Cornerstone Awards is to recognize and reward Texas banks that have made a commitment to be the cornerstones of their communities. Cornerstone Award winners are usually honored at a special luncheon during TBA's Annual Convention. The winners' efforts will also be publicized in local, statewide and industry news media. One bank in each asset range will receive the Cornerstone Award.

Applications for the 2022 Cornerstone Awards — for community service projects/programs initiated or ongoing within the 2021 calendar year — will be available soon.

View the past Cornerstone Award winners.

For more information, email Jocelyn Carby or call her at 512-472-8388.

2021 Cornerstone Award Winners

Amarillo National Bank was honored for its ANB A-Team program. The A-Team, the bank’s community volunteer group, is made up of employees who are willing to get involved on at least three occasions each year. Through the program, these bankers helped with administrative work, blood drives and outdoor events such as the Our Colors Run Together 5K benefiting the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation. In 2020, the A-Team helped with food distribution through the Eastridge Mission Center and Snack Pak 4 Kids and helped to deliver groceries and meals to low-to-moderate income families who had tested positive for COVID-19. As the families worked to recover, the A-Team continued to deliver groceries to those who had lost their jobs or were unable to work due to quarantine. Today, the team currently boasts 172 employees.

Killeen-based First National Bank Texas was honored for its Power of Change campaign, an initiative implemented to raise funds to support the growing demand community food banks were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community bank saw an opportunity to increase the financial impact of its fundraising campaign and pledged to match up to $40,000 in community-raised donations. In addition, First National Bank Texas employees volunteered their time at various food banks such as Brazos Valley Food Bank, South Plains Food Bank, Harvest Regional Food Bank and many more. In total, the Power of Change campaign donated a total of $166,476.14 to 40 food banks across the communities in which they serve.

FirstCapital Bank of Texas, N.A., Midland Midland-based FirstCapital Bank of Texas was honored for its Supporting our Communities in Times of Crisis project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank worked tirelessly to provide support to its customers in every way possible. From processing loans through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program to providing support to small businesses and frontline healthcare workers, FirstCapital Bank of Texas made its communities a priority. The bank processed a total of 1,801 loans in its six markets and on numerous occasions assisted local restaurants with take-out orders for team meals and first responders. In addition, FirstCapital Bank of Texas held a special drive-thru version of their annual Christmas with Bonham event, offering children experiences with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other Christmas characters for a true holiday affair.

Mineola Community Bank was honored for its Small Town Strong project. The bank worked with local EDCs and First National Bank of Winnsboro to create a reinvestment fund that allowed independently owned small businesses in East Texas to apply for financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mineola Community Bank contributed $88,823 toward the fund and through various additional donations, Small Town Strong operated on $146,543.00. The project funded 98 local businesses that applied for financial assistance totaling over $86,000 — all of which are open to date. The program also donated funds to various community organizations such as Food Pantry, Lindale Christmas Helpers, Historic Select Theater, City of Grand Saline/City Park, Salvation Army, Winnsboro Volunteer Fire Department, The Back Pack Ministry and the Winnsboro Communities Foundation.