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 2021 Cornerstone Awards — for community service projects/programs initiated or ongoing within the 2020 calendar year — will be available in October 2020. The deadline for the 2021 submissions will be Friday, February 26, 2021.

View the past Cornerstone Award winners.

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

2020 Cornerstone Award Winners

Community Bank of Texas Houston-based CommunityBank of Texas, N.A.: Families Feeding Families event. The program, coordinated by the bank’s Tomball branch and others in the Tomball community, started in 2010. The first event provided 500 hot meals to low- to moderate-income individuals the day before Thanksgiving. Recognizing there was a vastly underserved segment of the community, the event has continued and grown through the years. In 2019, 2,200 people were fed; meals were delivered to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and door-to-door.

First National Bank, Gilmer First National Bank of Gilmer was honored for its Chromebooks for Success program. Understanding that the financial strain of college can be difficult for some students and their families, the bank decided to identify deserving students and award them with a new Chromebook to help them achieve success as they work toward a college degree. The bank donated a total of 49 laptops during the 2018-2019 school year to students in 10 school districts.

Killeen-based First National Bank Texas: 14-Forward initiative. In 2018, the bank joined the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses to launch this new economic development initiative. The goals are to enhance employment opportunities in high growth industries; support partnerships that are mutually beneficial for local businesses and the U.S. Army at Fort Hood; and invest in the infrastructure in Killeen. The bank committed $200,000.

Carthage-based First State Bank and Trust Company was recognized for establishing the Chris Dickerson Memorial Scholarship at Panola College to honor Panola County Sheriff Deputy Dickerson, who was killed in the line of duty, as well as the first responders and their families, who ensure the community’s safety. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a Panola College student who is a current first responder or a dependent of a first responder.

Midland-based FirstCapital Bank of Texas was recognized for its annual Christmas with Bonham event. Team members are encouraged to get involved with different community organizations. One such partnership is with Bonham Elementary School in Midland, where the bank has provided resources and volunteers for many years. The annual event is held at the bank’s West branch. Children are greeted by team members dressed as elves, snowmen and other Christmas characters.

North Dallas Bank was honored for its NDB Cares program, an employee-led initiative launched in 2019 to bring a more formalized and strategic approach to the bank’s service efforts. From volunteering time to supporting winter coat drives to making instrumental monetary contributions to organizations devoted to improving the community, NDB Cares has helped improve stewardship of the bank’s resources so more can be achieved.

Tyler-based Southside Bank was recognized for its Retail Banking Internship Program. Tyler ISD’s Career & Technology Center gives high school students an opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways, but opportunities were limited in business or finance pathways. In 2019, the bank partnered with the school district to launch its internship program. During the 16-week program, interns complete a minimum of 100 working hours alongside a Southside Bank mentor.