By Marchant                                            H.R. No. 967
         76R15272 JBR-F                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)
 1-2     was organized in July 1974 with 252 charter members to promote the
 1-3     interests of communities through hometown leadership and
 1-4     investment; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, The organization grew in numbers and stature over
 1-6     the years while promoting the common interests of individual
 1-7     communities at the local, state, and national levels, and has taken
 1-8     strong civic and legislative stands in its continual efforts to
 1-9     strengthen the Texas economy and foster community growth; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Community banks have made the betterment of local
1-11     communities and citizens' quality of life their top priority by
1-12     investing in civic endeavors ranging from Little League to Main
1-13     Street, financially and with hands-on leadership from all levels of
1-14     personnel; and
1-15           WHEREAS, IBAT has developed educational tools such as its
1-16     renowned leadership division and its annual EXPO, which has grown
1-17     to become the largest technology and services trade show in the
1-18     Southwest, and it has contributed on an ever-growing scale to
1-19     banking schools at Texas Tech University, Texas A&M
1-20     University-Commerce, and Southern Methodist University; and
1-21           WHEREAS, IBAT continues to develop programs and services for
1-22     the betterment of community banks, such as its wholly-owned IBAT
1-23     Services, IBAT Bond Trust, and Texas Independent Bank, created as
1-24     an alternative source of correspondent banking services for Texas
 2-1     banks; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, The organization has taken a leadership role in the
 2-3     promotion of the Texas Main Street Program, including the annual
 2-4     First Lady's Tour honoring designated communities working for the
 2-5     betterment of the cities and towns of the Lone Star State; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, The Independent Bankers Association of Texas
 2-7     comprises more than 700 financial institutions led by thousands of
 2-8     homegrown and community-loving employees, all of whom are working
 2-9     for the betterment of independent banks and the communities that
2-10     make them special; now, therefore, be it
2-11           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-12     Legislature hereby honor the Independent Bankers Association of
2-13     Texas on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and extend to its
2-14     members sincere best wishes for continued success and prosperity in
2-15     the future; and, be it further
2-16           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-17     prepared for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas as an
2-18     expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.