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.