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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Independent Bankers Association of Texas is |
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celebrating the 35th anniversary of its founding in 2009; and |
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WHEREAS, With 252 initial members, this notable group was |
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organized in July 1974 to promote the interests of communities |
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through hometown leadership and investment; and |
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WHEREAS, IBAT has grown in numbers and stature over the years |
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while continuing to champion its mission at local, state, and |
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national levels, and it has taken strong civic and legislative |
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stands in its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Texas economy and |
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foster local growth; and |
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WHEREAS, Community banks have made enhancing area citizens' |
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quality of life their top priority by investing in civic endeavors |
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ranging from Little League to Main Street programs, and in so doing |
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these institutions have provided both financial assistance and |
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hands-on leadership from volunteers at all levels of personnel; and |
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WHEREAS, IBAT has continually developed educational tools |
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emphasizing financial literacy, offering programs for Texans of all |
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ages through its IBAT Education Foundation, working hand-in-hand |
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with schools, senior centers, and local, state, and national |
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organizations to make Texans financially responsible; and |
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WHEREAS, The association continues to develop programs and |
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services for the betterment of community banks, such as its |
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wholly-owned IBAT Services, IBAT Leadership Division, and IBAT |
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Financial Services; the Texas Independent Bank was created as an |
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alternative source of correspondent banking services for Texas |
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community banks and has grown to be the largest such bank in the |
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nation; and |
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WHEREAS, Taking a leadership role in the promotion of the |
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Texas Main Street Program, IBAT's commendable efforts include the |
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annual First Lady's Tour honoring designated communities working |
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for the betterment of cities and towns of the Lone Star State; and |
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WHEREAS, The governor of Texas honored IBAT for its work in |
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the Main Street Program in 2006, presenting the prestigious |
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Governor's Award for Historic Preservation to the IBAT board of |
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directors in ceremonies at the Governor's Mansion; and |
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WHEREAS, The Independent Bankers Association of Texas |
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represents some 2,000 Texas-based banks and full-service branches |
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located in 700 border-to-border communities, led by thousands of |
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local and community-loving employees, all working for the |
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betterment of independent banks and the communities that make them |
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special; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the Independent Bankers Association of |
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Texas on the occasion of its 35th anniversary and extend to its |
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members sincere best wishes for continued success and prosperity; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for IBAT as an expression of high regard by the Texas House |
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of Representatives. |