McKinney-based Independent Bank received more awards than any other Texas community bank in Texas in this year’s annual Best of Community Banking competition sponsored by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT).Independent Bank, which entered the competition for the first time, was recognized in multiple categories: Community service, architectural design and three awards in marketing. The announcement was made during IBAT’s 33rd annual convention on Tuesday in Fort Worth.Independent Bank won accolades for its partnership with the Frisco RoughRiders and its joint efforts benefiting the Angels Athletic League (special needs children); the architecture of its newest bank building located in the Croatian-style Adriatica development in McKinney, which was designed by the local architectural team of Jim Wilson Architects; and for its comprehensive corporate marketing efforts including branding, the “Real People,” advertising campaign and the recent real estate ad campaign spotlighting leading customers and bank officers implemented with the assistance of the advertising agencies of Ann Lee and Associates of Houston and Garden Graphics Inc. of McKinney.“Although we competed against banks quadruple our size, these esteemed awards for Independent Bank represent a long-term dedication to excellence at every level of our organization and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve,” said Independent Bank CEO David Brooks..”We would conduct our business in this manner whether or not we received the awards. However, I am very proud of our professional team of bankers and am grateful to our valuable customers and shareholders for helping us to attain this distinction.”IBAT is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with a membership surpassing 500 banks across the state. The Best of Community Banking Awards recognize IBAT member institutions for involvement that sets distinguished community bankers apart from the rest. Projects are judged for innovation and creativity, number of people benefited or affected and the success in fulfilling a community need.
