Proudly Celebrating
Community Banking Month in April!
 
   

  Bank of the West Prime Interest Newsletter                                                                        
  April 2017
                                                                                                                          
Dear Friends of Bank of the West,

Our partnership with each of you is appreciated and it is our goal to continue to provide our customers with outstanding customer support, together with offering emerging products and services to enhance your banking experience with us.  We look forward to expanding our line of services in 2017 - Look for more information to come!

Bank of the West Executive Staff
 
Banking News

ICBA Speaks on Success of SBA Community Bank Loans - Cynthia Blankenship, Bank of the West Vice Chairman Testifies

The independent Community Bankers Of America (ICBA) testified before Congress on the value of the

Cynthia Blankenship, Vice Chairman, CFO & Corporate President, Bank of the West, testifies in Washington on importance of SBA 7(a) Loan Program
to Community Banks.

Read testimony

Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program to local small-business lending. Cynthia Blankenship, vice chairman, chief financial officer and corporate president of Bank of the West, said the program allows community banks to provide credit to a broader range of borrowers and ensure sound underwriting.
"What sets community banks apart is their first-hand knowledge of the borrower, the community, and the local economy," Blankenship told the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations. "The Small Business Administration's
7 (a) loan program allows community banks to leverage their unique underwriting skills to more effectively serve the small business communities."
Blankenship said the SBA program allows community banks to serve small businesses that would not otherwise qualify for conventional credit, with loans fully substantiated and documented through the SBA's "Credit Elsewhere Test." She called on Congress to ensure the 7(a) program is not disrupted, noting that while it is fully funded by user fees - - not taxable dollars - - Congress must approve a program authorization level every year. 
Cynthia Blankenship (m), with Trent Kelly (r), Chairman House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Regulations & Oversight, and Ranking Member Alma Smith (l)
Community banks like Bank of the West are the most steadfast and preferred small-business lenders. During the financial crisis of 2008-09, community bank small-business lending increased amid a decline in lending by the nation's largest banks.
It is sound business lending and sound belief in the businesses and communities we serve that have made Bank of the West the strong community bank it is has been for over 30 years.
READ MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY BANKERS MEETING IN WASHINGTON D.C. WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP.
WATCH HEARING VIDEO: COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
Bank Events & Happenings
Stepping up to Community Banking Month in April It's that time of year to start planning for Community Banking Month in April and inviting our customers to visit our locations and take part in the festivities we have in store.    
With community banks at the forefront of reinvestment in their communities, impacting small businesses and supporting the local economy... Bank of the West is truly proud to be YOUR BANK in YOUR COMMUNITY!
We invite you to join us during the month of April for Community Banking Month!  Let's celebrate together!  Come see what we have in store for you!  Our branches will surprise you with different lobby themes each week.... and who knows just what "crazy characters" they will come up with!

Our partnership is with YOU and we are so proud to be part of the local businesses and communities we serve!
Bank of the West offers SHRED WEEK -
Celebrating Community Banking!
During our April Community Banking Month Celebrations and in our continued effort to offer protective services for our customers,
Bank of the West is offering

FREE SHREDDING April 3rd - 7th.
Locked and secure shred containers will be available for you to bring your "basket of shred" to any of our convenient locations during regular lobby hours.

The safety of your information is important to us and we want you to feel secure when disposing of your personal, confidential information.   We got you covered!

Why Community Banks Participate
in a PAC Drive? 
 
A Political Action Committee (PAC) is an organization that pools campaign contributions from member banks and donates those funds to campaigns, for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, and legislation.
The term PAC has been created in pursuit of campaign finance reform in the United States.  Community banks such as Bank of the West hold annual PAC drives in March to raise money for candidates so they can lobby on behalf of community banks and their issues.
As reported from IBAT, The Independent Bankers Association of Texas, "The success of community banks is consistently threatened by legislative and regulatory efforts in Austin and Washington D.C..  The survival of the industry is dependent upon a strong showing of grassroots support through member engagement and political action committee investment."
Bank employees and customers alike can contribute money to support this cause, helping elect men and women who understand and support the community banking industry and the vital role these institutions play in the economic prosperity of Texas Towns and cities.
For more information about PAC contributions, please review the contribution form, also available on the IBAT website
SBA Lending News
SBA logo
SBA Loan vs Conventional Loan
As a preferred SBA Lender, Bank of the West offers both the SBA 504 loan product and the
7(a) loan product -  giving you a choice of the perfect fit for your growing business. The 504 Loan program is used only for real estate and fixed asset financing while the 7(a) Program is a more flexible program and can be used for real estate purchases, building construction, leasehold improvements, fixed asset purchases, providing working capital, business start-ups, purchasing an existing business or debt refinance.
With timely, in-house loan approvals, our Preferred lender status can give you the advantage to move forward quickly with your business growth plans by utilizing either of these SBA products.
Call and discuss your plans today... we are here to listen!

Call our SBA professionals at Bank of the West to set an appointment to discuss your lending needs.
817.310.3555  or visit bnkwest.com

Mortgage Market News
Springtime Brings New Life to your Home Plans
Refinancing?  Consolidating Debt?  Purchasing?
With interest rates beginning to creep ever so slightly , Springtime may be the perfect season to move forward with delayed house plans.  Our friendly, seasoned lending team can guide you in your decision making process.

 
NEED TO REFINANCE- you can save money by taking advantage of the lowest rates available.
CONSOLIDATING DEBT - Use your home to help eliminate bad debt and bundle your bills into one easy monthly payment.
PURCHASING A HOME - Turn the home of your dreams into a reality.
 
At GSB Mortgage we are here to help you with all your mortgage lending needs and answer all your mortgage questions.
 
Apply NOW - Your loan approval is only minutes away when you apply online using one of our easy loan applications.
 

"Professional Values, Mortgage Solutions", GSB Mortgage,  Inc. is a full-service mortgage banking company that prides itself in providing the highest quality financial services to our consumers.
Financial Literacy Classes
Bank of the West offers Lunch 'N Learn -
Adult Financial Literacy Class 
  
                     
With Financial Literacy at the forefront of Community Banking and understanding the importance of financial education for adults -
We are pleased to roll out our first Financial Literacy Adult session.

                  Elements of Credit Scores
  • What is a credit score
  • Where do I find my credit score
  • How is a credit score determined
  • Can I repair my credit score and how?

Classes are
free to attend. 

Registration is required.  
Classes are offered at each of our locations.
Materials, beverages & lunch a
re provided.

When:  Wednesday April 26, 2017
Time: 11:45 am - 1:00pm
Where:  Offered at each Bank of the West branch location
How: Call or stop by & speak to a Branch Manager to sign up TODAY!

Contact your local branch TODAY to sign up
for our Lunch N' Learn -
Elements of Credit Scores.

  

  Join us for Financial Literacy week April 22 - April 29. 
  We are never too old to learn
something new! 
   
BOW Shines Bright when it comes to 
learning about Financial Literacy!
 
Financial Literacy Education
Bank of the West Ponder & N. Richland Hills Present Financial Literacy Program to Area Elementary Schools
The stars were shining at Ponder Elementary as over 100 elementary students participated in the bank's Financial Literacy presentation geared for elementary grades 3 - 5. 
In a room filled to capacity, the students and teachers at Ponder Elementary were so excited to have Bank of the West visit and supplement their current curriculum with the hands-
BOW staff member, Christina S. works with students to complete the
  FL program worksheets
on program featuring lessons on income, spending and budgeting money.
Class participation was overwhelming as students raised their hands to answer questions and completed the worksheets designed to assist them in the importance of understanding needs vs. wants and how to plan for future spending.
Our staff in Ponder had a great time preparing for this Elementary Financial Literacy presentation and gathering the students' gifts which were distributed at the conclusion of the presentation.
Our staff at the Davis Boulevard branch in N. Richland Hills were on hand to present our Financial Literacy program to over 80 enthusiastic 2nd grade students at the Birdville Elementary in Haltom City. The lessons included discussions on the 
N. Richland Hills staff Axa L. (L) and Stephanie S. (R) engage students as they walk through exercises on Financial Literacy, with Debi M. (seated),
from Corporate.
importance of saving vs. spending and wants vs. needs, which prompted many questions from the classroom.
Jean Talent, 2nd grade teacher, was as equally  enthusiastic as her students and later commented that the students continued to talk about the presentation throughout the remainder of the day and that she could not wait for Bank of the West to return next year!

  
Consumer Tips
Finding the Right Balance in Your Finances     money_parachute.jpg
Not only is it important to balance your budget, but it's also crucial to find the right balance in your budget. How do these two differ? Balancing your budget means you don't spend more-however you spend it-than you bring in, while finding balance in your budget means you consciously spend no more than a predetermined amount on certain things. Budgeting is about more than paying bills-it's about determining how much you spend and on what.

Read More  about Finding the Right Balance in Your Finances.  
Our Involvement
Charitable Ways  
 
Leadership Northeast Class Supports
Adopt a Box
Participating in a Leadership Class is a perfect way to get involved with your community, learn all aspects of the local government and area businesses and enjoy the team building experience of a class project. Branch manager of our Davis Boulevard, N. Richland Hills location, Stephanie Schoening, took on the challenge and is very excited to be participating each month in Leadership Northeast.  
Stephanie is now actively working with her classmates on their class project - Supporting a local area non-profit.
Partnering with Leadership Northeast, the bank offered their location as a drop off point for project "Adopt a Box". Collecting needed food and crockpots for families in transition in the Birdville ISD.
Leadership Lewisville - Class Project Assists Childen's Advocacy Center
Leadership Lewisville class participant Becky Powers, Branch Manager, Lewisville,  is enjoying her time learning, polishing her leadership skills and growing through her involvement in this years' leadership class.  Engaging in the class project has been a highlight for Becky as the class is partnering with Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County. Striving to leave a lasting impact on the community, the leadership class will work together to transform the organization's backyard into a child-friendly space for both play and therapy. The Center is committed to providing care, justice and healing for abused children. Take a moment and view their class project video. 

To our readers,

The information contained in this publication is designed to be informative and educational to our customers and friends of Bank of the West. Please feel free to send us a comment or suggestion and as always, your email information is secure within our distribution and is used solely for the purpose of this publication. 
 
We value our customers and friends, so should you choose to no longer receive this information, please click on the unsubscribe link below.

Sharing this publication with your friends is the nicest compliment we can receive.
  
Sincerely,
Bank of the West Editorial Team
 
More Great News
BOW is
finally here!

I am BOW!
Cute BOW-Tie, huh?

It's Tax Time Ya'll...
Check out my BRIGHT tips  this month and just maybe some High Energy rantings and ramblings too!  

Read more in
BOW's Bright Blatherings!

I am the brand spankin' new Bank of the West mascot!  YIPPEE! Now I tend to ramble a bit, and sometimes blabber on and on... BUT, I am here to be efficient and have a great time with you!

I cannot wait to share fun, energetic, creative, informative and educational information throughout the year. Watch out for other eNewsletters , emails, contests AND Financial Literacy updates...
"I got it all covered!"
 
Keep your EYES OPEN
for more sightings of me!
 
HINT:  One of my favorite things to do is COLOR ~ and
NOW I am IN a coloring contest - Find out how your kiddos can enter at each 
of our branch locations. 

We Won!!

Best of the Best

Bank/Credit Union

Bank of the West


 Your vote for 
Bank of the West for
Best of the Best Bank/Credit Union
Grapevine/Colleyville Courier/Star-Telegram
was so appreciated!

Thank you to everyone
that voted for us -
We are so honored!

Bragging Rights
Spotlight Crew



 



 
 
Adam Ward, Lewisville 
Bank of the West, earned bragging rights for receiving our 'Spotlight" honor!
 
Adam was recognized as this quarter's "Spotlight" Employee for his outstanding staff support and "pitch-in" attitude by coming to the assistance of a fellow employee & working during his scheduled Saturday off.  
 
  Congratulations Adam! 

Way - To - Go!!
Branch Bits
Anniversary Milestones

We are proud to have each of you on
OUR TEAM!

 
Marlene Duman
Carrollton
5 Years

 
Bonnie Barwinkel (L)
Corporate
10 Years

Christy (LaZear) Bair (R)
Corporate
10 Years
(18 Total Years Served)
 

 Missi Risinger
Vernon
10 Years

 
Congratulations on your Milestones with Bank of the West!
 

More....


Financial Literacy Coloring Contest
 

Look for information at each location about our Children's Financial Literacy Coloring Contest during April -
Community Banking Month!
 
Your child could be our next winner of a NEW Bank of the West Youth Account and we will deposit $25.00 to help you start on your path to savings!
...ask our branch staff for details!

 

Don't forget to be our Friend on Facebook...
Follow us ...Like us
AND visit our Linkedin page.



Quote of the Month:

If you have an idea...
If you believe in yourself...
If you work hard enough...
YOU can make it happen!

Unknown Author
 
Quick Links
IBAT-Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Bank of the West | 817-310-3555 |  www.bnkwest.com
108 West Northwest Highway
Grapevine, TX 76051

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