The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), the largest state community banking association in the nation, recently honored Ozona Bank of Wimberley with a Best of Community Banking Award. It received a Community Spirit award for its community service entry.
Ozona Bank contributes to many nonprofits in the Wimberley Valley. Years ago, the local branch decided to support the Crisis Bread Basket, a local organization that helps fight hunger and provide support for those in need. The bank’s President and CEO Kelly Barclay and then President of the Crisis Bread Basket Judy Dunn discussed a joint effort between the bank and CBB.
“When Judy approached me in 2002, she expressed concern regarding the recent denial of federal funding and the negative impact this would have on CBB and their ability to fulfill its mission of serving the less fortunate. Understanding the bank’s passion for serving the needs within our communities, I immediately recognized this was an opportunity to help,” Barclay said. “The bank’s successful 20-year partnership with CBB can be attributed to our dedicated and enthusiastic staff that strives to surpass the prior year’s monetary goal. The bank’s directors, officers and staff are passionate about supporting the needs of the communities we serve and are excited to be a part of this journey with CBB.”
The program started with only a few volunteers but has grown each year. Officers and employees dress in turkey suits and Thanksgiving-themed hats, strutting or dancing along Ranch Road 12, where CBB and the bank are both located, to raise awareness for the cause. In addition, two food and toiletries drop-off bins are inside the main bank and the drive-thru lobby, as well as year-round monetary donation boxes. The bank employees and officers also work shoulder to shoulder during annual food distributions each November.
2022 marks the 31st year that IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. Community banks, such as Ozona Bank, play a critical role in their local communities. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor local banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees and community. BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout the state for their innovation, creativity and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need.
