Independent Bankers Association of Texas recognizes local bank’s community service, financial literacy, innovation and marketing programs
MCALLEN, TX—The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)—the largest state community banking association in the nation—recently honored Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) in McAllen with four Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. It received a Best of Show Gold Eagle award for its “Starr County Volunteerism” community service entry, a Gold Eagle Award for its “Cowboy Cash” innovation entry, a Silver Eagle Award for its “Client Testimonials” marketing entry, and a Bronze Eagle Award for its “Financial Literacy” entry.
Volunteerism is central to LSNB’s identity. In 2024, employees contributed over 8,000 volunteer hours through school partnerships, civic events, food drives, and educational initiatives, while the bank donated more than $1 million in sponsorships and 11,000 pounds of food to local families. With 33 banking centers across South Texas, LSNB is committed to empowering families, mentoring students, and supporting community organizations.
LSNB’s mascot, Cowboy Cash, celebrated 17 years last year and remains a beloved community icon. More than a marketing figure, Cowboy Cash connects generations and industries, participating in schools, nonprofits, financial education programs, and city festivals.
The bank also champions its clients, featuring them on social media and through “Lunch & Learn” Small Business Seminars, which have welcomed over 300 attendees. These initiatives reflect LSNB’s dedication to building relationships, supporting entrepreneurs, and driving regional growth with innovation and integrity.
Financial literacy remains a cornerstone of LSNB’s mission. In 2024, its bilingual outreach team participated in over 100 events, reaching nearly 30,000 people—from classrooms to college campuses—with practical, age-appropriate lessons that strengthen families and communities.
2025 marks the 34th year that IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. Community banks, such as Lone Star National 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.
All BOCB gold, silver, and bronze submissions can be viewed at www.ibat.org. For more information about Lone Star National Bank’s submissions and the programs they highlight, contact Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer, Luis Membreno, at (956) 781-4321.
About Lone Star National Bank
Established in 1983, Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) is a proud Hispanic-owned financial institution headquartered in McAllen, Texas. With 42 years of dedicated service, LSNB has grown to operate 33 full-service banking centers and two corporate locations across Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Bexar counties. An independent and locally owned subsidiary of Lone Star National Bancshares-Texas, Inc., LSNB reported consolidated assets of $3.3 billion. In addition to personal and business banking, LSNB provides Mortgage, Insurance, Wealth Management & Trust, International Banking and Investment services. LSNB is committed to community impact, donating nearly $1 million each year to initiatives supporting education, economic development, and healthcare. “We do what the little banks can’t, and the big banks won’t!”
About the Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Formed in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) represents Texas community banks. The Austin-based group is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with membership comprised of almost 5,000 banks and branches in more than 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, IBAT member bank assets range in size from $28 million to $51 billion with combined assets statewide of $296 billion. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities.
