Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The 10th-anniversary celebration of Texas Regional Bank (TRB) in Mission, Texas, was a momentous occasion, reflecting the bank’s decade-long commitment to relationship banking and the local community. The event was filled with gratitude, celebration, and a shared vision for the future. TRB’s leaders, community members, and local officials gathered to honor the bank’s growth, achievements, and ongoing role in the region’s prosperity.
The event began with a warm welcome, recognizing the long-standing relationship between TRB and the Mission community. The contributions of the bank’s founding team, were highlighted as crucial to the bank’s early success. The sentiment extended to the current team, emphasizing TRB’s tradition of relationship banking and its commitment to serving the communities in which it operates.
The festive atmosphere was palpable, focusing on recognizing the strong connections built over the past decade. Despite the warm weather, the gathering was pleasant, and attendees were grateful for the cooler conditions. Adding to the excitement were raffles offering prizes such as staycations and event tickets, reflecting the bank’s strong ties to the local community. The music provided by Mariachi Cascabel.
One of the most touching moments came with an invocation by Father Roy, who had blessed TRB’s Mission branch a decade earlier. His spiritual and philosophical prayer emphasized the importance of community, growth, and everyday moments that bring grace and joy. He prayed for continued prosperity for TRB, the community, and the relationships that bind them.
Cesar Suarez, TRB’s Chief Banking Officer, took to the podium to reflect on the bank’s journey. “My name is Cesar Suarez, and I am the Chief Banking Officer at Texas Regional Bank. I joined the bank in 2014 to help open this location. When several people received the invitation for today’s event, many responded with, ‘Has it really been ten years?’ And the answer is, yes, it has.”
Suarez highlighted the community’s critical role in TRB’s success: “When we opened this branch, we knew that the success of Texas Regional Bank in Mission would depend entirely on the community’s support. Today, we are celebrating our 10th anniversary, largely thanks to the continued support of this wonderful community where we strive to invest.”
He invited everyone to join in a commemorative toast: “So, I’d like to raise our glasses and toast Texas Regional Bank on its 10th anniversary in Mission, Texas, and to all of you for your continued support of the bank and the communities we serve. Thank you. Cheers!”
The presence of local government officials further underscored the significance of TRB’s contributions to Mission. Jamie Brown Rosas, TRB’s Chief Community & Business Development Officer, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “We are incredibly excited to host this event today, especially here in the great City of Mission. The City of Mission has been wonderful to us—the community, the business sector, and the local school districts. We truly love what’s happening here, and it’s been ongoing for over a decade now, which is so exciting. We’re also honored to have Mayor Pro Tem Ruben Plata with us today to offer remarks on behalf of the city.”
Mayor Pro Tem Plata then addressed the audience, praising TRB’s impact on the community. “Mission is home to ten banks, some with two or three branches, and three credit unions. This is evidence of the strong financial and business presence here. Mission has a lot of money, business activity, and many great, hardworking professionals making it all happen. We’re honored to be part of this vibrant community, and I am grateful to speak today as a council member. Healthy competition in business only makes us stronger.”
Plata emphasized the importance of competition within the banking sector, stating, “We are here to celebrate Texas Regional Bank, one of the premier banks in the state of Texas, and we’re proud to be part of this moment.”
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), a crucial partner in TRB’s success, was also recognized for its support. Jamie introduced Joe Vargas, the immediate past chair of the GMCC, who delivered remarks on behalf of the organization.
“Good afternoon. It is an honor to stand before you today on behalf of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate this incredible milestone—the 10th anniversary of Texas Regional Bank and its exceptional service to the City of Mission,” Vargas began. “Ten years ago, Texas Regional Bank set out with a vision to provide exceptional financial services while promoting growth and prosperity in our community. Today, we honor a decade of dedication, excellence, and commitment to our region.”
Vargas continued, “Over these ten years, Texas Regional Bank has become more than just a financial institution—it has become a cornerstone of our community. Cesar, your bank has provided top-tier banking services and has been a constant partner in various community initiatives, helping elevate the City of Mission. Throughout economic challenges and growth periods, Texas Regional Bank has shown a deep understanding of the needs of our community.”
He presented a plaque to Cesar Suarez, commemorating the bank’s decade of service. “On behalf of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce and the board of directors, it is my greatest honor, with deep gratitude, to congratulate Texas Regional Bank on your commitment to serving the City of Mission. To commemorate this special occasion, we present a plaque today to Mr. Cesar Suarez, celebrating these ten years of outstanding service and leadership in our community.”
The past decade has been one of solid achievements for TRB, marked by strong community relationships, financial success, and contributions to the development of Mission. Looking ahead, TRB is well-positioned to continue its role as a leader in the community, fostering economic and social progress through its solid dedication to relationship banking and community engagement.
The event highlighted TRB’s local development role and commitment to fostering long-lasting relationships. As TRB enters its second decade, it supports community banking and is dedicated to continued service and growth in the region.