Commerce Bank leaders joined school and city officials for ribbon-cutting
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Students at Arndtville, a “mini-city” inside J.W. Arndt Elementary, celebrated the 12th anniversary of their Minitropolisâ program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 30. The Minitropolisâ program offers students an opportunity to see how a community operates by “employing” them in a variety of real-world positions. Minitropolis® was created by IBC Bank in 1996 and currently operates in more than 25 elementary schools across Texas.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Commerce Bank executives inducted 25 fourth and fifth-grade student “employees” who will work at the Commerce Bank at Arndtville. Earlier in the month, the students toured the bank, received training and had the opportunity to meet Commerce Bank President and CEO Ignacio Urrabazo, Jr. In addition to Commerce Bank in the Arndtville Minitropolisâ, students have the opportunity to work in the police station, Arndtville Café, IRS, post office, radio station and one of the two general stores.
“The Minitropolisâ program teaches students financial lessons they will experience in adulthood,” said Commerce Bank President and CEO Ignacio Urrabazo. “Commerce Bank believes in the importance of education and inspiring future generations to ‘Make It Happen.’ Every year I look forward to seeing the students grow up to become engaged citizens of Laredo.”
Commemorating the occasion were Commerce Bank officers and county and school officials. During the ceremony, Urrabazo and other local officials addressed the students, faculty, and visitors and commended the students and faculty at Arndt Elementary for their hard work and dedication.
