Lone Star National Bank makes a big difference to Alton and surrounding communities
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the first-ever free-standing bank in Alton Texas was historic. Lone Star National Bank had the vision and did everything possible to get this branch open. During the event, it was announced that the new branch marks the 32nd banking center across south Texas.
It is hard to believe that this institution started the bank from a 3000 sq. Ft. mobile home and today employ over 700. The board of directors of the bank has kept a close relationship with communities that make the Rio Grande Valley. The direction they provide to their team of executives is always to stay in touch, and their efforts are making a difference.
The partnerships that have created with schools is direct and across the regions across, also includes softball leagues where children receive the benefits.
The opening celebration of Lone Star National Bank was unique, there is a lot a history that tells that this community is faithful to its roots.
According to the story, back in 1963 a few men who lived in this community, the Vela, Treviño and Garcia families traveled to Corpus Christi to ask the bishop if they could have a church in Alton. In those days, the community was smaller than today with no church. The closest church was in Mission Texas.
The families started working to raise money to build a church. Their efforts paid off, at the end of the program they had $22,000 and used it to build the San Martin de Porres, located on five-mile line. According to Father Amador Garza who told the story, today it is a bustling Parish.
They became a Parish in 1969. Back then, Bishop Humberto Medeiros allowed them to have their dream of having their own parish.
Father Garza also said, “I think that dreams, hopes, and aspirations are wonderful things and Lord only knows how long the people of this community have been hoping and dreaming that they would have their own bank.”
Like he said, “Back in the 60s they got their very first Catholic church here now today, forty-nine years later another dream come true for the people of Alton. And so, we’re grateful to God.”
Alton’s mayor, Salvador Vela thanked everyone for being present and also Alonzo Cantu, the chairman of Lone Star National Bank “In my estimation, this bank here is going to be more prosperous because just recently my wife invested by depositing one thousand dollars for a CD.” He also said that his married his wife forty-nine years ago at the same parish Father Garza was talking about.
David Deanda president of the bank said, “I’m going to tell you that when we opened branches, we get involved in those communities, but involvement works both ways. We become a part of your family, and you become a part of our family, so I would encourage to make a deposit with us, borrow some money, pay us a little bit of interest and help yourselves grow.” He continued, “We are here to help you prosper, so my commitment to you is that we are going to make a difference in the community that we serve.”
