Texas Border Business –
(SEPTEMBER 19, 2013) BROWNSVILLE, Texas – American Banker selected IBC Bank-Brownsville First Vice President Bertha Garza as the inaugural, sole recipient in the nation to receive the Community Impact Award. This new recognition, to be bestowed annually, was inspired by Garza’s contributions in promoting financial literacy. It is now intended to honor a woman in banking who has effectively brought innovative strategies and personal compassion to her role in making a significant difference in the world around her.
“Bertha makes a difference in our community daily and we are proud that American Banker is recognizing her with this national ‘Community Impact’ Award,” IBC Bank-Brownsville President & CEO Fred Rusteberg said. “We are thankful for her 15 years of service to IBC, her ‘We Do More’ attitude, and her commitment to the Brownsville community.”
Garza continuously inspires positive change in the Brownsville community through leading a variety of programs that focus on financial education and leadership development. Some of her greatest achievements include the FDIC Money Smart Program, the Federal Reserve Bank’s Building Wealth Program, Get Smart about Credit, IBC Bank’s proprietary “Money Buzz,” and IBC Bank’s Minitropolis® program. She also founded the program, “Women, Money & Power” to teach and inspire women to live happier lives while providing a platform that allows them to bond and celebrate their unique stories of leadership.
“I am grateful to IBC for giving me the opportunity in 1998 to become part of an organization that places such high value on giving back to our community, and to my family and friends for their abundant love and support,” Garza said. “Giving back to my community is something I feel strongly about and strive to incorporate into my daily life, so I am incredibly honored and thankful to American Banker for the recognition.”
Garza joined IBC Bank in 1998 as assistant vice president and main bank branch manager. In 2006, she was promoted to her current role as first vice president, which includes serving as CEO assistant, secretary to the board, marketing director, and international banker.
American Banker will present Garza with this prestigious Community Impact Award October 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The gala event will celebrate the accomplishments of women in banking and finance across the nation.
IBC Bank–Brownsville is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), an $11.6 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 216 facilities and more than 320 ATMs serving 88 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank–Brownsville was recognized by the National Bankers Association with the Gibraltar Award in 2009 and 2011 for its financial strength and strategic investment practices. More information is available at www.ibc.com. Visit us on our YouTube channel, IBCBankWeDoMore. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION.
