By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition February 2020
It was a beautiful morning on January 23, 2020, when high ranking officials of the bank, friends, and clients got together to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newest banking center of Lone Star National Bank. The address, right on 300 S. Cage Blvd. in Pharr, Texas, is a strategic location featuring motor banking for on go customer satisfaction.
Edna De Saro, Senior Vice President of Marketing said, “In fact, back in 1983 our board of directors chose the great city of Pharr to be the first city to host a Lone Star National Bank. And here we are today starting 2020 with a brand-new banking center.” She emphasized the significant momentum of this and that it is a great way to start the new year. “We’ve opened this banking center to provide our customers with superior service, better parking facilities, and a great motor bank. This a full-service banking center, meaning that Lone Star National Bank provides the full range of bank services like consumer, commercial, and retail banking services.
As is customary, Alonzo Cantu, the Chairman of the bank’s board also attended the ceremony. He greeted the bank’s clients and friends.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez welcomed the bank’s new location and thanked the bank’s leadership for working together with the City of Pharr.
Eddie Cantu, Hidalgo County Commissioner precinct 2, and former City of Pharr councilmember said, “This is a great opportunity for Lone Star National Bank to move out from city hall so that they can have a little more exposure.”
Alonzo Cantu, the Chairman of the bank’s board, took over the microphone and said, “Let me say this. Back when we were starting Lone Star National Bank, I asked a few friends of mine in McAllen or other cities, what do y’all think about me getting involved in the bank?” He said, “After talking to the who’s-who in McAllen, they talked about two things – somebody who may not like what I’m going to say, but I’m sorry. First of all, they told me; you should not invest in the ones that are going to be owned by lot of Mexicans that aren’t going to be organized. And two; it’s in Pharr, Texas.” Alonzo finalized, “So, certainly we’ve proved them wrong because this is the number one bank right now. So, thank you all.”
Rebeca Arizmendi, President, and CEO of the Pharr Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the bank to its new location.
David Deanda, President and CEO of Lone Star National, stated, “They say that organizations rise and fall on leadership. And I can tell you that we’ve been blessed with a great board of directors. Their vision has allowed us to continue to grow in the communities that we serve.” He noted that it was the local decision making that gives Deanda and the staff the autonomy to carry out the daily tasks of a banking institution.
“I appreciate your leadership and your hard work, and I can tell you this, Pharr is our home; it will always be our home,” he finalized.
Immediately after, the bank official proceeded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Lone Star National Bank’s new free-standing branch in Pharr.
