As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition November 2018
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank said that the groundbreaking ceremony marks a special occasion. “I’m very happy that we’re making an investment in San Juan, Texas with this new bank branch,” he said.
“Just to give you a little bit of a timeline, we started this project approximately two years ago. And there were some issues.” He continued, “There were certainly some things that were not expected, but you know what? Here we are, we’ve got sewer, we’ve got water, and we’ve got fire protection, we’re ready to go.”
It is important to highlight, in October 2018, Texas National Bank raised over $73,000 for The Make-A-Wish foundation during a golf tournament. “We’re a hard-working bank, we get up early and we stay up late, and we like to invest back in the communities that we serve,” Quiroga stated.
Saul Ortega the CEO and chairman for Texas National Bank said, “Sometimes timing and luck is on your side. I’m glad that we were able to acquire this location, it’s an excellent location.” The new bank branch will be erected on the Northeast Corner of Interstate Hwy 2 & N. Veterans Blvd. in San Juan, Texas.
The total footage of the branch will be 3,500 sq. ft., with an additional 5,000 sq. ft. for leasing opportunities. It was reported that about twelve people will work at the new branch. Total invest will be over $3 million according to bank officials. Ortega said that the bank owns a total of 11 acres on that location.
Quiroga told Texas Border Business that with the new branch, Texas National Bank grows to seven locations. “We’re in Mercedes, Weslaco, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Elsa, and now San Juan.” He said that Texas National Bank is one out of 36 minority-owned banks in the nation.
He also said that Texas National Bank is the oldest National Bank in the Valley, established in 1920. “We’re getting ready to celebrate our 100th year coming up in the next couple years,” he said.
To finalize, Ortega said, “We’re moving forward and we’re very excited to be here in San Juan. The City of San Juan has treated us very well. They’ve opened their arms, they’ve helped us in every way they can, and we are grateful to all of you in the City of San Juan and the EDC. Thank you.”
