“We are pleased to be recognized for the  performance of Lamar National Bank.  This is a reflection of our outstanding staff’s adherence to our motto of “Relationship Banking at its Best,” stated Michael Rhodes, President. “There is an intense regulatory burden placed on community banks in a very challenging banking environment.  We are proud that despite these challenges we have continued to be considered among the best community banks in the nation.”

In S&B’s newest book, The Art of Capital Planning – The “How-To” Guide, the authors clearly demonstrate that the difference between the banks that failed and those that survived the Financial Crisis, or even those that prospered, was each bank’s ability to optimize risk. While the word “optimize” sounds incongruous with the threats of risk, the truth is that community banks make money from managed risk. Those banks ranking in the 2012 S&B Top 15th Percentile of Community Banks epitomize such optimization of managed risk.

“It takes a lot of funds to be in the monster truck business,” said Shane. Lamar National Bank along with numerous sponsors helped turn this dream into a reality. Good luck Big Kahuna!

Lamar National Bank is proud to announce the hiring of Ana Morales, 24, as a new customer service representative.  Ms. Morales, who is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish, is a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  She is married to Louis Morales who works at Load Trail, and they have two children.

“Lamar National Bank is dedicated to providing the best, most personalized customer service to all of our customers, including those for whom English is a second language”  states President and CEO of Lamar National Bank Michael Rhodes.

For over 30 years, Lamar National Bank has grown and served the banking needs of all the citizens of Lamar County. With a growing Hispanic Population in Texas, Lamar National Bank is at the forefront of catering to the needs of these customers. The bank has always been built around the experience and loyalty of seasoned veterans and an outstanding staff. “Our employees are our greatest asset”, says Michael Rhodes, President and CEO of Lamar National Bank.

Click here to read Lamar National Bank President Michael Rhodes’ annual letter to our shareholders.

1927-2012

Lamar National Bank offers its condolences to the family of a very special customer. Mr. Hostetler’s visits and his apples will be missed by the entire staff of the bank. Rest in Peace.

Lamar Employes: Kasey Michael, Amanda Yoder, Jana Ford & Tammy Moore

On Saturday, September 28, 2012, five Lamar National Employees came out to help with the first annual “Rides for a Reason”, a day long event to raise funds for Dylan’s Drivers.  Dylan’s Drivers is a local non-profit organization that gives free, confidential and non-judgemental rides who for people who have had too much to drink.  Organized in late 2011 as a response to the tragic alcohol related accident that took the lifes of two young men Wade Witmer and Dylan Ballard (for whom Dylan’s Drivers is named) this organization gave over 800 rides in the first nine months of operation.  That is 800 people who otherwise would have been on our roads if they did not have a safe ride home.

While the acceptance of this program is impressive, even more powerful is the number of community members that have voluteered to work late into the night making sure the service was available to give rides to the “overserved”.  To date, over 150 volunteers have been trained to serve as drivers and navigators.

In addition to the incredible numbers of volunteers that have stepped up, numerous businesses, individuals and restaurants have provided food, drinks and supplies necessary to make this a great place to volunteer.

Dylan’s Drivers’ largest expense is rental cars that allow the organization to avoid liability and ongoing maintenence associated with owning vehicles.  The Rides for a Reason event grossed over $15,000 to help the organization meet their financial needs.  The event consisted of a 5k Run, a two-day softball tournament, a car show, a motorcycle rally,  a kid’s area, a burger cook-off and live music.

Lamar National applaudes the hard work of Dylan’s Drivers and  recognizes the impact this organization has had in reducing drunk driving in our community.  As a community bank our employees were proud to be a part of this event.

Patti joined the Lamar National Bank board of directors in 2004 following the death of her father, Robert Pierson, a director and shareholder since the 1980s.  Patti has also served on the boards of the YWCA, American Cancer Society, and the Red River Valley Aggie Mothers Club.

Patti received the Outstanding Female Educator of Lamar County award, Outstanding Young Woman of America award, and most recently, the Region VIII Texas Association of Gifted and Talented Advocate of the Year.

She is married to Bruce Staples and is the proud mother of Anna and Robert Staples.