(MAY 3, 2019) LAREDO, Texas - Today, IBC Bank Executive Vice President Guillermo R. Garcia received the 50 Year Banker Award from the Texas Bankers Foundation. Garcia was among 25 honorees that were recognized for their more than 50 years of service to the banking industry. 

"Guillermo's institutional knowledge and dedication to IBC Bank's mission of ‘doing more' is invaluable to our employees, customers, and our entire community," said IBC Bank Chairman & CEO Dennis E. Nixon. "He is a dedicated and trusted resource. As a community bank, we are proud to have local leaders making local decisions. Guillermo's expertise in pairing dreams with opportunities and creating successful ventures has been his trademark since joining IBC. He is an outstanding model for our 3,000 plus employees and officers and is incredibly deserving of this prestigious award."

Garcia began his career with IBC Bank in December 1968 in the consumer loan department where he began to develop relationships with customers for which he is so well known. In the 1980's, he moved to the bank's international department where he used his knowledge, customer service and strong relationships in Mexico to serve clients on both sides of the border, ensuring they were able to make the most of their savings and investments. His in-depth understanding of Mexican trade enabled him to assist with the financial goals of clients in U.S. and global marketplaces.

"What has kept me at IBC Bank for 50 years are the customers and the people I work with," explained Garcia. "I have been fortunate to be a part of the substantial growth and successes of IBC Bank under the leadership of Mr. Nixon and have had the opportunity to travel and build relationships and friendships with customers in the U.S. and Mexico. I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I only wish I could dedicate another 50 years to the industry."

Those who work closest with Garcia were thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with him. Many of the bank's younger generation of employees have benefited immensely from his mentorship.

"I am grateful for all that I have learned from Mr. Garcia," said Anselmo Castro, Jr., Senior Vice President at IBC Bank. "He is a kind and caring person and exhibits a sincere desire to serve our customers. People that opened accounts with him fifty years ago now bring their children and grandchildren to him to assist with their banking needs. I, along with my colleagues, revere him as a mentor and father figure and are grateful to be part of a strong, united family unit that is rare nowadays in businesses our size."

Today, Garcia is responsible for International Deposit Services, a program that sets IBC Bank apart from other financial institutions. He and his team continue to provide customers and prospects with the "IBC Experience."  He also shares management responsibilities on the bank's Executive, Loan and Senior Management committees. At 79 years old, he has no plans to retire just yet. 

Among his many business and banking studies, Garcia is a graduate of the Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. He is also a past director/member of the Border Olympics Association and the International Good Neighbor Council, and is a longtime member of the Membership Committee of the Laredo Country Club.  He is passionate about hunting and is a golf enthusiast. Garcia and his wife Josie have two sons, Guillermo, Jr. and Marc, and one daughter, Patricia, as well as seven grandchildren.  

 

About IBC Bank-Laredo

IBC Bank-Laredo is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), an $11.9 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 189 facilities and 287 ATMs serving 89 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of the customers and the communities it has been serving since 1966. International Bancshares Corporation was ranked 22^nd on Forbes' prestigious list of 100 Best Banks in America in 2019. IBC Bank-Laredo was selected as 2018 "Best Bank" by Laredo Morning Times readers. IBC Bank-Laredo serves the community with a retail branch network of 20 locations. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.