(January 14, 2019) ZAPATA, Texas - On Saturday January 12, IBC Bank directors, officers, employees and honored guests celebrated thirty-five years in business in the Brush Country area at a gala held at the Zapata County Community Center. Since the opening of its first branch in 1984, IBC Bank-Zapata has grown into a network of 10 locations throughout eight counties across South Texas.
IBC Bank-Zapata bank leaders presented a total of $20,000 in donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Zapata, Zapata Soil & Water Conservation District, Zapata County Fair and the mariachi groups from Zapata, Rio Grande, Hebbronville and La Grulla high schools. 

A speaking program included many tales of IBC's legacy and reflections on the bank's history. Guest speakers included Rosanne Palacios with Texas A&M International University; Dr. Poncho Ortega and Dr. Bill Kulvesky from Texas A&M University Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute; Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, University of Texas at Austin Voces Oral History Project Coordinator; Brad Walker, Texas A & M University Foundation Inc.; Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell; Joe Dodier, IBC Zapata Board Member; and Lupita Zepeda, District Director, Office of State Rep. Tracy King. In addition, representatives from the Office of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar presented a certificate in celebration of the anniversary. Guests at the event enjoyed food and music as they celebrated the enduring commitment and contributions the bank, its leaders and employees have made over more than three decades across Zapata, Rio Grande City, Roma, Hebbronville, Freer, Alice, Kingsville and Beeville. City, state and international dignitaries as well as several bank leaders from Texas and Oklahoma, shareholders and long-time customers helped make up the "who's who" honoring IBC Bank-Zapata. 

The guest of honor was Renato Ramirez, chairman of the board of IBC Bank-Zapata. His leadership of the bank as well as his personal philanthropy has had a significant impact on growth and progress along the border and across South Texas. ‘We Do More' is not only the bank's motto, but a timeless way to conduct business. Through this approach, IBC Bank-Zapata has contributed to the success of many individuals and businesses.

Generations of commercial and retail customers turn to IBC Bank as their trusted financial partner. "I am committed to IBC Bank's mission to ‘Do More' and am honored to have had the chance to make so many things possible for many people throughout our thirty-five years in the community," said Ramirez. "I look forward to continuing to encourage our employees, customers and neighbors to look for ways to ‘Do More' in their everyday lives."

IBC Bank-Zapata has a special focus on doing more for the community's youth, contributing significantly to local school districts and universities, sports and music programs, and the Boys & Girls Club. Ramirez and his family have also personally established scholarship programs at Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University, contributed to the Tejano Monument at the Texas Capitol, and are deeply involved with the University of Texas, Texas A&M College Station, Texas A&M Kingsville and Texas A&M International Laredo.

His son, Ricardo Ramirez, is following in his father's footsteps as the current president of IBC Bank-Zapata. "I feel very blessed to continue my father's legacy of philanthropy and service here in Brush Country and look forward to celebrating another 35 years," said Ricardo.

The 35th anniversary festivities will continue throughout the year with a variety of customer incentives and promotions.

IBC Bank-Zapata is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $11.8 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 191 facilities, 288 ATMs serving 90 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. In 2016, IBC celebrated its 50th anniversary since it opened its doors for business in 1966. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of both the customers and the communities it serves. International Bancshares was ranked 19th on Forbes' prestigious list of 100 Best Banks in America in 2018. IBC Bank-Zapata has been serving the Brush Country area since 1984 and has a retail branch network of 10 locations. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.