Driving America’s new financial capital:
Texas relationship banking
Welcome to the 141st Annual Texas Bankers Convention and the convention edition of our magazine! We are pleased to welcome not just bankers from across the state, but guests from across the nation — and even other parts of the world — who want to learn more about Texas: America’s New Financial Capital and Land of Opportunity.
The Texas Miracle is no accident. Under the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott and legislative leaders, Texas has combined tax advantages, workforce growth and smart economic development tools to attract more Fortune 500 businesses than any other state.
Legal reform has also played an important role. The creation of the Texas Business Court and updates to our business laws reflect a dedicated effort to make Texas an even stronger place for incorporation, investment and commercial activity. Combined with the absence of a traditional corporate income tax, Texas has gained a competitive edge because its policies encourage investment, reward growth and create confidence in the future. And that brings us to Texas banks.
The strength and a true differentiator for the Texas Banking sector is the diversity of our banks. There is a solution for enterprises of every kind. Yes, you will find the most globally active banks. But we are most proud of our regionally focused institutions — mid-size and community banks that underpin our local economies. This level of banking depth simply does not exist in other parts of the world, and it is becoming increasingly rare in other states.
In Texas, customers may find a bank that precisely suits their needs. Texas banks are the economic “secret sauce” that provide capital, exceptional expertise and trusted advisory services in the major sectors that drive the 8th largest economy on the planet: Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technology and Small Business.
A Texas bank brand means value. As other U.S. jurisdictions embrace stifling over-regulation and crushing hyper-taxation, Texas stands as a beacon for free enterprise and growth. Domestically, banks from other U.S. states have come to covet the Texas market.
But the greatest factor in Texas’ success is our bank leaders and banking workforce 238,000-employees strong! You see Texas banking is not merely transactional. Texas banking is personal and based on relationships.
You will find Texas bankers deeply engaged, leveraging their networks with their business customers and in their communities. They serve on local and regional chambers of commerce, on transportation, technical and trade commissions and they work to influence policies that help our cities and counties grow. You’ll find Texas community banks fighting fraud alongside law enforcement. They stand behind first responders and non-profits when disasters impact our communities. And Texas bankers are often the first to invest in the philanthropic, educational and cultural pursuits of their constituencies.
To our new friends and guests, welcome to Y’all Street! Texas relationship banking has clearly made a difference for the Lone Star State’s booming economy and for our communities. Learn how a relationship with Texas banks will make all the difference in the world for you!