Bank News Archives - Page 7 of 8 - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

Bank News, Important Notice, Press Release

by SouthStar BankMarch 12, 2020

Health & Safety Amid COVID-19

The health and well-being of SouthStar Bank employees, community, and customers are our primary concern. While there is currently no foreseen impact to the Bank’s operation of services, we continue to closely monitor and evaluate developments of COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health and government authorities. There are several precautionary measures we are taking to ensure we safely manage through this situation while continuing to serve our community and customers effectively. Proactive steps include deployment of additional hand sanitizers and enhanced cleaning of common areas and high-touch surfaces throughout the day. Thank you for your partnership and assistance as SouthStar Bank works to confront these important issues. Members of our community can maximize the effectiveness of these efforts by adhering to preventive hygiene guidance as published by the CDC, including: Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not readily available. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. In addition, it is recommended to: Stay informed: CDC information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html All members of the community are encouraged to visit the site regularly for FAQs, including the best ways to protect your personal health, and updates as new information becomes available. Stay home if you are sick: If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, fever, cough, shortness of breath), you are advised to stay home and seek medical care. For your convenience, we offer remote banking capabilities at no additional charge. 24-Hour Telebanking (866.333.9064) Allpoint ATM Network CardValet® Online Banking (southstarbank.com/online-banking-login/) Mobile App with Deposit Capture We understand that there is a great amount of concern, uncertainty and anxiety throughout the community. The safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers are our highest priorities and we appreciate your partnership and assistance as SouthStar Bank works to confront these important issues. We appreciate your feedback. For comments or questions please reach out to your branch representative or email contact.us@southstarbank.com.

Bank News, Employee News

by SouthStar BankFebruary 25, 2020

Congratulations Trey Bertelson! New Vice President and Retail Banking Operations Officer!

Congratulations to Trey Bertelson on his promotion to Vice President and Retail Banking Operations Officer! Trey Bertelson was promoted to Vice President and Retail Banking Operations Officer. Trey has been a part of the SouthStar Bank team for the last two years. Prior to joining SouthStar Bank, he spent 10 years working in financial services. During this time, Trey established his commitment to personalized service and a team-first mentality. Trey is excited to take on this new position at SouthStar Bank. He is most looking forward to “building on the team-first principles cultivated during his time at the Leander Branch.” As Retail Operations Officer, Trey will oversee bank-wide operations and growth initiatives, execute efficient workflow, and support the Chief Operations Officer. Outside of work, Trey maintains an active role in the community. Currently he serves as the Treasurer for the Cedar Park Public Library Foundation. Trey also enjoys hiking and watching sports.

Bank News, Employee News

by SouthStar BankFebruary 5, 2020

Congratulations Deanna Whitson! 2019 Salado Citizen of the Year!

Congratulations to Deanna Whitson, recognized as the 2019 Salado Citizen of the Year! Deanna served as the Chair for the Salado Christmas Stroll Parade and under her guidance had the largest Christmas Stroll to date. The parade had over 60 entries and overcame literal construction obstacles. Whitson also played a significant leadership role in the Salado Rotary Club’s Second Annual ‘Que on Main fundraiser which brought hundreds of visitors to Salado on Memorial Day Weekend. When describing Deanna, Awards Chairman Claire Hartman said, “This person doesn’t have to be in charge, but will be if called upon. Her desire to give and help is genuine and authentic.” Hartman also went on to say “Deanna has been in our community helping, with a big H! From Chamber event to community events.” Deanna was taken by surprise when she received the award. “I absolutely love our community, everyone in it, and our Chamber team,” Whitson said. Deanna is involved in the Salado Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. She is a proud Aggie wife and mom and loves to attend the Aggie Football games. In her free time, Deanna likes to craft, read, and make her own jewelry. She looks forward too many more adventures with the Salado Chamber and community. Read more about the Salado Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet from the Salado Village Voice. NMLS # 1103882

Bank News, Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 27, 2020

Congratulations Amanda Aaron! New Branch Executive

Congratulations to Amanda Aaron on her promotion to Branch Executive! Amanda Aaron was promoted to Branch Executive at our Leander Branch. She joined SouthStar Bank last year after spending over 15 years working in commercial lending. Amanda specializes in small business lending and commercial real estate lending but has worked in a variety of other bank services. She has experience in loan production, financing owner-occupied and investment real estate, servicing and underwriting commercial credits. Amanda prides herself on helping her clients throughout the lending process. “The ability to make a customer feel comfortable about what’s to come is invaluable,” she says. She provides that comfort with her expertise and personable skills which allows her to guide her customers through every step of the loan process. While Amanda will be taking on a new role, she plans to remain active in her community. Currently, Amanda holds leadership roles with CREW Austin and her local Little League. In her free time, Amanda and her family enjoy camping, hiking, and taking on any type of outdoor adventure. NMLS # 1819235

Bank News, Commercial, Employee News

by SouthStar BankOctober 23, 2019

Congratulations Elise Giles! Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

Congratulations to Elise Giles on passing the CCIM Designation Exam and earning her pin! We’re so proud! A CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) is a recognized expert in the commercial and investment real estate industry. The designation process ensures that CCIMs are proficient not only in theory, but also in practice. The elite group of CCIMs includes brokers, leasing professionals, investment counselors, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, property managers, developers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, attorneys, bankers, and other allied professionals. Senior Vice President & Specialty CRE/HBF Director with SouthStar Bank, Ms. Giles has broad knowledge of the commercial market. Her career spans over 30 years in commercial real estate in various South and Southwest markets including Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Ms. Giles is an entrepreneurial banker adept at all types of development and commercial real estate finance. Throughout her long and productive career, she has enjoyed working with small and mid-sized developers, builders and visionaries to bring their CRE projects to life. She is always in search of new clients and new strategic positions that complement and grow her extensive knowledge base. “I enjoy creating a niche in a diverse and complex market to provide financing that meets my clients’ needs,” she says. Much of her experience has been in construction finance, including single-family residential lot development, mid-rise apartments, extended stay hotel projects and mixed-use office and retail. Additionally, she has experience financing bridge loans, mini-perms and permanent loans on all types of income property. Elise serves as Chair of the Sponsorship Committee for Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), as well as a member of Central Texas Commercial Association of Realtors (CTCAR) and Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR). A member and former elder of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, Elise is active in the Flower Ministry and the Chancel Choir. Singing has been something of a lifelong passion for her. She is a former member of Houston Symphony Chorus. She also attended Southwest Texas State (Texas State University) on a voice performance scholarship. As often as she and her husband, Brad, and their two dogs, Kirby and JackJack, can get away from their busy lives in Austin, you will find them at their beach house in TerraMar on Galveston Bay. NMLS # 1493386

Bank News, Employee News, Mortgage Lending

by SouthStar BankOctober 17, 2019

Congratulations Greg Vesely! Top Austin Mortgage Producer

Greg Vesely, Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending & Branch Executive at SouthStar Bank, was recognized as a ‘Top Residential Mortgage Producer’ in the Austin area. Vesely closed 28 portfolio mortgage loans with a volume of $14.78 million in 2018, 26 within the Austin MSA. This does not include his investor and ranch loans where his clients hold the property in an LLC. With 25 years of industry experience, Greg Vesely has a keen eye for strategy and a commitment to customer service. “I enjoy being my clients’ trusted advisor,” he says. “By understanding their needs, I’m better equipped to help them achieve growth and success.” Vesely is a graduate of Texas State (Southwest Texas). He also holds a Series 6,63, Group 1 license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). His vast expertise in lending makes him a go-to resource not only for residential mortgages, but also commercial financing. Greg is involved in the Steiner Ranch community, a place he’s called home for over 18 years. He contributes his time to March of Dimes, the Chamber of Commerce, Toys for Tots and United Way. “I love to volunteer and help support the community,” he says. When he isn’t working or volunteering, Greg and his wife Kay love to travel. Especially when that travel involves watching their daughter, Kaylee, play in golf tournaments See the full Top Residential Mortgage Producer list here. NMLS # 621784

Bank News, Commercial, SBA

by SouthStar BankAugust 21, 2019

Your Local SBA Team

SouthStar Bank further develops its small business lending division with an expanded team. Alexis Michael, Amanda Aaron and Pam Barbeau carry a combined 33 years in SBA lending. The qualified team is dedicated to supporting local business. They go beyond the standard SBA benefits of lower down payments and longer terms, to build lasting relationships with clients through personal service and quick responses. By understanding local Austin markets and every detail of the loan process, they allow their clients to keep focus on the business. An SBA Preferred Lending Partner (PLP), SouthStar Bank offers SBA 504, 7a and Express loan programs. The Bank began offering SBA products in 1994, which was a perfect complement to its long history of community banking. SBA Director Alexis Michael has built a reputation as a strong leader and expert lender by being friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. “I am looking forward to the continued growth and success of our SBA program,” says Mrs. Michael, “Not only have we streamlined the loan process for faster credit decisions, we have the most dedicated team out there. We are committed to serving our customers with a superior level of products, service and care.” SouthStar Bank operates 15 full-service branches, including six Austin-area locations in Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave, Southwest Austin, Round Rock, Leander and Georgetown. Established in 1920, the bank holds over $800 million in assets and focuses on community involvement and personal relationships. Decisions are made locally, allowing the flexibility to apply common-sense standards to products, services and loan requests. In addition to residential and commercial lending, SouthStar Bank offers a full line of competitive consumer and commercial deposit products. With the latest conveniences, including online banking and mobile banking with check capture, debit card alerts and freeze capabilities, and a free worldwide Allpoint ATM network clients can easily bank on the go. Contact sba@southstarbank.com | 512.456.0035 Alexis Michael | Senior Vice President, Regional Credit Manager & SBA Director | NMLS# 790782 Amanda Aaron | Vice President of Lending | NMLS# 1819235 Pam Barbeau | Assistant Vice President southstarbank.com/sba SouthStar Bank NMLS# 410624

Bank News, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankApril 22, 2019

SouthStar Bank Pledges up to $25k in Franklin Relief Funds

SouthStar Bank has opened an account dedicated to relief efforts for the Franklin tornado and pledges to match contributions up to $25,000. Many of the Bank’s team members reside in Franklin and have seen firsthand the tragedy of the situation. “It’s sad to see the destruction, but I’m more proud every day to live in Franklin. Everyone is coming out to help where they can,” says Franklin Branch Executive Justen Salcido. The SouthStar Bank Board of Directors, led by Chairman Paris Schindler of Houston, came together and agreed that the bank would make a contribution for the benefit of the community, and hope that the match incentive will help to raise $50,000 in relief efforts. Funds will remain within the local community to best serve those affected. If you wish to make a donation by check, it should be made out to Franklin Tornado Victims Relief. Debit or credit card donations can also be processed over the phone, please call SouthStar Bank Franklin at 979.828.4168. The following information will be required for debit or credit transactions: Name on card, amount, card number, expiration date, billing zip code, security code, street or box #, and the donor’s email or cell phone number for purposes of sending a receipt. All 15 SouthStar Bank branches will accept donations through May 10. Locations within Robertson County include Bremond, Calvert, Franklin and Hearne. For more information, contact the SouthStar Bank Franklin Branch at 979.828.4168.

Bank News, Commercial, SBA

by SouthStar BankFebruary 27, 2019

Your SBA Preferred Lending Partner

SouthStar Bank further develops small business lending division with recognition as SBA Preferred Lending Partner (PLP). Expanded expertise includes SBA 7(a), Express and 504 loan programs, all with a streamlined loan process and faster credit decisions. SouthStar Bank began offering SBA products in 1994, which was a perfect complement to the bank’s long history of community banking. Senior Vice President Alexis Michael leads SouthStar Bank’s SBA Program. Over a career spanning almost 20 years, Alexis has built a reputation as a strong leader by being friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. SouthStar Bank operates 15 full-service branches, including six Austin-area locations in Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave, Southwest Austin, Round Rock, Leander and Georgetown. Established in 1920, the bank holds over $700 million in assets and focuses on community involvement and personal relationships. Decisions are made locally, allowing the flexibility to apply common-sense standards to products, services and loan requests. In addition to residential and commercial lending, SouthStar Bank offers a full line of competitive consumer and commercial deposit products. With the latest conveniences, including online banking and mobile banking with check capture, debit card alerts and freeze capabilities, and a free worldwide Allpoint ATM network clients can easily bank on the go. “I am looking forward to the continued growth and success of our SBA program,” says Mrs. Michael, “The Preferred Partner status is a result of a stronger program with broader market presence, greater lending capabilities, and more efficient, centralized processing. But most importantly, it has enabled us to better serve our customers with a superior level of products, services and care.” Alexis Michael | Senior Vice President & Branch Executive | NMLS# 790782 512.456.0035 | alexis.michael@southstarbank.com

Bank News, Mortgage Lending

by SouthStar BankJanuary 29, 2019

Wholesale Mortgage Program

SouthStar Bank expands product offering to include Wholesale Mortgage Program. Through unique bank-held portfolio loans, SouthStar Bank will add value to traditional mortgage companies and their clients throughout Central Texas. The strategic relationship provides lenders greater flexibility to offer solutions outside of the stringent underwriting requirements of the Secondary Market. This in turn opens the door to home ownership for borrowers who may not otherwise qualify, including individuals facing a major life-event, purchasing a unique property or who are self-employed.