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

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.

Bank News, Event, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankAugust 27, 2018

SouthStar Bank Establishes Star Warriors Project

Members of SouthStar Bank bring smiles to patients with free Build-A-Bear parties through the Star Warrior’s Project at Texas Children’s Hospital in the renowned Houston Medical Center. Over 200 free bears were distributed to children and families in the first three months of the Star Warriors Project operations. The Build-A-Bear Workshop booth is sponsored by SouthStar Bank and located inside the lobby of Wallace Tower each month. Children currently undergoing treatments in the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are invited to build their own bear. The Star Warriors Project was created and funded by SouthStar Bank with hopes of bringing joy to the families, who without doubt, are going through tough times. The bank is excited to announce four additional party dates, once each month through the end of the year. Allyson Brown, project founder and SouthStar Bank Board Member, says, “I really want to bring joy to the children experiencing such adult pain and allow the Star in each child to shine bright.” Each teddy bear is customized by the children; everything from their outfits, the hearts that go inside and even the recording that plays when you press the bear’s paw. “Parents often times record a personal saying for their child to hear,” says Shelley Barineau, Star Warriors Volunteer and Texas Children’s Hospital Advisory Board Member. “It really makes the whole experience extra special.” The next date for the Star Warriors Project is scheduled on September 13th in the lobby of Wallace Tower. To view more photos from the Star Warriors Project, visit Facebook.com/SouthStarBank.

Bank News, Giving Back, Press Release

by SouthStar BankMay 1, 2016

SouthStar Bank Awards $10,000 Community Reinvestment Grant to Hill Country Conservancy

SouthStar Bank today announced it has awarded a $10,000 community reinvestment grant to the Hill Country Conservancy. The group was one of five nominated for the award. The funds will be used to enhance and expand The Violet Crown Trail, the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After years of land acquisition and planning, the first segment is now open and the trail is on its way to becoming the longest urban trail in Central Texas. “The Violet Crown Trail is many things to many people: recreation, transportation, nature study, family, walking, biking and more. It is also a place for community service and appreciation of the Texas landscape our early settlers called home. This generous grant from SouthStar Bank will help connect people and places through the longest urban trail in the region.” Heidi Cohn, Director of Development, Hill Country Conservancy. “As a true independent, Texas-based community bank we put the funds entrusted to us right back to work building our communities,” said David Kapavik, President, SouthStar Bank. “Opportunities to reconnect with nature through protected, freely accessible lands are an important part of Austin’s active outdoor lifestyle. We are honored to help expand this vital oasis for future generations to enjoy.” In addition to traditional financial services, SouthStar Bank offers the latest conveniences such as online banking, and mobile banking with check capture. The bank specializes in mortgages, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA and USDA loans. It also offers a unique bank-held mortgage program for qualified buyers with circumstances that prevent them from securing a loan through these traditional secondary markets. SouthStar Bank’s Austin area footprint includes facilities in Leander, Round Rock, Bee Caves and South Austin. A branch under construction at FM 620 and Steiner Ranch Blvd. will open this fall. The bank stresses community involvement and personal relationships along with flexible, common-sense lending on mortgages, commercial real estate and construction.

Bank News, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankMarch 29, 2016

Texas Humane Heroes Receives $10,000 Community Reinvestment Grant From SouthStar Bank

SouthStar Bank today announced it has awarded its $10,000 Leander Community Reinvestment Grant to Texas Humane Heroes, one of five Leander-area service groups nominated for the cash award. The group plans to add ten specially designed above-ground kennels that promote healthy, happy pets while they await adoption into their forever homes. The recipient was selected by online voting open to the public. The other nominees included Leander Parks & Recreation, Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM), Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), and the Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center. Each of the runners-up received a $1000 consolation prize. In addition to lending and traditional financial services, SouthStar brings the latest conveniences to its customers such as online banking, and mobile banking with check capture. SouthStar Bank specializes in mortgages, including a unique program for qualified buyers with special circumstances that prevent them from securing a loan through traditional secondary markets like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. SouthStar Bank’s Austin area footprint includes facilities in Leander, Round Rock, Bee Caves and South Austin. A branch under construction at FM 620 and Steiner Ranch Blvd. will open this fall. Planning is underway for a facility in Georgetown. The bank stresses community involvement and personal relationships along with flexible, common-sense lending on mortgages, commercial real estate and construction.