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.