Industry news releases describe the association as the largest for community banks in the nation, with more than 2,700 banks and branch locations. This marks the 35th year of the awards, which recognize local banks for their roles in their communities.
Western Bank took a Silver Eagle in Marketing for its "Two Stories. One Small Town" entry. The ad features Bailey Maupin, then a senior guard for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders, and Western Bank president and CEO Dan Odom. Both are from Gruver. The bank signed an NIL deal with Maupin, and the campaign drew nearly 4 million views, 31,000 content interactions and coverage in 13 publications, including USA TODAY.
First United Bank also won a Silver Eagle, this one in Community Service. Its Teacher Appreciation Cookout program is 30 years old and now reaches more than 3,500 educators across 23 communities with 27 cookouts. The bank funds and manages the program. Employee volunteers make and serve the meals, hand out classroom gifts and connect with local schools.
Maverick Bank earned a Bronze Eagle in Architectural Design. It started as Fort Davis State Bank in 1911, rebranded as Maverick Bank in 2024 and gained Tejas Bank in a merger in 2025.