Tag Archives: Recognition

Padgett Stratemann ranked as the 106th Largest CPA Firm in the US for 2014

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Padgett Stratemann & Co.Padgett Stratemann & Co., L.L.P. (PS&Co.), one of Texas’ premier CPA and business advisory firms, has been named the 106th Largest Accounting Firm in the United States by INSIDE Public Accounting Magazine’s (IPA) Annual Survey and Analysis of the country’s Top 200 Firms.

Top 200 firms2014 marks the fifth time PS&Co. has been ranked in Top 200 listing. The IPA survey is open to all accounting firms in North America and the results are compiled in the IPA National Benchmarking Report, which is one of the most complete, independent, and up-to-date sets of economic and management statistics available.  This year, more than 540 firms participated.

Since its inception in 1994, IPA’s Survey and Analysis of Firms has served as the barometer of the overall health, challenges, and opportunities of the accounting profession and is used as its gold standard. Annually, more than 500 accounting firms across North America complete the in-depth financial and operations survey.

For more than 25 years, trends have been uncovered, new firms have joined, and growth and profitability metrics have been highlighted.  PS&Co. is proud to have been chosen again as one of the top ranking firms.

PS&Co. is one of Texas’ largest locally-owned CPA and business advisory firms. In business since 1945, PS&Co. has offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. The firm is dedicated to professional excellence, integrity and community service. PS&Co. provides a range of sophisticated accounting, audit, tax, and other business advisory services for both publicly-traded and private companies. Its experienced professionals serve clients in various industries, including banking, construction, government-based, non-profit, healthcare, life sciences, professional services, manufacturing, retail, distribution, technology, insurance, oil and gas, and real estate. PS&Co. is a member of the McGladrey Alliance, the premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms in the nation. To learn more about our services, visit www.padgett-cpa.com.

Volunteer Spotlight – Enterprising Women’s Conference Chair: Jennifer S. Swisher, SeeKing HR

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Swisher_JenniferJennifer S. Swisher, SPHR
SeeKing Hr

About the Company: SeeKing HR is a certified Small, Woman and Veteran-Owned Human Resources consulting firm.  They offer Employment Services, Employee Development and HR Program Management services.  The Employment Services division focuses on finding winning talent for organizations who wish to outsource strategic recruitment, direct hire placements and temporary staffing needs. Many of the training programs offered through the Employee Development division are designed with core content which is tailored to meet the needs of each client. The third division, HR Program Management encompasses all other human resource related services. The services include, but are not limited to: organizational and individual assessments, strategic planning, compensation strategy, benefit design, employee handbooks, policy development, employee communication plans, affirmative action planning, program documentation and onsite services. Jennifer is the Human Resource Project Director for SeeKing HR.  She develops and maintains excellent client relationships and provides consulting services on a variety of HR related topics.

About the Program: The Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) is a full-day leadership and professional development conference that provides a powerful learning environment with informational keynote speakers and breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities. In partnership with the national ATHENA Foundation, the North Chamber is the exclusive local host organization for the presentation of the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program that credits rising stars, seasoned professionals and model organizations for achievement, community service and leadership cultivation with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Personally Speaking: Jennifer has been involved with the North Chamber through SeeKing HR since 2011.  In 2012, Jennifer completed Leadership Lab and almost immediately began volunteering for the North Chamber Golf Committee.  In 2013, Jennifer was the recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®.  “Being involved in North Chamber activities and events is very rewarding, both personally and professionally.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from great leaders in the San Antonio business community.”

San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2015

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SanAntonioSports_colorThe San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame has announced the Class of 2015.  Doug Moe, former San Antonio Spurs head coach from 1976-1980, Al LaMacchia, former Major League Baseball pitcher and scout, business leader and sports supporter Pat Frost, Lori Norwood, the only American to win a world championship in women’s modern pentathlon, and sports broadcaster Gary Delaune whose career has spanned five decades, will be recognized at the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

San Antonio resident Doug Moe served as head coach for the NBA San Antonio Spurs from 1976-1980, leading the Spurs to the conference finals in 1979.  He ranks second in the Spurs all-time record for number of wins (behind Gregg Popovich).  As head coach for Denver from 1980-90, Moe compiled a 432-357 record, leading the Nuggets to the post season nine straight years (two Midwest  division titles) and advancing to the Western Conference Finals in1985.  He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1987-88, the same year as the Nuggets franchise record of 54 wins.   Moe was a two-time All American at the University of North Carolina and an ABA All-Star three times, with the Oakland Oaks, Carolina Cougars and Virginia Squires, in an injury-shortened five year professional playing career.

Al LaMacchia spent three seasons pitching for the San Antonio Missions, setting a Texas league record in 1942—which still stands—when he pitched a nine-inning game in 1:07.  He pitched in 16 games in the major leagues for the St. Louis Browns and Washing Senators from 1943-46.  Following his playing career, he became one of the most recognized scouts in baseball, working for Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, Tampa Bay and Los Angeles.  During his 20 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, he helped build the World Series championship teams of 1992 and 1993.  He was named Midwest Region Scout of the Year in 2001. LaMacchia passed way in 2010 at his San Antonio home at the age of 89.

Pat Frost, president of Frost Bank, has long been one of the community’s strongest sports leaders and advocates. His impact is felt throughout San Antonio Sports, the Valero Alamo Bowl, the San Antonio Livestock Exhibition, the University of Texas, the Spurs Foundation and UTSA.  Far from being a figurehead, Frost has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with sports’ most prominent rights holders and national governing bodies to elevate the Alamo City as a true sports destination. Frost was chairman of the local organizing committee for the 2004 and 2008 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and is the current chair of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Frost’s role with San Antonio Sports dates back to 1987, including serving as chair from 1997-2000.  He has been involved with the Spurs Foundation since 1988.    His extensive community involvement also includes being on the executive committee of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and the board of trustees of the United Way of San Antonio and World Affairs Council, trustee of the San Antonio Medical Foundation and chairman of the audit committee of the UT Health Science Center.

Lori Norwood remains the only American to win a world championship in Women’s Modern Pentathlon. The sport comprises the disciplines of pistol shooting, epée fencing, freestyle swimming, show jumping, and cross country running. In 1989, she was the world’s best, winning five international competitions, including the World Championship and San Antonio Cup. In 1990, Norwood placed second at the World Championships after winning the Goodwill Games, the San Antonio Cup and the U.S. National Championships.

She won the individual title at the 1989 Olympic Festival in Oklahoma City and was a finalist for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award in ’89 and ’90, as the nation’s finest amateur athlete. In 1989, Lori was the Express-News Female Athlete of the year, and in 1991, was named the 1991 Amateur Athlete of the Year by Professional Athletes Assisting Youth Sports. Lori is also a member of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Sports broadcaster Gary Delaune’s career has spanned five decades.  He is a 50 year veteran high school play-by-play announcer in Texas, and has been involved with college and professional sports teams since 1961 when he served as a broadcaster for the AFL Dallas Texans for two seasons and was a member of the Dallas Cowboys broadcast team for three seasons (1964-66). From 1968 through `71 Delaune was the voice of the Houston Astrodome.

He began his Texas radio and television broadcast career in 1960, first in Dallas and Houston before coming to KENS-TV in San Antonio, where he worked for 28 years as a reporter, producer and sports anchor. In 1973 he was the first San Antonio sportscaster to become a member of the Spurs basketball broadcast team.

DeLaune has received numerous journalism awards including the Associated Press Best Radio Documentary Award for “Jack Ruby’s Eleventh Hour” (1967), the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Television Sports Feature (1975 and 1990), the AP Best Feature Award (1975) and the Associated Press Best Spot News Award (1979).  He was named to the Lone Star Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame (2006) and was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2007.

The San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame and the gala tribute are a partnership between San Antonio Sports, the City of San Antonio, and San Antonio Express-News.  The black-tie gala will be held in Ballroom C of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and feature a live performance from Grand Funk Railroad (“I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home) and “We’re an American Band”).  Proceeds from the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute benefit San Antonio Sports’ kids programs.   For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sanantoniosports.org/halloffame.

About San Antonio Sports
San Antonio Sports is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform our community through the power of sport.  San Antonio Sports bids on and hosts premier sporting events such as NCAA® championships, which have generated a local economic impact of more than $446 million.  San Antonio Sports kids programs, including the i play! afterschool program, the Community Olympic Development Program, the Go!Kids Challenge™ and SUBWAY® Kids Rock marathon training program, annually touch the lives of more than 180,000 children.  Additionally, San Antonio Sports serves as a catalyst for the development of quality recreational and athletic facilities in our community.  To learn more, visit SanAntonioSports.org.

Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade announces additions to executive team

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-OmniSA
The Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, an award-winning four diamond hotel, is pleased to announce the following additions to its executive team:

Omar CrespoOmar Crespo
Director of Human Resources
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade Executive team, Crespo was Director of of Human Resources for We Manage, Inc., overseeing 300 employees from three hotels, three golf clubs and the corporate administrative offices.

Jeremy Lander
Jeremy S. Lander, CHSE
Director, Sales & Marketing
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade, Lander was Director of Group Sales at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin.

_CynthiaRivera
Cynthia Rivera
Director of Finance
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade executive team, Rivera was Assistant Director of Finance at the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio.

Delfin Ortiz
Also of note: General Manager Delfin Ortiz recently received the Omni Hotels’ 2013 General Manager of the Year Award for Customer Service

Security Service Charitable Foundation donates $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Charitable Foundation has presented Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas with a $10,000 donation that will be used to help build the South Texas Mentoring Resource Center. Currently, the mentoring organization serves close to 3,000 youth a year, providing support and guidance that at-risk youth lack at home, in school and in their community. With the new center, Big Brothers Big Sisters will be able to grow the program from serving 9,000 youth, parents and volunteers to nearly 100,000 individuals by the year 2030.

BBBSPhoto

(from left) Stephen Oakes, partnership development manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas; Denise Barkhurst, president & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas; Michelle Scott, vice president of consumer lending at Security Service Federal Credit Union; and Julio Manso, chairman of the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas.

“The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has been shown to improve self confidence, self esteem, academic performance and attitude,” says Jim Laffoon, president & CEO of Security Service Federal Credit Union. “Youth in the program show strong relationships with their families, are prepared to make positive decisions and possess a strong sense of their future. It’s an honor to be a part of that.”

The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further SSFCU’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union’s market areas. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Media Contacts
Clarissa Rodriguez, 210-476-4490, crodriguez@ssfcu.org
Debi Pfitzenmaier, 210-669-6911, debi@pfitzpr.com (Agency)

 

Weaver named to INSIDE Public Accounting’s ‘Best of the Best Firms for 2014’

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-WeaverWeaver, the largest independent accounting firm in the Southwest, announces that the firm received INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) magazine’s 2014 Best of the Best firms recognition.

“We are very proud to be among those named an IPA Best of the Best firm,” said Tommy D. Lawler, Weaver’s managing partner and CEO. “Our employees work very hard, and this is truly a firm-wide success.”

This recognition honors 50 firms that demonstrate long-term consistency and exceptional performance, as well as operational excellence. More than 540 firms from all over
the country participated in the 24th IPA Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms. The IPA 2014 Best of the Best firms stand out as well-managed and well-executed examples of how to succeed. Firms receiving this recognition range in size from 20 people to more than 2,000 people.

best of the best firms“The IPA Best of the Best firms represent the pinnacle of high-performing firms in the United States. Each firm demonstrates the right combination of vision, planning, training and execution to deliver superior performance,” said Michael Platt, principal of the Platt Group and publisher of the accounting trade publication, INSIDE Public Accounting. “We congratulate this year’s Best of the Best and welcome them to this exclusive group of high-performing firms.”

“The success of the Best of the Best firms is a tribute to their leadership and staff,” said Kelly Platt, publisher of INSIDE Public Accounting. “These firms’ enviable performance provides a model to others to better understand and implement winning strategies to run a more successful firm. We salute all Best of the Best firms and are proud to bestow this honor upon them from INSIDE Public Accounting.”

The special section titled, “The 2014 IPA Best of the Best Firms” that lists the top 50 firms in alphabetical order, published in the September 2014 issue of INSIDE Public Accounting.

About Weaver
Originally founded in 1950, Weaver currently has approximately 500 employees and Texas offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Midland, Odessa and San Antonio. The firm also operates in Denver, Colo., and Stamford, Conn. Weaver is ranked the largest independent accounting firm in the Southwest by Accounting Today magazine. The firm is also ranked the 38th largest firm in the United States by INSIDE Public Accounting.

Weaver serves a broad range of clients including public and private national and international companies, nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. In addition to traditional assurance and tax services, Weaver also provides numerous advisory services, including energy compliance and consulting; risk advisory; transaction advisory; IT advisory; forensic and litigation support; international tax; property tax; state and local tax; and wealth strategies services. Learn more at www.weaver.com.

 

September Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRRecognizing Excellence
One of the most rewarding aspects of Chamber service and involvement is to participate in one of our recognition programs. We recently recognized Jane Macon, Edith McAllister and Rosemary Kowalski with the Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Salute to Excellence Award, and it was an honor to listen and learn more about three of San Antonio’s most distinguished trailblazing women. Each has contributed so much to our economic and social landscape through her professional, civic and philanthropic works. To each – Jane, Edith and Rosemary, we salute your excellence!

You’ll have another opportunity soon to join our chamber community in recognizing the nominees of the ATHENA Award® Program on Friday, September 26, at the Omni Hotel at the Colonnade during the Enterprising Women’s Conference. EWC will feature informative speakers – including San Antonio’s Poet Laureate Dr. Carmen Tafolla, networking, retail exhibits and the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Young Leadership Award, ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award and the ATHENA Leadership Award to a deserving organization, young and seasoned leader for professional accomplishment, community service and opening doors of leadership opportunity for women.

Advocacy Alert: Support for Constitutional Amendment for Increased Funding for Transportation
A strong transportation infrastructure is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. According to the latest report of the 2030 Commission, approximately $6.1 billion per year in construction funding is needed to achieve “worst possible” transportation conditions and $9.5 billion per year is need to achieve “minimally competitive” transportation conditions. The current State budget results in a $1.1 billion shortfall in transportation construction funding and that shortfall will increase to $3.5 billion in the next biennium based on current revenue projections.

Thus, the North San Antonio Chamber board of directors supports the proposed constitutional amendment to provide for the transfer of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization and state highway funds, and for the dedication of the revenue transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public roads (not toll roads) and that those dedicated funds be allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with existing formulas to ensure that the entire state benefits from this additional funding. The proposed amendment will be on the November 4, 2014 ballot and we encourage you to vote in favor of the amendment that increases funding for transportation. Help to keep Texas moving!

Online Resources: Training, Job Bank
Did you know the North SA Chamber offers an Online Training web shop? In partnership with a premier Internet source for thousands of online training courses, your Chamber provides your business access to online training – anytime, anywhere. Your HR department and managers can utilize online courses to create a well-trained, knowledgeable workforce in an efficient, convenient and cost-effective manner; and your employees can access courses at their computer workstations, home computers, tablets and even smart phones. The online training catalog features hundreds of high-quality affordable courses created by world-class training developers, and covers virtually all industries including human resources, management, healthcare, safety and many more.

The North SA Chamber also offers a no-cost Job Bank for member businesses to gain access to a larger pool of applicants, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers. Members may post job openings and there is no additional charge beyond your annual membership dues. You will need a personal login to post a job, and you may request a login here. All job listings are reviewed and approved for publishing, posted within 24 to 48 hours and remain online for 30 days – or until a member removes the post.

New! – North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife
We have teamed up with MetLife to present the North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program that offers members with 2 to 999 employees competitive group rates for life, dental, disability and vision coverage. To learn more about how this supplemental coverage program can benefit you, download the Membership Benefit Solutions flyer, contact your agent or broker or search the FIND A MEMBER online directory to find a member agent or broker.

Be a part of it.
Your North SA Chamber is hard at work with member volunteers planning and producing top quality professional development programming to help your business. On behalf of our staff and volunteer corps, I invite you to join a committee or attend an event to take advantage of the services your Chamber provides. You can learn more about various Participation Opportunities and upcoming Events online, or call the North SA Chamber at (210) 344-4848.

5 Star Dental Group announces new name

By North SA Chamber Editor
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5_starsCraig Carlson, DDS is proud to announce that they have changed their practice name to 5 Star Dental Group effective as of July 1, 2014. The new name reflects the quality of dental service that the practice strives to provide as they look for opportunities to grow, diversify and better care for patients’ oral health.

5 Star Dental’s core services and offerings will remain the same. There has been no change in ownership or location, though they have added a few team members to serve the growing practice. You can visit their new website at www.5StarDentalGroup.com or call at (210) 494-3511 for more information.

5 Star Dental would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their continued support over the years. As always, the best compliment they receive is that of your recommendation to friends and coworkers and they look forward to serving even more wonderful patients in the years to come!

Ambassador of the Quarter – Joshua Placette, Windstream

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Placette_JoshuaJoshua Aaron Placette
Windstream

About the Company: Windstream, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company is a leading nationwide provider of advanced network communications. Windstream offers a range of enterprise-class data, voice, network and cloud services to help maintain business performance at peak levels. Joshua is a Business Solutions Consultant, responsible for generating new revenue by selling ground breaking, solution-based services to businesses and organizations in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Specialties include Voice and Data Networks, MPLS VPN, Data Center and Virtualization, Disaster Recovery as well as, equipment solutions ranging from customer premise routers to phone systems and managed services.

About their Service: The North SA Chamber is happy to recognize Joshua as the Ambassador of the second Quarter of 2014. “Joshua’s dedication and enthusiastic personality boosts the excitement of our committee and makes new members feel welcome and eager to get involved,” says Susan Deitiker, Ambassador staff liaison.

Personally Speaking: Joshua has been involved with the North SA Chamber for the last six months. He is a committed Ambassador and strives to do his part in increasing and maintaining membership. “I believe that the North SA Chamber plays a critical role in the economic development of the city of San Antonio,” says Joshua.

Broadway Banker proves it’s never too late, graduates and takes home service award

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BroadwayBank_Logo_tagIt takes a savvy, confident and fearless leader to run the Broadway Bank Care Corps, a boots-on-the-ground volunteer battalion, which sets the standard for community service in San Antonio. It takes Jeannette Flores Westbrook, Broadway Bank senior vice president, community reinvestment. Under her leadership Care Corps has already served in 45 charitable projects for 2014, setting the pace for topping the 130 served in all of 2013. With grit and determination, Flores Westbrook does as she says. She serves on the board of Dress for Success, Communities In Schools, Project Quest and volunteers regularly with Habitat for Humanity and the United Way VITA program. Above all, it is her leadership at Broadway Bank that is improving the quality of life for so many people in the local communities.

Jeannette Flores Westbrook General R. L. Herring Award“It takes all of us in San Antonio and even our outlying communities to make a difference. The Care Corps proves this every time they take on a project,” said Flores Westbrook. “Our employees who make up the Care Corps are community-spirited and very generous with their time and talent,” she added.

The Care Corps is her brainchild—an idea she made a reality in 2004 as another way to achieve the goals of the Broadway Bank community reinvestment office which she heads. It has grown ever since, with almost 60 percent of Broadway Bank employees serving on the Care Corps and frequently bringing along family members and friends in accomplishing the mission.

“Jeannette has taken a brilliant idea and put it into action to accomplish so much good for our community and in the process has fostered the culture of dignity, respect and love of neighbor that permeates the Broadway Bank experience,” said Jim Goudge, chairman and CEO of Broadway Bank. “We know that the Broadway Bank founding principles of giving back to our community are in the right hands.”

In 1974, at age nineteen, Flores Westbrook accepted a job as a teller for Broadway Bank and has her own unique story that is only possible because of an organization and environment that empowers and develops human capital with extreme premeditation. She stepped in as a secretary for an employee who had gone on maternity leave and from there she shot up in the organization taking advantage of training opportunities and graduating from banking schools.

“I have been blessed to be part of the Broadway Bank family who has a genuine commitment to the community,” she said.

Celebrating 40 years at Broadway Bank represents a major milestone only a select few attain. It is a testament to her loyalty and perseverance and it’s these characteristics that propelled Flores Westbrook to achieve one other life-changing milestone in 2014. On June 27, she walked the stage, graduating with honors, at Wayland Baptist University and while she never considered herself an ordinary student, the university considered her an extraordinary student. Along with her coveted college diploma, Flores Westbrook was awarded the General R. L. Herring Award as the outstanding graduate majoring in human services who has demonstrated a dedication to advancement in their career, education, faith and helping their fellow man—all values that embodied the life of Herring.

“I hope that through finishing my degree, I can really encourage and inspire young girls and other women. It is never too late,” said Flores Westbrook. “The value a college education adds to your life is immeasurable,” she added.

With tears in her eyes, she reflects on the meaning of this accomplishment, “My 89-year-old mother, along with the rest of my family and friends, was there to see me graduate.”

About Broadway Bank
Headquartered in San Antonio, Broadway Bank was founded in 1941. It has evolved from a small neighborhood bank into one of the largest independently owned banks in Texas. Today, Broadway Bank continues to function as a family-owned and operated financial institution. Broadway Bank offers a full- range of sophisticated financial services, including personal banking, private banking, military banking, business banking and wealth management. With more than $2.9 billion in total assets, the highly rated Bank operates 40 locations in San Antonio, Austin and the surrounding areas. Visit the Broadway Bank website at broadwaybank.com for more information.