PlainsCapital Upholds Its Commitment to Lubbock

In 1988, a group of young bankers realized their vision to bring old-fashioned, relationship banking to their hometown of Lubbock. They purchased Plains National Bank with one location at 5010 University Ave. and founded PlainsCapital Bank. This set the stage for the Bank’s expansion across Lubbock and Texas, while simultaneously establishing its standard for supporting the communities it serves.

Barry Ballinger, Lubbock market president, currently oversees branch operations and community involvement for the Bank’s 10 local offices, including its 50th & University bank branch location. He continues PlainsCapital’s legacy by identifying opportunities to give back to Lubbock’s people, businesses, and nonprofits, and help build a better future.

“Anybody can write a check. Truly investing in the community we serve means acting with intention, building lifelong relationships, and listening when we’re called for help,” said Ballinger. “We’re committed to upholding our reputation to support the city where PlainsCapital Bank began, both in seasons of good and tough times.”

South Plains Food Bank

When the South Plains Food Bank (SPFB) opened their June 13 pop-up pantry at Texas Tech’s Jones Stadium, their 600 prepared food boxes needed to stay cool to avoid spoiling. By the time they opened at 9 a.m., a line of vehicles waiting for food had been building for two hours, along with the summer heat.

To help SPFB safely distribute food in the heat, PlainsCapital donated outdoor tents that helped shield food boxes from rising temperatures. This donation, which came during a period of particularly high demand related to the ongoing pandemic, is just one example of the Bank’s more than 30-year history of supporting and volunteering with SFPB.

“Gaps in school calendars, employment, and even health problems can cause a family to plunge from stable to food insecure overnight,” said John Owens, West Texas region chairman. “The SPFB is facing an overwhelming need for donations, food contributions, and volunteers. Just as we have for the last three decades, we’re stepping up to help feed the families of West Texas.”

South Plains COVID-19 Response Fund

Many nonprofits in the South Plains area have faced significant challenges related to COVID-19. However, their objectives to protect the communities they serve have remained just as important.

In April, PlainsCapital Bank—along with 19 other Lubbock-area banks—helped nonprofits continue their critical missions by raising $343,000 for the South Plains COVID-19 response fund.

The fund was formed in partnership between the Community Foundation of West Texas and the Lubbock Area United Way. The banks’ collective generosity helped the Response Fund provide resources to nonprofits serving local populations impacted by COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on some nonprofits in the South Plains,” said Ballinger. “PlainsCapital and the other 19 banks that contributed all recognized the need for support. By collaborating, we were able to make an even greater impact.”

Economic Outlook Conference

Before the pandemic unexpectedly forced many businesses to temporarily close, PlainsCapital Bank hosted its 12^th Annual Economic Outlook Conference. The event provided economic insight for community members and businesses about relevant economic opportunities and threats.

Dr. M. Ray Perryman, a prominent Texas economist and president and CEO of the Perryman Group, was the featured speaker. Perryman shared his own research on Lubbock’s growing infrastructure, the potential impacts of COVID-19, and the oil-price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Carillon Senior Living Center

Lubbock is home to the Carillon Senior Living Center, which has assisted and independent living, skilled nursing and is also the first memory care facility in Texas designated as an I’m Still Here Center of Excellence™. PlainsCapital Bank continued its support for the facility in February 2020 by pledging $100,000 to the I’m Still Here Memory Care Program over the next four years. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia through ongoing and engaging social activities.

Despite COVID-19, the program has continued to make a difference in the lives of residents receiving memory care during the pandemic.

“It’s an honor to support every generation in Lubbock,” said Owens. “The I’m Still Here program is making great strides in helping Carillon residents and their families reconnect through positive activities, even if it’s from a distance for now.”

Texas Tech University

It’s virtually impossible to pass through Lubbock without noticing communitywide support for Texas Tech, and PlainsCapital Bank is proud of its deep connections to the university. PlainsCapital is a founding partner of the Texas Tech Excellence in Banking Program at the Rawls College of Business. The Bank’s contribution supports student scholarships and academic activities for undergraduate students pursuing a career in banking.

PlainsCapital is also a sponsor of the Texas Tech University School of Banking, a prestigious, two-year certification program for professionals who want to refine and elevate their skillsets in banking.

“The Texas Tech University School of Banking is all about fully immersing yourself in everything the banking industry has to offer,” said Alicia Kimberlin, PlainsCapital BSA officer and 2019 School of Banking graduate. “As I went through the program, PlainsCapital’s commitment to helping students in the program blaze their own career paths was reflected in its involvement and sponsorship.”

Lubbock Independent School District

PlainsCapital Bank’s long-standing partnership with LISD includes a financial literacy program for elementary-age students. Throughout the school year, bankers from PlainsCapital’s Lubbock locations visit Alderson Elementary to teach financial management lessons through creative, engaging activities.

PlainsCapital Bank in Lubbock

Today, PlainsCapital Bank maintains 10 branch offices in Lubbock, including the 50th & University bank branch, and employs approximately 260 people in the community. Each office is committed to providing clients with personalized banking solutions while enhancing the Bank’s reputation as a trusted community partner.

To learn more about how the team in Lubbock at the University bank branch and the rest of PlainsCapital Bank are helping clients and their communities blaze their own trails, call 866.762.8392 or find your nearest branch.