Veritex Community Bank recently celebrated its opening at a new facility at 1001 Main Street in downtown Garland. Before the move, the bank was next door to the former location of Garland’s Baylor Scott White Hospital.
Assist VP Business Development Officer Dana Cooper, along with granddaughter Maggie, did a fabulous job planning the celebration and Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer Jamie Miller introduced and thanked them for their hard work. He also expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the planning and building of the facility as well as LaVonda Renfro, Veritex Bank’s chief administrative officer.
Miller thanked Garland’s Mayor Scott LeMay, the City Council members and city staff for their assistance.
“They were the most helpful people we came across. When we needed something done, as long as they had the ability to get it done, they did it,” he said.
Dr. Rick Lopez, superintendent of Garland ISD, was in attendance as well as Linda Griffin, with whom Miller serves on the Garland ISD Board of Trustees.
Miller is happy with the new location in downtown Garland.
“I couldn’t have thought of a better place to be than right here on Main Street and it just so happened that a lot came for sale and we were able to buy it,” he said.
There was concern about three 1923 homes on the property that he did not want to be demolished even though the houses had not been well cared for.
“Then, along came Garland Habitat for Humanity,” Miller said. “And they said they would take them. So, thanks to the city and some grants we were able to move them and they will be reused.”
He added that they want to be a great community bank.
“Everything we did here was with the heart that we wanted to serve this community the way it needs to be served,” Miller said.
Special artwork occupies the bank lobby and office area. There were cardboard likenesses of athletes such as Jimmy Adams, who for many years, was the only quarterback in Texas to win back-to-back state championships (1963 and 1964).
Also represented were members of the Love family whose members made history in several sports. One of the young women went to the state softball championship three times and won back-to-back titles.
“One of my jobs in football in high school was to take the ball and pass it to Randy [Love],” Miller said. “In basketball I was to pass it to Donnie [Love].
Artwork by phenomenal Garland ISD students is also showcased. Currently, two original works of art decorate the bank lobby and will be rotated with new student art each quarter.
“We have some of the most talented art students,” Miller said. “Anything we can do to get these kids recognized, we are going to do it.”
Garland’s mayor is glad that the bank decided to build in downtown Garland.
“For many years we have been trying to attract more people to downtown with various developments. This shows that it’s not going unnoticed,” LeMay said. “It is starting to attract businesses and hopefully it will continue. Success builds on success.”
They could have built the bank anywhere, but chose come back to the city’s core.
“That’s very important for the community,” LeMay said.