First United Bank named among 2024 Best Banks to Work For
First United Bank has been named one of the 2024 Best Banks to Work For. American Banker has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees.
On the 2024 list, First United Bank was named for the 9th consecutive year. The survey and awards program is designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive.
According to a news release, this year 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on an anonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered. To be considered for participation, banks had to have at least 50 employees working in the U.S. and been in business for a minimum of one year. The full list of the 2024 Best Banks to Work For is online at www.americanbanker.com . For more information on the Best Banks to Work For program, visit www.BestBankstoWorkfor.com.
First United Bank, a subsidiary of Plains Bancorp, Inc., reports total assets of more than $2 billion and currently operates 17 banking center offices in 13 West Texas markets: Amarillo, Canyon, Childress, Dimmitt, Earth, Lamesa, Littlefield, Lubbock, Paducah, Seagraves, Seminole, Sudan, and Wichita Falls, Texas. Visit them online at www.FirstUnited.BANK.
SMU trustee, banking leader Richard Ware to keynote December commencement convocation
DALLAS – SMU trustee Richard Ware II (’68) will be the featured speaker at SMU’s December Commencement Convocation on Dec. 21. The ceremony, scheduled for 9 a.m. in Moody Coliseum, will be streamed live at https://www.smu.edu/live.
Ware is a longtime member of SMU’s Board of Trustees and a celebrated West Texas banker. During his tenure as an SMU trustee, he has been known as the students’ friend, advocating for their interests and serving as a mentor and trusted advisor to many individuals. Ware is the fourth-generation chairman of Amarillo National Bank, and he has served on the boards of Atmos Energy, Southwest Coca-Cola Bottling, Texas Business Hall of Fame and numerous foundations and nonprofits in Amarillo.
“Richard Ware has never forgotten the joy of living and learning on the Hilltop, and I believe our students will be inspired by what he has to share with them,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “His long-standing support of SMU as a trustee and his continued commitment to SMU’s student leadership, Greek life, recreational activities and athletics speaks volumes about his love for our University.”
Ware earned his BBA in economics with honors from SMU, followed by an MBA in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served three terms spanning over four decades as an SMU trustee, including as vice chair from 2006 to 2008. Ware has received the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the Mustang Award. Ware Commons, a student residential complex on the southeastern corner of the campus, was named in recognition of a 2013 leadership gift from Ware and his family.
Ware resides in Amarillo. His daughter, two of his triplet sons, two nieces, and a son-in-law also hold SMU degrees.
Raising Cane’s teams up with Amarillo SPCA for annual Holiday Plush Puppy Campaign
For 28 years, Raising Cane’s has been actively involved in supporting its communities, including pet welfare. Inspired by its yellow labrador namesake, Raising Cane, the brand is kicking off its 2024 Holiday Plush Puppy Campaign benefiting local pet welfare organizations across the country. In Amarillo, 100% net proceeds from in-restaurant Plush Puppy sales will benefit Amarillo SPCA.
During the campaign — running Nov. 25 through Jan. 5 (or while supplies last) — Raising Cane’s is offering a limited-edition Plush Puppy under the year’s theme, “Raise a Little Cane,” featuring a plush Cane dog dressed as a candy cane, inside Raising Cane’s restaurants for $9.99 plus tax. For those looking to support on a larger scale, Plush Puppies in regular and XL sizes are also available for purchase online at raisingcanes.com with proceeds benefiting pet welfare. For more information, visit raisingcanes.com.
Texicare brings innovative health care plans to El Paso
AUSTIN —Texicare, the health affiliate of Texas Mutual, announced its launch in El Paso. Following the company’s rollout in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa and Houston, small business owners in El Paso can access Texicare’s innovative health care plans for their employees starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Texicare’s coverage options are curated for small businesses and designed to encourage employees to take full advantage of the plans’ features. Texicare’s Essential Care plan offers four $0 visits to six provider types each year, while the company’s Savings Care plan allows employees to make tax-free contributions into a health savings account.
For more information about Texicare, visit www.texicare.com.