Independent Banker - May 2018 - 47

Two ways
NexBank boosts
its local economy
1
Homeownership. NexBank SSB, based in
Dallas, is boosting homeownership where
rates are low. An aff ordable housing loan
program, off ered through Dallas Area Habitat
for Humanity and Dallas Neighborhood Homes,
gives low- to moderate-income borrowers with
limited access to mortgages
the opportunity to own a
home. NexBank provides
a $30 million line of
credit and nearly $6
million in loans to
qualifi ed borrowers
in southern Dallas.
The $8.4 billion-asset
community bank also
covers all title fees for
closings and up to $2,000
#8
NexBank SSB
Dallas, Texas
Assets: $8.4 billion
3yr average ROA: 2.07%
nexbank.com
in closing costs per loan.
" We've focused on investing
in community development activities that create
economic opportunities for residents and building
partnerships that support homeownership, fi nancial
literacy and child care services, " says John Holt,
NexBank president and CEO.
2
Economic development. NexBank
was presenting sponsor of the fi rst TREC
(The Real Estate Council) Shark Tank:
GrowSouth event, modeled after the hit TV show.
Three teams pitched real estate projects aff ecting
southern Dallas to a panel of local real estate
investors. NexBank worked with local businesses,
professional organizations and fi nancial services
companies to support innovative ideas dedicated to
the long-term economic development of southern
Dallas. NexBank also provided a $2 million line
of credit to support TREC's Community Fund's
commercial real estate projects, which benefi t lowincome
families and communities in Dallas and
Collin counties.
Community-focused
culture
hoice Financial Group is known as a commercial
ag bank, but its passion for community service
really makes it shine. Last year, the
$1.26 billion-asset bank contributed
6,549 volunteer hours. As part of
its PeopleFirst initiative, bankers
enter community success stories
in a friendly internal competition
where three winners are
highlighted on social media each
month. In 2017, there were almost
2,000 nominations.
CEO Brian L. Johnson considers good
corporate citizenship one of the bank's
values. " It's an essential part of who we are, so we keep
it top of mind, " he says. " It's our priority to better the
places we live and improve the lives of our customers,
employees, communities and shareholders. "
When Grand Forks, N.D., needed a community
wellness center, Choice stepped up as the $2.75 million
naming sponsor and partnered with others to privately
fund a $30 million facility. Choice Health & Fitness
opened in 2012, off ering health care services and
education, diabetes wellness, fi tness and family recreation.
In Walhalla, N.D., population 960, Choice and other
community partners saved a popular ski lodge whose
future was uncertain due to a death
in the family that owns the
business. Today, Frost Fire
Ski & Snowboard Area
off ers winter skiing and
tubing, and summer
outdoor musicals.
" It's good to be a
strong, healthy fi nancial
organization, because
those eff orts aren't just a
one-time thing, " Johnson
says. " If your fi nancial wealth
performances continue, you can be
generous year after year. "
#5
Choice Financial
Group
Fargo, N.D.
Assets: $1.26 billion
3yr average ROA: 2.35%
choicefinancial
group.com
Susan Thomas Springer is a writer in Oregon.
independentbanker.org Q 47
C
Brian L. Johnson
http://www.nexbank.com http://www.group.com http://www.independentbanker.org
Independent Banker - May 2018

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