The Bank Note - July 2020
Connecting with Shareholders of Alliance Bank Central Texas
July 2020
Message from Todd Moore
Sometimes we need to look back to see if we are heading in the right direction. Five years ago on June 30, our bank was $189 million in assets. On June 30 of this year, we were $351 million. Pre-tax profit for a normal month was $73,000 back then. For June 2020, it was $304,000. Evidence of the synergies related to growing the bank, over this time assets grew 86% while profit grew 311%. That differential continues to grow as we grow. We need your help. Let us know what we can do to earn whatever business you currently do not have with your bank. Refer the bank to people you know; we will take it from there. And, when we miss the mark we consider it a favor for you to let us know so we can improve.
Travis Louge joined our team this month and he has already proven to be a great fit. See the spotlight on him in this issue. He is an excellent banker and will make us a better bank. Travis will grow our commercial lending, deposits and treasury management services.
“Essentially my favorite pastime is enjoying the passing of time.” Let that one sink in for a minute! It is great wisdom from Sherman Ayres in today’s Business Spotlight. Sherman serves on the bank’s board of directors and we are really fortunate to have him. If you run a business or organization his consulting services will make it a better one. Just spending time with Sherman makes me a better person!
Thanks for all each of you do to make us a better bank. Let us know if we can help you with anything, banking or otherwise. It’s why we are here!
Todd Moore
President & CEO
Cell Phone: 254.722.2300
Welcome Travis Louge
Travis Louge joined our commercial lending team in July, bringing nearly 15 years of banking and financial services experience to our bank. He will office at the Woodway headquarters.
Travis was born in Lorena and currently lives in China Spring with his wife Ashley, along with their children Sophia (11) and Colton (7). Travis is active with the China Spring Youth Athletic Association board, currently serving as its treasurer. Additionally, he is heavily
involved with the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Travis and his family attend Journey Christian Community Church in China Spring. In his spare time, Travis enjoys camping, fishing, and golfing with his wife and kids.
Welcome to the team, Travis!
Business Spotlight - S.R. Ayres and Associates
Sherman Ayres was born in Jamestown, Ohio, but as the son of an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church clergyman, he called five other Ohio cities home as well. His career included assignments in Ohio, California, Georgia and finally Waco in 1999. Starting a consultancy business wasn’t always on his professional radar. In fact, it came after retiring from a 31 year career with Mars Incorporated. The experience he gained from extensive international business travel and professional development opportunities helped him realize that he could be a resource for other businesses.
What professional milestones led to the founding of S.R. Ayres & Associates?
During my 31 year career with Mars Incorporated, I held managerial leadership positions in multiple divisions in Ohio, California, Georgia. I came to Waco, Texas in 1999, where I served as the plant manager of the Mars Wrigley Confectionary Plant (previously named M&M Mars). My career opened the door for considerable international business travel and exposure. These experiences ultimately resulted in a broad knowledge base across the entire business spectrum.
In the 2 years before my retirement, I was among a group of senior managers given the opportunity to attend The Aspen Institute’s Center for Creative Leadership. As part of this program, we partnered with professional coaches. My coach helped me understand just how ‘value added’ my experience could be in the area of business consultancy.
Ironically, I never intended to go into the area of consultancy as a business; but after retirement, I was reminded of the encouragement from my professional coach and I decided to give it a go. I formally established S.R. Ayres & Associates in 2009.
What makes the S.R. Ayres & Associates customer service experience unique?
I depend on satisfied customers to provide the referrals which sustain my business. So it’s pretty simple, if I don’t do a great job for my clients, I won’t have clients. Additionally, because I don’t have large overhead costs, advertising or marketing costs, I can provide services at very competitive rates.
What changes has S.R. Ayres & Associates seen over the years?
One change that really jumps out to me is the willingness of many companies to outsource human resources related activities. The outsourcing of mechanical or technical services has been going on for decades, but not so much in the areas typically considered ‘soft’ skills. And, positions of leadership in organizations have begun to better reflect the changing demographics of the overall workforce.
What keeps you energized about your work?
I like to feel as if I’ve made a lasting, positive impact on each of my clients. It’s important that the projects appeal to my heart, mind and specific skill set, and that I approach every project with high levels of energy, enthusiasm and passion.
And finally, tell us about your family and personal interests.
I am married to Josette, who is the business owner of Ink & Stitches, a full service custom apparel decorating business and ad specialty company. I have four adult children and one very spoiled family dog.
I am active in our great community and serve on the boards of Alliance Bank Central Texas, Start Up Waco, and Waco Foundation.
Though I have many interests, fishing is easily my favorite activity, followed closely by my love of music. I have also been an avid reader since childhood and still find a good book a real treasure. I also enjoy a great movie, NBA basketball and Ohio State football. Essentially my favorite pastime is enjoying the passing of time.
See What's Inside
Take a virtual tour of the new Alliance Bank Central Texas headquarters!
Managing Stress During a Crisis
Sleep is a foundation for taking care of yourself and should be treated as a medical necessity. Dr. Michael Godfrey says that both the quantity and quality of sleep you get each night matter. Click below to learn about how good sleep hygiene can help maintain overall physical and psychological health.
Coin Disruption
The United States is currently experiencing a disruption in coin availability. Here are ways you can help improve the coin supply issue:
- spend or deposit your coins
- exchange your coins for currency at banks or coin redemption kiosks
- make payments with exact change.
Paycheck Protection Program - Resource Center
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Treasury have issued long-awaited guidance as it relates to the process for obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. We are working on a documentation checklist to make the process as easy as possible for PPP customers and we will email that to borrowers once it is available. Click here for further updates and resources on loan forgiveness. The site will be updated as further guidance becomes available.
Ready to move forward with the forgiveness process? Click here for forgiveness applications and instructions.
Employee Birthday Celebrations
August Celebrations
Teresa Holcomb (8/4)
Jessica Maxey (8/4)
Fernanda Loza (8/10)
Phillip Perkins (8/12)
Pedro Rangel (8/24)
Mark Lujan (8/26)
Lety Coronado (8/27)
September Celebrations
Lizette Cardenas (9/8)
Scott Rogers (9/9)
Glenice Ashley (9/11)
Alfredo Lopez-Ramirez (9/26)
Ken Turner (9/29)
About Alliance Bank Central Texas
Alliance Bank Central Texas is a community bank founded by a local board of directors, owned by a diverse group of over 200 shareholders, and operated by seasoned bankers, most of whom have spent their entire careers in Waco. In less than ten years it has seen assets grow from $35 million to over $350 million. The bank is focused on helping entrepreneurs, professionals and residents, and understands the condition of the local market. It feels real value is created through people connecting personally with their bankers, versus simply having transactions with a bank. Alliance Bank Central Texas provides a full range of financial services including business, personal and mortgage loans. It also provides a variety of deposit products and services including commercial, personal and certificates of deposits along with electronic banking, mobile deposit and cash management services.