Guaranty Bank & Trust Wins Statewide Best of Community Banking Award

MOUNT PLEASANT, TX—The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)—the largest state community banking association in the nation—recently honored Guaranty Bank & Trust in Mount Pleasant with a Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Award. It received theBronze Eagle Award for its “Guaranty Culture: Our Employees Are Our Greatest Asset” bank culture entry.

Guaranty Bank & Trust launched its Raving Fans initiative in 2006 to celebrate a culture built on exceptional customer experiences and lasting loyalty. Inspired by Ken Blanchard’s Raving Fans, every employee receives a copy of the book and participates in regular team huddles led by Champions to focus on service, growth, and collaboration.

The program spotlights employee excellence through quarterly awards, peer nominations, and fun recognitions like mail drawings. Signature honors include the Eagle Award, which recognizes team spirit and a positive attitude, and the +1 Service Award, which celebrates employees who go above and beyond for customers. Winners receive personalized crystal awards, with Eagle Award recipients also earning an extra day off.

Since 2007, Guaranty Bank & Trust has presented 189 +1 Awards and 287 Eagle Awards, along with more than $180,000 in cash prizes awarded from 2013 through Q1 2025. These programs reflect the bank’s belief that its success is rooted in the success of its employees and the customers they serve.

2025 marks the 34th year that IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. Community banks, such as Guaranty Bank & Trust, play a critical role in their local communities. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor local banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees, and community. BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout the state for their innovation, creativity, and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need.

All BOCB gold, silver, and bronze submissions can be viewed at www.ibat.org. For more information about Guaranty Bank & Trust’s submission and the program they highlight, contact Vice President, Marketing Director, JoAnna DeLeon, at (214) 710-2342.

About Guaranty Bank & Trust

Founded in 1913, Guaranty Bank & Trust is one of Texas’ most respected community banks, with $3.3 billion in assets and 33 locations across 26 communities in East Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and Central Texas. Built by Texans, for Texans, the bank is dedicated to delivering more than transactions—it fosters relationships through innovative financial solutions, personalized service, and a strong commitment to the communities it serves. With local decision-making at its core, Guaranty Bank & Trust ensures every customer experience is responsive, personal, and tailored to individual goals.

About the Independent Bankers Association of Texas

Formed in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) represents Texas community banks. The Austin-based group is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with membership comprised of almost 5,000 banks and branches in more than 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, IBAT member bank assets range in size from $28 million to $51 billion with combined assets statewide of $296 billion. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities.