October 2025 - Star of the Month - Ramon Merkley

Our Star for October has been a member of the Austin Bank team since 2009.  For the last sixteen years, he has brought his unique charisma and genuine enthusiasm into the bank, brightening the days of those he works with along with the customers he helps.  We are honored to introduce Ramon Merkley, Loan Assistant in our Longview Pine Tree office, as our October Star of the Month.

Ramon began his banking career as a teller in the bank’s Kilgore location.  He moved...

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence “AI” is the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech, and translation.

Fraudsters are now using AI to target individuals and give the illusion they are speaking to someone they may know. Fraudsters can now manipulate voice cloning, phishing schemes, and deep fake scams.

What is Voice Cloning?

Voice cloning is taking...

This month’s Star is a proactive, self-sufficient problem-solver.  She has a positive, friendly, outgoing demeanor which sets the tone for those around her.  We are excited to introduce you to Tammy Davidson, a Real Estate Specialist working from our Whitehouse annex.

Though Tammy exhibits each of these characteristics in the general performance of her day-to-day tasks, she specifically garnered the attention of coworkers during a recent implementation of the Empower...

Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board, announced the opening of Austin Bank’s 41st location in Willis under the direction of Weldon Whitt and Meredith Todd. Scheduled to open in the 4th quarter of 2025, Willis will further expand the bank’s Southeast Texas service area.

“Expanding into Willis is a natural progression for Austin Bank,” stated Mr. Austin, “and we are pleased to have Weldon and Mere join our team to lead in the opening of our newest location.”

With...

As a new generation is entering into the workforce or continuing their education, stay up to date on ways to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure as well as avoiding common scams targeting the Gen Z generation. 

How to keep your financial and personal information safe and secure:

We have been made aware of scam attempts being perpetrated against businesses that obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID epidemic.  Five years ago, these loans helped to cover critical expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities.  At that time, banks warned Federal officials that publicly releasing the lists of PPP recipients (which included bank names, borrower details, and loan amounts) could be a treasure trove of data for criminals.

Now, that...

"Fully engaged and motivated employees are more likely to go above and beyond to provide exceptional service, which translates into better customer outcomes,” states a recent blog post authored by Louis Carter from Best Practice Institute.  A more succinct description of this month’s Star could not be found.  Over and over in the notes collected regarding this employee, these were the attributes described.  We are happy to introduce you to Adrian Aguirre, Assistant Telephone...

Austin Bank has long been a bank focused on relationships.  Whether it is with customers or with our coworkers, fostering positive connections is not just a great business practice, it is essential to success. This month, we are proud to recognize an individual who embodies this value. We are happy to introduce you to Scott Springer, Universal Banker in our e at The Woodlands, and honor his selection as July Star of the Month.

We recognize that many banks offer the same services,...

There are as many different management styles as there are managers, but there is one quality that sets truly great managers apart from the rest – they discover what is unique about each person and then capitalize on it.  Great managers know and value the unique abilities of their team members and learn how best to utilize them.  This month’s Star was chosen for her ability to discern the needs of her team members and customers, and the maturity and grace modeled in every...

The dictionary defines passion as an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Passionate employees genuinely care about their work and their employer. The nominations for this month’s Star all highlighted her love for her job and the positive impact she has had on those around her. Please join us in congratulating Nancy Hernandez, Teller Operations Supervisor, on her selection as our May Star of the Month.

Nancy came to work for the bank as a teller in 2020. Working in the downtown...