“Our 2025 Community Service Goal is set: Grow our number of volunteers.

Our participation steadily grew throughout 2024, but even at our peak, only 90 volunteers—less than 25% of our team—contributed in a single month. Imagine what we could achieve if that number doubled!

Three-month participation tracker:
Dec. 2024: 57 volunteers
Jan. 2025: 59 volunteers
Feb. 2025: 82 volunteers

Let’s find new ways to serve and encourage more of our colleagues to get involved. Whether you or a coworker take your first step and log your first volunteer hour, or you finally log your monthly hours in Kadince, we’ll track and celebrate our growing participation rate each month.

Together, we can set a new milestone for Team TRB and show our communities just how deeply we’re invested in their success.

Let’s ALL get to work.”

Brent Baldree

President

Top Volunteers in February:

Valeria Suarez – 54.5 hrs.
Jamie Rosas – 46 hrs.
Travis Richards – 40 hrs.
Cristie Escochea – 40 hrs.
Kimberly R. Chambless – 40 hrs.

Where We Served in February:

Smokin’ on the Rio – 123 hrs.
McAllen Chamber of Commerce – 48 hrs.
Johnson City Youth Sports Association – 47 hrs.
Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 3 – 34 hrs.
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas – 30 hrs.

Team TRB: In the Spotlight

Each February, Smokin’ on the Rio brings together BBQ enthusiasts, competitors, and the community for one of the largest sanctioned BBQ cook-offs in Texas. But beyond the smoky grills and fierce competition, the event is about something much bigger—supporting youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley.

This year, Team TRB proudly joined the effort, volunteering their time and energy to ensure a seamless and successful event. From assisting with plate presentation and judging logistics to welcoming guests and managing event operations, TRB volunteers played a crucial role in supporting the cook-off’s mission. Volunteers like Andrea Guerra, Elias Trevino, and Laura Gaitan dedicated their time to the judging process, ensuring fairness and organization. Others, like Sidney Gaona and Rita Garcia, helped with hospitality, making sure attendees had a top-notch experience at the event and concert.

Since its founding in 2004, Smokin’ on the Rio has raised over $1.7 million for student projects at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show’s Sale of Champions. This year, the event introduced a new youth competition, allowing high school teams to compete alongside national contenders, furthering its commitment to developing young leaders in agriculture.

For Team TRB, service goes beyond the workplace—it’s about showing up for the communities we call home. Smokin’ on the Rio is just one example of how Team TRB volunteers made a meaningful impact across Texas in February.

Way to go RGV Team TRB!

Rio Grande Valley

Andrea Guerra, Delma Diaz, Andrea Garza, and Valeria Suarez participated in Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., supporting the 4th annual Home is Where the Heart Is 5K and Fun Run at Fireman’s Park.
Valeria Suarez provided financial literacy education to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary, assisted at a Palm Valley Animal Society gala, attended a Region One quarterly meeting, supported a McAllen Citizens League event, and represented TRB at a UTRGV Debit Card promotion.
Maria Chalico assisted Blanco Project Graduation by volunteering at the concession stand and attended the Whataburger Grand Opening event.
Marta Rosales, Valeria Suarez, and Fred Garza supported the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, assisting with the Sweet Gala and other community efforts.
Maria Idalia Pena, Ana Guerrero, and Diana Delaunay worked with the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, supporting Charro Days events, including mixers, the Texas Tornado Machine, and the Charro Days Kickoff.
Carlos E. Garza attended Brownsville Children’s Museum board meetings and participated in the United Way of Southern Cameron County’s board meetings and annual fundraiser.
Diana Delaunay served as event coordinator, board member, and master of ceremonies for the Building Financial Capacity Coalition, helped organize the BFCC Summit, provided budget counseling and financial literacy education through Come Build Come Dream, assisted with the Texas Southmost College Banking Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and led TRB’s presence at Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s Charro Days Kickoff and Mixer.
Laura Villarreal and Valeria Suarez represented the City of McAllen at various community events, including the State of the City address.
Dalinda Guillen engaged in community efforts across South Texas, supporting the Rio Grande City EDC, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, Rio Grande City High School, and the Rio Grande City Rotary Club, participating in Pharr Rotary Club business events, attending a Workforce Solutions initiative, and assisting in various business engagements.
Sylvia Gallegos and Rene Martinez III spoke to students at La Union Elementary Career Day, introducing them to careers in banking, and provided financial literacy education to 150 seniors at Rio Grande City High School, covering topics such as budgeting, credit, and banking.
Brent Baldree represented TRB at the IBAT Education Foundation, attending a legislative breakfast and private dinner with lawmakers, while also supporting the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Rio Grande Regional Hospital.
Tracy Harris engaged in banking policy and regulatory advocacy, meeting with lawmakers through the ICBA Federal Home Loan Bank Task Force, Independent Bankers Association of Texas, and Texas Lyceum, and represented TRB in discussions with the McAllen delegation at TRB’s Austin location.
Travis Richards attended a Safe-D Conference and a board meeting for the Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 3, led a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service workshop on soil health, and participated in a Texas Citrus Pest & Disease Management Corporation board meeting.
Robert Donalson represented TRB at the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce, participating in business meetings, ribbon cuttings, and chamber deposit discussions, and supported the Weslaco Rotary Club’s 100-Year Proclamation event.
Carlo Montalvo, Rebecca Perez, and Michael K. Lamon assisted at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Inc., helping with student project funding, table monitoring, and logistics.
Mario Ysaguirre represented TRB at the Rotary Club of McAllen #2076.
Christopher Tippit helped organize a golf tournament benefiting Sea Turtle Inc.
Jesse Ozuna contributed to the HOPE Family Health Center executive director hiring process.
Esli Campos assisted with Smokin’ on the Rio, serving as a pork and brisket plate judge and volunteering in the HEB VIP tent.
Troy Gearhart served as Jr. Warden for St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Nayelli Ramirez Lopez promoted the Vaqueros Debit Card with Texas Regional Bank.
Rita Garcia promoted TRB’s debit card initiative at a UTRGV Athletics event.
Marta Rosales participated in Keep San Juan Beautiful’s cleanup efforts, joined a Deep South Texas Financial Literacy Alliance meeting, supported the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce membership drive, attended multiple McAllen Chamber of Commerce events, joined an Organization of Women Executives networking event, participated in Teach for America Rio Grande Valley, and attended a TRB Lunch & Learn Program focused on leadership and business development.
Amara Cano led financial literacy sessions for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at McAllen ISD, attended the Sharyland ISD Education Foundation Hall of Fame Luncheon, and participated in Sharyland ISD’s community engagement efforts.

Houston

Tanya Castro and Lisa Ta supported Behind the Badge Charities, assisting with their Fundraiser Gala, including organizing silent auction items, handling auction sales, and setting up and breaking down event logistics.
Lisa Ta, Kristy Rodriguez, and Lewis Gissel participated in various Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce activities, including board meetings, finance committee meetings, ambassador meetings, networking events, and the Total Resource Campaign, with Lisa serving as Vice Chair.
Kristy Rodriguez and Lisa Ta represented TRB at Lamar CISD, speaking with students about professional branding, conducting mock interviews, and attending a career fair.
Tanya Castro played a leadership role in financial and professional organizations, co-chairing the Houston Estate and Financial Forum’s Breakfast of Champions series, attending a Houston Women’s Finance Exchange networking event, and participating in the NonPareil Institute-Houston’s board meeting.
Kristy Rodriguez and Iris Salas supported the Rose-Rich Girls Softball Association, helping market TRB branding and engaging in networking events.
Lisa Ta served with the Small Business Development Center, participating in an Access to Capital workshop in partnership with Develop Richmond.
Cody Gaines attended the Lamar CISD Career Fair, engaging with students about career opportunities.

Central

Josh Walker and Summer Reyes supported the Alamo Area Home Care Council, with Josh attending a networking event and Summer serving as Treasurer at the monthly board and finance meetings.
David DeStefano participated in multiple organizations, assisting with A Kind Hart Foundation’s 4th Annual Casino Night, attending a Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children financial meeting, contributing to Engage & Heal Foundation’s Annual Mental Health Symposium, and supporting the Lake Travis Lacrosse Booster Club’s Golf Tournament Fundraiser.
Keri Sandvig played a key role in Bulverde-area organizations, serving on the Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center’s Gala Planning Committee, Monthly Board Meetings, Event Setup, and Building Expansion Project, participating in the Bulverde Thrift Store’s expansion discussion, and attending Bulverde Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce meetings, budget meetings, a board meeting, and speaking at a Comal ISD event. She also contributed to the Bulverde Spring Branch Economic Development Foundation, reviewing the strategic plan, participating in the executive director selection process, and discussing long-term goals.
Zach Townsend engaged with various organizations, attending Bulverde Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce networking events and finance council meetings, listening to economic and legislative presentations at the Bulverde Spring Branch Economic Development Foundation, representing Comal County Emergency Services District No. 5 at a statewide fire and emergency districts conference, attending continuing education classes for ESD commissioners, and participating in monthly meetings.
Summer Reyes volunteered at Cornerstone Church, serving as a Greeter twice per month.
Alisyn Powers contributed to Christian Women’s Job Corps of Kerr County, providing financial literacy training for low to moderate-income women, and supported the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce in a business-related initiative.
Emily Kirchner had a strong presence across multiple community efforts, coordinating a City of Fredericksburg leadership luncheon, serving as a judge for Schreiner University’s Soup Cookoff, participating in Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce networking events, supporting the Fredericksburg Parks Foundation’s park development project, attending Fredericksburg City Council meetings to advocate for park development, assisting with Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church youth outreach, volunteering as a juror for Gillespie County, and attending a Texas Lyceum conference alongside TRB employees.
John Wells supported multiple organizations, including speaking to students about entrepreneurship at Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce events, mentoring at Fredericksburg ISD Academic Boosters, serving on The Grace Center of Fredericksburg’s Board of Directors and Finance Committee, attending monthly board meetings, and assisting with event setup.
Judy Benson contributed to Gem of the Hills’ Annual Fundraiser, helping showcase short films.
Chet Reed coached a U8 soccer team with the Hays Youth Soccer Association.
Diego Guerrero and Jessie Bishop supported the Johnson City Youth Sports Association, with Diego assisting with coaching efforts, while Jessie helped run the scoreboard for youth basketball games, participated in tournament events, and attended monthly board meetings.
Justin Foster was involved in economic and educational efforts, supporting the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Hill Country Economic Summit and teaching a Community Banking Program class at Schreiner University.
Keri Sandvig participated in the Kiwanis Club of Texas Hill Country’s monthly meeting, contributed to Smithson Valley HS Athletic Booster’s All-Sports Gala, and attended a Bulverde Thrift Store board meeting to discuss facility expansion and renovation.
David Lasher contributed to the New Braunfels Jaycees, helping raise funds for community philanthropy efforts.
Josh Walker volunteered at Pieper High School’s Texas Color Guard Circuit Winter Guard Competition, helping with setup, bus and trailer coordination, and post-event cleanup.
Greg Lick supported the Young Men’s Business League Austin, participating in a fundraising campaign that raised $490 for YMBL’s Summer Sunshine Camp.

North

Michelle Houston actively supported multiple organizations, participating in the final meeting for the American Cancer Society’s “You’re Beautiful” Style Show & Luncheon, engaging in private discussions and a board meeting with the Greater Denton Arts Council, contributing to the fundraising committee for GDAC, assisting with Me Squared Cancer Foundation’s gala fundraising efforts, attending a Mean Green Sports Properties crawfish boil with UNT sponsorship partners, and participating in a theatrical performance with Theatre Denton.
Kimberly R. Chambless played a significant role in various business and nonprofit initiatives, attending Denton Chamber of Commerce networking events, participating in a Denton Public School Foundation gala to raise funds for local schools, completing an orientation with Denton County Friends of the Family to provide financial education, and leading financial education sessions at Texas Woman’s University.
Kimberly R. Chambless was highly engaged with the MetroPort Chamber, attending monthly chamber mixers, business builder coffee events, and quarterly women in business luncheons, helping set up and register guests at luncheons, receiving the Ambassador of the Month award for January, and participating in multiple ribbon cuttings for businesses such as Hot Worx and Sherwin-Williams.
Kimberly R. Chambless supported Success Champion LLC, attending weekly networking Zoom calls, monthly happy hour networking events, and SCN business meetups.
Kimberly R. Chambless represented Texas Regional Bank, attending the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Park Cities branch, organizing an in-kind donation basket for Keller ISD to support teachers, and hosting monthly coffee networking events at Higher Grounds Coffee in Justin and Record Coffee Supply in Denton.
Matt Martin participated in local networking and community outreach efforts, supporting Krum FFA Alumni at a networking event and engaging in Krum Lions Club’s local initiatives.
Chase (Austin) Harris supported the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, attending the Crawford Clinics new location open house.