New bank to open in Kilgore

BankTexas, a Quitman-based bank that traces its roots to the 18902, has received permission from the Office of the Controller of the Currency to open a branch here.

The "bank store" location will be at the new travel plaza under construction at the corner of Hwy. 42 and I-20. The store will offer all of the services of a traditional branch bank, according to Troy Robinson, president, but "in a new format that emphasizes customer service and convenience."

"We believe Kilgore is a natural place to open a bank store," said Robinson. "Kilgore is a growing and lively community and we think we'll fit in well."

Inside the new store, customers won't in a traditional lobby. Rather, they will have space to walk around and interact.

Tammy Ritter will manage BankTexas in Kilgore as well as make consumer, mortgage and small business loans. "I am excited to be joining BankTexas, which is unique in its focus on customer service - to the extent that it designed its Kilgore office in a completely new way."

She has nearly ten years of East Texas banking experience. She joins BankTexas from Regions Bank where she served most recently as Branch Sales Manager in Kilgore.

The bank will feature an ATM and two drive-through lanes. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete in late August.

BankTexas has locations in Holly Lake Ranch, Mineola, Longview, Tyler, Quitman and online at www.BankTexas.org.