First Bank and Trust, JBS USA, Flower Turbines make Lubbock news
Hello A-J readers!
Banking, beef and energy made headlines this week across West Texas, with connections across the Panhandle and South Plains regions. Here are the highlights and how they connect to our regions.
UMB Financial Corporation recently completed the acquisition of Heartland Financial, which owned 13 community banks. One of those was First Bank & Trust, which has locations scattered across the Amarillo, Abilene, Lubbock and Midland regions.
CEO and Chairman Mariner Kemper, the fourth-generation owner whose family started UMB in 1913, said the newly acquired banks would see an increase of products and services, including the addition of credit cards.
“Absolutely nothing (will change), other than more products,” Kemper said. “The signs will change. We’ll take our brand across the whole network. But beyond that, it will be more products, more services, more liquidity, more capital coming to town.”
A major development came from the Panhandle earlier this week, with JBS USA announcing a $150 million expansion to its meat-processing facility in Cactus. The expansion will create additional opportunities for cattle producers, consumers, and the local workforce.
Primitive, a local marketing agency, added public relations services to its business. These new services are led by Chris Cook, former marketing and communications director for Texas Tech University.
On Feb. 20, people will have the opportunity to tour Flower Turbines, 2601 Southeast Loop 289. Registration is required for the free event. While there, attendees will see the tulip-shaped wind turbines in action and learn about the different products Flower Turbines makes.
Next week, readers will learn about an enterprising student who is bringing seamstress talent to people’s homes. Fellow foodies should also stay tuned for an online announcement on Wednesday. Watch the A-J social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X that morning. I’m also hoping to share the story of a place that is ready to welcome visitors after natural disasters, but that article is in its early stages.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
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