(October 5, 2020) McAllen, Texas - IBC Bank recently received the 2020 Joe Belew Award from the Consumer Bankers Association for its work on Minitropolis® programs at elementary schools. IBC Bank was among 14 banks vying for the prize focused on programs that demonstrate remarkable abilities to solve problems and help communities. The Joe Belew Award recognizes programs created by financial institutions to provide innovative solutions to pressing social and community issues. Named after Joe Belew, former CBA President, the award was established to represent his commitment to community development and those organizations that emulate this effort.

The Minitropolis® program concept was created by IBC Bank in 1996. It began with a small elementary school in McAllen, Texas as a tool to help teachers communicate the importance of financial literacy to youngsters and their parents. The significance of the program grew in scale and exposure as more schools throughout the IBC Bank footprint became interested in the concept of a fully functioning community with a mayor and city council, as well as businesses and key services such as a post office, bank, recycling center and grocery store. Children work and earn play money to pay taxes, bills and purchase goods. The Minitropolis principles provided a way for students to master the basics of financial literacy within their academic experience. Since its inception, the Minitropolis® program is now a part of 30 elementary schools throughout Texas communities served by IBC Bank. School administrators credit Minitropolis® for inspiring teachers, encouraging students and motivating parents to actively participate in building financial literacy in students from a very young age.

Dora Brown began this platform as the marketing director for IBC Bank McAllen.  She credits the cooperation and participation of superintendents, principals and teachers for the success and growth of this endeavor. Brown was also responsible for training and inspiring IBC Bank markets throughout the Texas and Oklahoma footprint to reach out to schools in their area with the micro community idea. Adrian Villarreal, IBC Bank-McAllen President and CEO adds, "Since its inception in 1996, IBC Bank has been committed to their mantra of Doing More. Our most valuable asset is our youth, therefore enhancing their knowledge and skills for future success is our top priority. The Minitropolis project has done just that and more." CBA hosted a virtual conference recently where Dora Brown graciously accepted the award for IBC Bank.

About IBC Bank-McAllen

IBC Bank-McAllen, celebrating its 30th anniversary of doing business, is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $13.3 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 187 facilities and 282 ATMs serving 88 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of the customers and the communities it has been serving since 1966. IBC Bank-McAllen has been serving the Hidalgo County community since 1990 and has a retail branch network of 30 locations throughout the area.  MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook and Instagram page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.