Extraco Banks Goes Maverick, Bank Wins Two International Awards for Innovation

Nov. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- WACO, TX -- Extraco Banks® was one of 18 international banks to be named a 2011 Celent Model Bank receiving recognition for their patent-pending Swarm Banking™.  James Geeslin, Vice Chairman and Chief Sales Officer, was awarded the title 2011 Maverick Banker of the Year by Bank Administration Institute (BAI) for his design and leadership of Swarm Banking™.

In this current economic environment, with consumers angry over increasing bank fees, Extraco has chosen a different path, with new, innovative ways to serve their customers.

Geeslin is responsible for the vision and implementation of the Swarm Banking™ system. He engineered a complete transformation of the retail branch operation. His strategy included changes in floor plan layout, deposit-handling technology and employee training. Among the significant results were lower employee turnover and higher customer satisfaction.

BAI chose Geeslin as Maverick of the Year from over 200 international applicants. It is the first time for a community bank to win the award.

When asked if he sees himself as a maverick, Geeslin replied, “Compared to other community banks in our area, we’ve often been the first to do many things – bringing technology to serving small businesses, jumping into the insurance business and transforming our retail operations. I’ve never thought of that as being a maverick but rather being Johnny-on-the spot, taking advantage of our external environment."

“This award is a significant accomplishment for both James and our retail leadership team, and their work to perfect our SWARM technique,” stated S. Boyce Brown, Chairman of the Board. “It clearly demonstrates our commitment to offer world class service with a hometown attitude.”

Geeslin accepted the BAI Maverick award this October in Chicago at the 2011 BAI Retail Delivery Annual Conference and Expo.

Extraco Banks was also named a 2011 Celent Model Bank for lobby innovation at the Celent Banking Innovation and Insight Day this past summer in Atlanta. Celent, an international research and consulting firm, sponsors this award recognizing banks that leverage technology in innovative ways to differentiate themselves in today’s marketplace.

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Extraco Banks® celebrated 100 years and three generations of family management on July 12th, 2002. Founded as a cotton warehousing company, Extraco is the largest and most comprehensive independent financial institution headquartered in central Texas with over $1.2 billion in assets, $110 million in capital, over 150,000 customers, and 400 central Texas employees. Extraco's 16 financial centers are located in Bryan/College Station, Georgetown, Lampasas, Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Waco, Temple, Belton, Lorena, Gatesville, Hamilton and McGregor. http://www.extracobanks.com/