August 3, 2022
As we gear up for one of the Bank’s most meaningful events, Ray Day, a community celebration to honor the life and legacy of Ray M. Bain, founder of First United Bank, I cannot help but think back on his legacy and the foundation he established for the Bank throughout his life. In honor of Ray Day, I thought it most fitting to share an article that was published in a special “100 Year Anniversary” Newspaper, printed and distributed in conjunction with the Bank’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration was held in October of 2007 in Dimmitt, TX. You can find quotes from Ray that were featured in this article sprinkled throughout much of our employee communication, training materials and on our website. Most notable is the Bank’s tagline, The Spirit of West Texas, which got its origin from words found in this very publication. Ray’s commitment to our employees, service to community, and great love of all things West Texas is deeply embedded in the foundation of this organization. I hope you’ll enjoy reading these words that were written many years ago and yet are still very much a part of the First United Bank culture today. Loyal Customers, Great Employees and Dedicated Leadership Spurs Growth For any business to survive, grow and prosper, it must possess a knowledgeable and capable management team along with hard working, dedicated, customer service-oriented employees. Ray M. Bain, President & CEO of First United Bank, attributes much of the Bank’s growth to the Bank’s employees and loyal and progressive customer base by stating “We have been blessed with a hardworking, conscientious staff who, empowered in their jobs, have created a customer service culture of which we are very proud.” Bain adds “We have been fortunate to have built our banking franchise in a region that is plentiful of abundant resources and hardworking, resilient people. We pride ourselves of providing those folks with good old fashioned West Texas service.” Bain further states “First United Bank’s success is, in no small part, a direct result of the support and leadership of the Bank’s Board of Directors.” Shirley Garrison and Stanley Schaeffer have been involved with the Bank since 1987 while V.H. Harman, Johnny Trotter and David Schaeffer have been active on the Bank’s Board of Directors since 1996. “The Bank’s Board of Directors have provided steadfast leadership and the growth of the Bank quite simply would not have been possible without their many contributions.” Community Comes First You hear it all the time: “People out here are just so friendly.” At First United Bank, we believe that the true Spirit of West Texas lies in the hearts of its people. It’s that spirit that drives all of us to want to improve the quality of life in our respective hometowns. Our employees take pride in being an integral part of the success of the communities in which they live. They volunteer countless hours to organizations that, in turn, help make life better for all of us. From the March of Dimes and United Way to civic organizations such as Rotary Club and Lions Club, our commitment to serve our communities is one of our top priorities. We realize that by helping make our communities a better place to live, it helps make our Bank a better place to do business. A True West Texas Bank Roots run deep in West Texas for First United Bank. In fact, all our roots are right here. Since our beginning in March 1907 as The First State Bank of Dimmitt to First United Bank today, our business model has always been focused on West Texas communities, the people who live here and their distinct financial needs. Our Board of Directors, banking officers and employees are a who’s who of community and business leaders that live, work, and volunteer their talents to the communities they live in across West Texas. They understand the importance of agriculture, energy, and small business to our economy, but more importantly, they understand that people come first. As we begin a second century of service, we’re thankful for the trust our friends and customers have placed in us, and we will continue to put down our roots right here in West Texas. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the incredible life of an incredible man. We’ll be serving Ray’s favorite foods: Frito Pie, Chili or Hot Dog, Roasted Corn, Chips, Ice Cream and WT Buffalo Cookies. Enjoy live music, a bounce house, face painting and more! This is a free event for all who attend.
Ray Day Community Celebration
August 11, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
First United Bank
801 23rd Street
Canyon, TX