Bell Textron donation, FirstBank Southwest VP among this week’s business news

FirstBank Southwest Announces Appointment of Skylar Geist as Vice President of Commercial Lending

FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) recently announced the appointment of Skylar Geist as vice president, Commercial Lending, in its downtown banking center. Geist, a dedicated and knowledgeable professional with a strong connection to the community, has been with the bank for three years, specializing in commercial credit and lending, according to a news release. Geist will be responsible for marketing, originating and servicing business and professional loans.

Geist was born in Amarillo and later moved to Mustang, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school. He returned to the Texas Panhandle to attend West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 2021. Skylar’s ​​passion for finance and commitment to helping businesses succeed made him a natural fit for FirstBank Southwest’s commercial lending team.

Geist’s promotion reflects her dedication to providing exceptional service and her deep connection to the community. Her grandparents were small business owners in Amarillo for nearly 30 years, and FirstBank Southwest was instrumental in their success. That personal connection drives Skylar’s ​​commitment to helping local businesses thrive.

In his personal life, Geist enjoys spending time with his wife, Jami, their son, MJ, and their two dogs. An avid cyclist, guitar player, and camper, he embraces an active, family-oriented lifestyle.

“We are excited to promote Skylar to our commercial banking team,” said Matt Mathias, Amarillo market president at FirstBank Southwest. “His exceptional skills and unique perspectives will undoubtedly enhance our culture and advance our mission. We believe he will play a critical role in our continued success and look forward to the innovative contributions he will make.”

Bell Textron Donates to Honor Fallen Local First Responders

Bell Textron officials made a special visit to the future site of the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial to present a $5,000 check to organizers of the effort this week.

Bell representatives present for the check presentation included Amarillo Site Manager Sonja Clark and Communications and Public Affairs Manager Megan Reed. In addition, Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, several representatives from the Amarillo Fire Department and Amarillo EMS, and members of the nonprofit fundraising for the memorial, Friends of AJ Swope, were on hand to receive Bell’s donation.

“Bell’s leadership in this effort is invaluable,” Friends of AJ Swope board member Gary Pitner said in a news release. “Having a respected corporate citizen step forward for our fallen first responders demonstrates Bell’s continued commitment to the Texas Panhandle. We are grateful to have them on our side.”

Friends of AJ Swope is partnering with area first responder agencies to raise funds and build the memorial, which will honor law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel from the Texas Panhandle who have died in the line of duty over the past 141 years. The memorial is planned for the northwest corner of South Polk Street and 11th Avenue, just south of the historic Bivins Home, which is home to the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and downtown Amarillo.

Friends of AJ Swope are working toward a fundraising goal of $1.5 million. More information about the project, including award recipients, renderings, and a secure payment portal for donations, can be found at FirstRespondersMemorial.org.

HTeaO is holding a raffle for a trip to meet Cole Hauser in Montana

HTeaO has announced a sweepstakes opportunity in partnership with Free Rein Coffee Company. Through October 4, 2024, HTeaO customers have the opportunity to enter to win a trip to meet Cole Hauser, actor and co-founder of Free Rein Coffee Company, in Bozeman, Montana.

Starting this week, customers will be able to enter the Free Rein draw by visiting any HTeaO store and scanning the QR code displayed in-store. Entries will be accepted until October 4, 2024, and the winner will be announced on October 5, 2024.

The prize includes round-trip flights for two to Montana, a three-night stay at Yellowstone Valley Lodge, $500 spending money and lunch at Sage Lodge on October 21 with a private meet-and-greet with Cole Hauser, celebrating the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

To learn more about the iced tea franchise, visit www.HTeaO.com.

Panhandle PBS Launches New Family Subscription

Panhandle PBS is excited to announce the launch of its all-new family subscription, designed to bring Texas Panhandle families even closer to the high-quality educational content and experiences the station has to offer.

The new membership option offers unique benefits and exclusive opportunities for families, including a welcome gift, birthday card and message on PBS KIDS, quarterly mail for kids, early/private access to events, free family educational resources and more. Panhandle PBS Family Membership holders will also receive some of the benefits of traditional memberships, including access to the Panhandle PBS Passport and a monthly program guide.

Rates vary, but family memberships start at $10 per month or $120 per year. For more information or to sign up, visit panhandlePBS.org/Family or call our office at (806) 371-5479.

Since 1988, Panhandle PBS has been the Panhandle’s PBS member station. Licensed to Amarillo College, the station extends the community college’s philosophy of improving the quality of life for all residents. Panhandle PBS operates digital channels 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This article was originally published on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news and developments for September 22, 2024