Bell Textron donation, FirstBank Southwest VP among this week's business news (2024)

Amarillo Globe-News

FirstBank Southwest annouces Skylar Geist as Vice President Commercial Lender

FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) recently announced the appointment of Skylar Geist as Vice President, Commercial Lender at its Downtown Banking Center. Geist, a dedicated and skilled 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 the marketing, preparation, and servicing of loans to businesses and professionals.

Geist was born in Amarillo and later moved to Mustang, Oklahoma, where he graduated 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 his commitment to helping businesses succeed made him a natural fit for the commercial lending team at FirstBank Southwest.

Geist's promotion reflects his dedication to providing exceptional service and his deep-rooted connection to the community. His grandparents were small business owners in Amarillo for nearly 30 years, and FirstBank Southwest was instrumental in their success. This 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, guitarist, and camper, he embraces an active and family-oriented lifestyle.

“We are thrilled 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 drive our mission forward. We believe he will play a pivotal role in our continued success, and we look forward to the innovative contributions he will bring.”

Bell Textron presents gift to honor local fallen first responders

Officials with Bell Textron 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 on hand for the check presentation included Sonja Clark, Amarillo Site Leader, and Megan Reed, Communications and Public Affairs Manager. In addition, Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, several representatives from the Amarillo Fire Marshals Office and Amarillo Medical Services, and members of the non-profit raising funds to build the Memorial, Friends of AJ Swope, were present to receive Bell’s donation.

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

Friends of AJ Swope is working in partnership with regional first responding agencies to raise funds and build the memorial, which will honor Texas Panhandle law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel 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 that houses the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Center City of Amarillo.

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

HTeaO hosts sweepstakes for a trip to meet Cole Hauser in Montana

HTeaO has announced a sweepstakes opportunity in partnership with Free Rein Coffee Company. Now through Oct. 4, 2024, HTeaO guests have the chance 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, guests have been able to enter the Free Rein Sweepstakes by visiting any HTeaO location 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 the Yellowstone Valley Lodge, $500 in spending money and a lunch at Sage Lodge on Oct. 21 with a private meet and greet with Cole Hauser, celebrating the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

For more on the iced tea franchise, visit www.HTeaO.com.

Panhandle PBS launches new family membership

Panhandle PBS is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Family Membership, designed to bring families across the Texas Panhandle even closer to the high-quality educational content and experiences that the station has to offer.

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

Pricing varies, 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 served as the Panhandle’s PBS member station. Licensed to Amarillo College, the station extents the community college 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.

Bell Textron donation, FirstBank Southwest VP among this week's business news (2024)

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