Meridian Bank Launches Texas Ops

Phoenix-based Meridian Bank has launched operations in Texas by establishing Meridian Bank Texas and opening a loan production office in Fort Worth that will focus initially on commercial, construction, and commercial real estate lending.The subsidiary is expected to become a state-chartered commercial bank by early 2007, with an emphasis on business lending and commercial deposit gathering. Meridian Bank Texas is led by chief executive officer Glenn Monroe, formerly head of commercial banking for First State Bank of Texas in Denton. His executive team includes John Van Son, former senior vice president at First State Bank of Texas in Denton; Greg Stuteville, past senior real estate lender for TexasBank in Fort Worth; and John Spencer, a real estate lender. "We have the intimate knowledge of this community and are supported by the capital strength of Meridian Bank," Mr. Monroe said. "This gives us the flexibility to be responsive and customer-focused in the dynamic Texas business environment." Meridian Bank can be found online at http://www.meridianbank.com.