Community investment and mutual success were at the top of the agenda as bank executives, business leaders, politicians and citizens convened in front of Comerica Bank’s soon-to-open full service banking center at North Bishop Avenue and West Colorado Boulevard. The occasion was Comerica’s announcement to open three new banking centers in Dallas’ Southern Sector, a once blighted area south of Trinity River that is currently on the rebound.
Mayor Tom Leppert endorsed Comerica’s sound corporate citizenship. “It’s very easy for organizations and banks, especially in the difficult economic times that we have today, to kind of step back in a market like the southern part of our city to let others be pioneers. It says an awful lot about Comerica … [when it comes to] important efforts in the community. We are so appreciative.”
Comerica currently has two full-service banking centers in the area, and the new banking center at Bishop and Colorado will be the first of the three new branches to open. “Through Comerica’s continued expansion, we will be giving our customers greater access to our services, making it more convenient to assist our business partners. Additionally, through philanthropic giving and volunteer service, we hope to benefit the lives of our neighbors and contribute to the revitalization of Dallas’ Southern Sector,” explained Irv Ashford, Jr., vice president of External Affairs for Comerica Bank.
Comerica executives emphasized that supporting local businesses and community-based organizations in the Southern Sector is an integral part of improving the community and ensuring its economic viability. “We believe the growth in our communities is part of the growth and vitality of our organization. It’s a part of our overall commitment for the community to be a better place for our citizens, business people, and leadership,” offers Chuck Gummer, Texas Market president, Comerica Bank. “We are helping each other to be successful.”
Other attendees included business leaders from the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. Contributions were made to area non-profit organizations, including the Southern Dallas Development Corporation, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and Business Assistance Center, Inc.
Citizens in Dallas’ Southern Sector can show their support for this joint undertaking by opening a bank account at Comerica and volunteering their time and talents to one of the community’s non-profit organizations. –yvette caslin
