Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Holiday Time!


I love this time of year! Bank of the Southwest wants to wish you and all your family happy holiday's and great new year! This time of year always brings on good times, family, amazing food, and much more! I can't wait for TBS to play the "Christmas Story" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You know it's true!

Lots going on here at BOSW. We recently finished our remodel of Water Street in Las Cruces and now have an amazing staff there. More pictures of this to follow. Also, check out this link of some of my friends at Captive Indoor Media http://www.vimeo.com/2536396

Isn't it hilarious! They are great people!

Update on Wiser Thoughts: Due to the busy time of year, we will resume "Wiser Thoughts" after the new year. In fact, Ron will be taking questions from the public and answering them on the air. Start thinking of questions!!!!!

Once again, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2009!

-Josh


Thursday, December 11, 2008

Wiser Thoughts

Volume 5 is available for download! It's a good one!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Funny Stuff!

A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that the teller's name is Patricia Whack. So hesays, "Ms. Whack, I'd like to get a loan to buy a boat and go on a long vacation."Patti looks at the frog in disbelief and asks how much he wants to borrow. The frog says $30,000. The teller asks his name and the frog says that his name is Kermit Jagger and that it's OK, he knows the bank manager.Patti explains that $30,000 is a substantial amount of money and that he will need to secure some collateral against the loan. She asks if he has anything he can use as collateral.The frog says, "Sure. I have this." And he produces a tiny pink porcelain elephant, about half an inch tall. It's bright pink and perfectly formed. Very confused, Patti explains that she'll have to consult with the manager; and disappears into a back office. She finds the manager and reports: "There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you, and he wants to borrow $30,000. And he wants to use this as collateral."She holds up the tiny pink elephant. "I mean, what the heck is this?"So the bank manager looks back at her and says: "It's a knick knack, Patti Whack. Give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone."

Although getting a loan at BOSW has a few more steps, our people would love to help you out! Please contact your local loan officer today, or visit us online for more details!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wiser Thoughts Volume 4

Wiser Thoughts Volume 4 is available for download. If any of you have questions and/or problems downloading "Wiser Thoughts" please comment back and we will help walk through the problem with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Josh

Friday, November 21, 2008

New President - Commitment to Financial System

Wow....it has been over a week since our last posting. I really apologize about that. Here is some information I found on the President-Elect Barack Obama and his commitment to our Financial System.

President-Elect Barack Obama yesterday nominated Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary and Lawrence Summers as head of the National Economic Council. During his press conference announcing his economic team, Obama also pledged to “do whatever is required to keep the financial system working and capital flowing” but declined to specify how and when additional funds under the Troubled Assets Recovery Program should be spent. “I will make further assessments about whether it's necessary to draw down additional TARP money as the administration and the Treasury Secretary Paulson and Bernanke provide me more real-time information,” Obama said. “But I think what's most important for the American people to understand is that we are united in making sure that the financial system works and operates the way it needs to.”

BOSW's Commitment to you: As mentioned in "Wiser Thoughts" (shameless plug) New Mexico's Economy and the majority of NM community banks are doing very well. Not only are they doing well, but we are confident in our lending and would love to the opportunity to be your banker!

On the lighter side "“Vampire movies are everywhere. HBO has that series 'True Blood,' and CBS has their show with immortal creatures called ‘60 Minutes.’” -- Craig Ferguson

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Wiser Thoughts

Volume two is available for download. Please check it out.....If you have any problems comment back and let us know.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Download Wiser Thoughts!



Hello All-

Every week on Roswell's Cool 94.9 and KBIM AM 910 our President Ron Wiser will talk about the economy, banking, finances, and the economy in Chaves County. Please tune in on Wednesday morning at 9 AM. We also have a spot on our blog where you can download Ron's thoughts. We hope you enjoy our Wiser Thoughts!

-Josh

Monday, October 27, 2008

Trek for Trash







This weekend several BOSW employee's participated in Keep Roswell Beautiful's "Trek for Trash". It was a great event and was really cool to see how many people in our community support the cause! Even a local "trash can band" came out and supported the efforts. Hope you enjoy!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Success at the RMAC Chalk Art Festival


Congratulations to BOSW employee Jeanette for winning 3rd place in the RMAC Chalk Art Festival. Check out her amazing art work.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Keep Roswell Beautiful


We are proud to be a sponsor of this years " Trek for Trash". It is a competition that is going to be held Saturday Oct 25. Check out the flyer. If you would like more information feel free to contact 575 637 6293 or email keeproswellbeautiful@cableone.net.


Lets see if we truly can " Make A Difference" in our community on this day by seeing which team can collect the most trash! Also, they will have an area for electronics. This is really neat because most recycle centers do not accept computers, cell phones,PlayStations, etc. Some bring them out!


Stop by the BOSW booth and get some free goodies and show your BOSW love!

See you there.


-Josh

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

FDIC Insurance Temporarily Increased

As many of you know the FDIC has made an increase in their insurance until Dec 31, 2008. I have copy and pasted a letter from the official FDIC website that explains a little bit more of what is going on. Here you go.

FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency of the United States government that protects against the loss of insured deposits if an FDIC-insured bank or savings association fails. FDIC deposit insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Since the FDIC was established, no depositor has ever lost a single penny of FDIC-insured funds.
FDIC insurance covers funds in deposit accounts, including checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). FDIC insurance does not, however, cover other financial products and services that insured banks may offer, such as stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities.
There is no need for depositors to apply for FDIC insurance or even to request it. Coverage is automatic.
To ensure funds are fully protected, depositors should understand their deposit insurance coverage limits. The FDIC provides separate insurance coverage for deposits held in different ownership categories such as single accounts, joint accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and trust accounts. Deposits accounts owned by corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, employee benefit plans and government entities also are covered by FDIC insurance.
Basic FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage Limits*
Single Accounts (owned by one person)
$250,000 per owner**

Joint Accounts (two or more persons)
$250,000 per co-owner**

IRAs and certain other retirement accounts
$250,000 per owner

Trust Accounts
$250,000 per owner per beneficiary subject to specific limitations and requirements**

Corporation, Partnership and Unincorporated Association Accounts
$250,000 per corporation, partnership or unincorporated association

Employee Benefit Plan Accounts
$250,000 for the non-contingent, ascertainable interest of each participant

Government Accounts
$250,000 per official custodian

* These deposit insurance coverage limits refer to the total of all deposits that an accountholder (or accountholders) has at each FDIC-insured bank. The listing above shows only the most common ownership categories that apply to individual and family deposits, and assumes that all FDIC requirements are met.
** The legislation authorizing the increase in deposit insurance coverage limits makes the change effective October 3, 2008, through December 31, 2009.
If you have questions about FDIC coverage limits and requirements, please visit www.myFDICinsurance.gov, call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC, or ask a representative at your bank.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

True Checking Part 2

Ok...so here is some more information on True Checking. You need to get in here and check out this amazing product. It has made customers some serious bucks, and they saved on ATM fees, paper usage, and even got a cool grocery bag. What's not to like about that!


Two requirements......


3) Use your debit card as a credit transaction fifteen times per month. That comes out to once every other day. And at $0 fraud liability, it's the safest way to shop. Now-a-days, it seems like we never have cash on our hands. This why the debit card was invented! Use it ! It is the same as cash and helps you qualify for TRUE Checking and the amazing interest you earn.



4) Perform one of the following: Get a direct deposit here, use our FREE bill pay system, pay a company electronically. You could pay a utility automatically every month, get your pay check sent to your BOSW True Checking account, or simply use our bill pay to assist you in your monthly bills!


I hope this helps you understand our True Checking account. If you have any questions feel free to research us at http://www.bankofsw.com/.

I'll see you in the lobby!

-Josh

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Art Block Party!

On October 11, 2008 from 8AM - 1 PM the Roswell Museum and Art Center will be having their 2nd annual Block Party & Chalk Art Festival. I absolutely love this event! It is so cool and it really supports the arts and the local artist in Southeastern New Mexico.

Bank of the Southwest is the corporate sponsor of the event. We also have a team of very talented artist participating in the chalk art festival. They are going to do our logo with a southwestern theme. It should be really interesting ! I also plan on filming it and making into a short youtube video. I want to make a time lapse of the art....so keep your fingers crossed that it turns out well.

Come out and show your BOSW love!
Viva La Festival!

-Josh

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

New Skin


As many may have noticed, I don't say much. That's because I'm a programmer and don't really have a lot to say, as I've typed most of anything I might say into the computer.

Well, after many cups of coffee and a few sodas, I know blogger's internal layout xml and have created a new skin that more closely resembles our corporate brand. I hope you all enjoy it, as I have spent a fair amount of time on it.

What lessons have I learned?
  1. Its much easier to write a section than to write the widgets and includes necessary into the code. In otherwords, when possible, let blogger write the widgets and only change id's and class names in the widget code.
  2. see number 1, no really, it does make life a lot easier.
  3. (shameless plug) Having a true checking account has made this a lot easier too. (Can I have my cheezburger now Josh??)
Seriously though, it may have been a little convoluted, and google's documentation on the subject left quite a bit to be desired; however I now feel that I could adapt any webtemplate to a decent looking blogger template. The best part, it only took me one whole day.

So enjoy the skin we're in!

-Todd

Monday, September 22, 2008

True Checking Part 1

Wow...True Checking came out earlier this month and has received lots of attention. This two part series will answer any questions you might have if you are skeptic or not 100% sure about this account for you. If you have any questions please comment back to us and I will be sure to answer them......I will go over two of the stipulations

In order for this checking account to reward you with one of the highest interest we ask that you be mindful or how you use your account and meet a few stipulations.

1)Enroll in E- Statements. Saves a tree for the enviornment, and it can't get lost or stolen. ( Isn't this great! It is awesome for the enviornment, the post office, and well...even our office! Give your postmaster a little break in his crazy day.)

2)Write five or less checks per month. While checks will never go away, they are becoming harder to use. And at five checks per month , you can still write one if you need to. With all the online amenities of today, this is no problem. You can use our free bill pay service to help you with this, or go directly to the company you would like to pay and use their online payment service. Also, many companies offer pay by phone, or automated payments every month ( we will talk more about automated payments in Part 2.)
This concludes our Part 1 of 2 series on True Checking. O yeah...did I mention you get THREE FREE foreign ATM withdrawals per month. Now you can avoid that $4 fee at the casino, airport, or gas station. You will also receive a reusable, True Checking grocery bag. The pic is above.
Stop by any BOSW location or visit us at www.bankofsw.com for more info....Talk to you soon!





Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Hatch Featured - Hot stuff!


Watch CBS Videos Online

The community of Hatch is famous!!! No, not really, but this super cool. Bank of the Southwest is a large sponsor of the Hatch Chile Festival. Check it out!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

True Checking Today!

Today is the official roll-out of True Checking....I hope you are as excited as I am!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Hatch Valley Chile Festival 2008








The Hatch Valley Chile Festival 2008 Parade was a big event, as was the Queen's Auction. Please enjoy these pictures of a few of the participants. Saturday was a bit overcast, but no rain! The temperature was Perfect! I brought home lots of souvenirs and bags of chile and onions. Look out Salsa-Here we come!














Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Magical Mystery Tour

This photo is the South-Central Region employees who attended Part III of "The Magical Mystery Tour" held at our Truth or Consequences Branch. Our Marketing Officer, Josh, and I went to the Region to present our new TRUE Checking product in preparation for a September 2nd rollout. It is so cool to be a part of such a innovative product and such a great Team!!

Fist Blog Post

We're getting ready for exciting things here at Bank of The Southwest. Stay Tuned.