In 2005, the state of Texas continued to flourish, as jobs, population
and the overall economy experienced steady growth.
Texas has been designated as one of Comerica’s major growth markets, and the focus on office expansions remained strong over
the last year. Seven new banking centers were added in Dallas and Houston, bringing the Texas total to 59. Two banking centers were relocated,
and other offices across the state were refurbished to provide a more inviting
customer experience.
Texas expansion will continue in 2006, with a commitment to building a strong Comerica presence in this important
market. Already, the Texas banking centers opened in 2004 and 2005 are showing
results ahead of financial plans for their deposit and loan generation.
A critical key to the success of Comerica in the Lone Star State has been its
clearly defined market focus. Comerica continues to concentrate on providing a
broad range of services to a specific market niche — small- and medium-size,
owner-managed businesses.
“We are focused on working together to build new opportunities and referrals
among business segments, and enhancing our customers’ overall Comerica experience,”
said Chuck Gummer, president and chief executive officer of Comerica Bank’s
Texas market. “Key to our success has been the ability to recruit and retain
top talent dedicated to our vision of helping our customers be successful. Without
a doubt, this is an exciting time to be in business in Texas.”
Over the last year, Comerica remained active in the community, supporting such
causes as United Way, March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Junior Achievement,
and a variety of other organizations and civic endeavors dedicated to education, health and human services, arts and culture, and serving those in
need.
In 2005, the nation was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and Comerica
was ready to help, donating funds and its employees’ time and energy to assist in
volunteer relief efforts. Hurricane Rita brought a new set of challenges, as Comerica
colleagues again reached out to help customers and the community prepare for evacuation
and return to “business as usual” in South and Central Texas.
Comerica Business Forums provided excellent opportunities for customers and community
guests to hear about important business and world affairs issues from internationally
recognized speakers. Programs in Dallas and Houston provided timely insights from
speakers Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security; Pulitzer Prize-winning
political columnist George Will; and best-selling business management author and
former Navy Commander Michael Abrashoff.
The new Comerica Collin 60 was established in 2005, showcasing the fastest-growing
businesses in Collin County, Texas, one of the rapidly growing communities in
the nation. This new awards program recognizes small businesses that bring new
ideas to the marketplace, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy.
In the state’s capital city, Tim Klitch was named Austin market president,
overseeing the bank’s Austin business growth.
Comerica’s Energy Finance division appointed a new Denver lending officer,
Matthew Purchase, to serve accounts in the growing Rockies region. The division provides companies
in the energy industry with the specialized financial services and support they need.
Lending to faith-based organizations remained strong in all Texas markets.
“2005 was a strong year for Comerica in Texas. Texas continues to be a strong
financial market, as indicated by the number of new community banks, acquisitions
and mega-banks entering the state,” said Gummer. “Comerica continues
to emerge as a growing force in this highly competitive market, dedicated to meeting
the needs of our customers in a dynamic environment.”
