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Whether the category is agribusiness or industrial development, the defining word for a number of cities along the U.S./Mexico border is growth. As President of the fastest growing bank in South Texas, IBC Zapata, Renato Ramirez has been a partner and supporter of commercial growth in his service to IBC customers since arriving in Zapata in 1983. His leadership in a variety of civic organizations and projects has also established Ramirez as an important participant in the progress of the Zapata and Starr communities in general.Prior to joining IBC Zapata at its founding more than 20 years ago, Renato Ramirez applied his expertise in International Finance in Laredo where he managed foreign loans to Mexico under the Export/Import Bank program. His thorough knowledge of all areas of banking is enhanced by over 10 years of teaching finance at Laredo State University and Louisiana State University where he also served as associate dean of LSU’s Escuela Bancaria Superior de Centro-America. During those years, he was also a consultant to the Tennessee Valley Authority on the impact of banking practices on regional economic development.His personal impact on regional development beyond his banking leadership includes a very generous philanthropic heart. He has constructed a golf course for the community, made significant donations to an orphanage in Ciudad Mier, Mexico and to Sacred Heart Orphanage in Laredo. He also established scholarship programs at Laredo Community College and at Texas A & M International University, contributed to the Tejano Capitol Monument, contributed to the National Hispanic Institute, and made significant donations to the Zapata Boys and Girls Club. | 