Historic Laredo

War II required large quantities of raw materials,
plentiful in Mexico. Import and export
trade through Laredo flourished, with LNB
providing much of the necessary financial
services. War efforts were further aided by
LNB’s promotion of the sale of war bonds.
LNB recognized early the importance of
diversification for the border economy and
sought ways to restore prosperity to south
Texas and northern Mexico during periods
of economic instability. LNB became a proponent
of the maquiladora industry, a twin
plant concept with much of the manufacturing
taking place in Mexico. Jacobs and Laredo
National Bancshares Chairman of the Board
Carlos Hank Rhon, with their strong international
experience, have led these efforts. An
upsurge in economic benefit to the twin cities
has resulted. Coupled with a strengthened
Mexican economy, the region is experiencing
greater economic expansion, diversification,
and expanded opportunities.
Officers and employees of LNB take pride in
their role as community leaders who encourage
and enable the growth, development and economic
stability of the expanded region they
serve. The LNB team devotes its volunteer
time, talents, and energies to various community
organizations to help meet the goal of
increased advantages and opportunities for
Laredo’s citizens. To foster and encourage community
educational development, LNB has
designed and implemented programs for the
youth in area schools.
LNB leaders consistently promote the
economic development of the two Laredos.
They have lent their voice and expertise to
industrial and residential development, tourist
and convention facilities, increased airline services,
and additional health and higher education
facilities to benefit Laredo’s commerce and residents.
LNB has maintained close ties with governmental
officials in Austin, Washington, and
Mexico City and has been instrumental in maintaining
Laredo’s strategic commercial importance
and in procuring added benefits for the
area. The LNB team has a strong commitment to
education and a sincere desire to provide opportunities
for area youth.
The bank’s history parallels the growth and
development of the south Texas and northern
Mexico border over the past century. The skyline
of the city and LNB has changed, but the
spirit that gave birth to a financial giant and
generated stability and growth is still strong
and alive. Over 100 years after LNB was born
in this small south Texas border town, Laredo
has grown to over 180,000 residents with a
sister city of over 600,000. LNB has grown
into one of the strongest financial institutions
in the nation and has expanded its markets to
include Corpus Christi, McAllen, Houston,
and San Antonio.
The future of Laredo National Bancshares,
Inc. will be very bright as it builds on its deep
understanding of the Mexican-American
✧
The present Laredo National Bank
headquarters in downtown Laredo.
Sharing the Heritage ✦ 79