SUZUKI Announces New Marine Technical Center
– a launch ramp, a large basin area for
Texas-based Van Alstyne Financial Corpo-
running and testing boats/motors, and a
ration, the parent company of Texas Star
protected harbor.
Bank (collectively referred to as "Texas
Suzuki expects that during the first year, three to five people will be employed at the facility and live in the area. At various times, additional part-time employees will be needed depending upon the workload.
Star"). "We're pleased to combine with these two great community banks that share our core values," said BancorpSouth Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Rollins. "These partnerships allow us to build scale and add talented bankers in strategically important markets for us in Florida and Texas." At this time, customers should continue using their current branches, checks, bank cards, online banking and other banking services. Detailed communica-
Last March, Suzuki Motor of America,
tions will be provided to all Summit Bank
Inc. announced plans for its future Suzuki
and Texas Star Bank customers prior to
Marine Technical Center USA, scheduled
the system conversions.
to be built on a 20-acre waterfront prop-
"We are absolutely thrilled to join forces
erty in Panama City, Florida. While the official launch date for this project is still unknown, Suzuki is currently finishing renovations on existing building sites on the property.
Over the next three years, Suzuki expects to add additional employees every year as the scope of operation grows. In addition, Suzuki intends to use the facility for new
with BancorpSouth, which shares our deep commitment to customer service and community involvement," said BancorpSouth President - Northwest Florida Division Andy Stein, former president and
“As a mobility company, Suzuki is about
product launches, testing, and training.
empowering people to enjoy the Great
Suzuki has more than 1,200 dealers and
Outdoors and travel freely by land and
does business with more than 150 U.S.-
sea,” said Max Yamamoto, President
based boat companies, who along with
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. “We are
engineers from Japan, will be visiting the
planning a state-of-the-art Suzuki Marine
facility. These activities will contribute to
Technical Center that will help us to de-
the local economy through increased air
velop, test and refine the best possible
travel, hotel stays, restaurant visits, and
"We're extremely proud of what we've
Suzuki outboard products for today and
other assorted expenses associated with
accomplished for more than 100 years,
tomorrow. Our goal is to improve people’s
business travel.
and we're looking forward to the added
lives on the water, and ensure everyday
BancorpSouth Bank
mobility for as many people as possible,” added Yamamoto. Suzuki will work with various city, state, and federal government agencies to restore, repair, and redevelop the location previously used for Marine Transportation’s Logistical headquarters (MT and a Florida State University Research Facility.
chief executive officer of Summit Bank. "We're now able to leverage BancorpSouth's resources, team and exceptional suite of products and services to continue to create extraordinary experiences for our customers."
benefits this new partnership will bring to our customers and community," said Ban-
BancorpSouth Bank announced they
corpSouth President - Grayson County,
have officially completed its previously
Texas Market Randle Jones, former pres-
announced mergers with Panama City,
ident of Texas Star Bank. "This merger
Florida-based Summit Financial Enterpris-
allows us to provide customers with the
es, Inc., the parent company of Summit
best products, added convenience and
Bank, National Association (collectively
remarkable service from bankers they al-
referred to as "Summit"), and Van Alstyne,
ready know and trust."
The company plans to work in collaboration with U.S.-based boat and accessory manufacturers to develop and improve its products (currently outboard motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower) using the resources this unique location provides 28
BAY B I Z / S P R I N G 2020
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