News Archive



Sign Up for Lemonade Day 2013

 

Synergy Bank is proud to announce their partnership with Lemonade Day, a national campaign to encourage and empower today’s youth in becoming tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. This year, Lemonade Day will take place on May 4th.

 

Lemonade Day is a free and fun learning program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. The main objective is to empower a younger generation to learn how to become productive members of society as our future business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and progressive citizens of tomorrow.

 

To register your child’s lemonade stand and receive your lemonade stand starter kit, go to louisiana.lemonadeday.org. Once registered, you will receive a backpack with an Entrepreneur Workbook that includes the 14 lessons of Lemonade Day, including creating a budget, setting goals, serving customers, and problem solving. The kids keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some. It also includes a Caring Adult Guide to help you guide your child through the process.

 

Lemonade Day is a great way to encourage your kids to be creative while teaching valuable, kid-friendly financial and economic lessons. Please contact us at marketing@banksynergy.com if you need help registering or if you have any questions about Lemonade Day.

 

Click here to register today!


Honduras Elementary Teacher Wins Synergy Bank’s Improve My School Contest

 

Synergy Bank awarded a $500.00 VISA Gift Card to pre-kindergarten teacher Mia Martinez to purchase playground equipment for Honduras Elementary School as winner of the bank’s Improve My School Contest.

 

The contest, held on Synergy Bank’s Facebook page, encouraged Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish teachers and administrators to create and submit projects that would have a positive impact on their school. The community could then vote on their favorite project. After 64 days of voting, Mia was determined the winner.

 

Mia’s winning project idea was to purchase two Little Tikes Endless Adventure Rock Climber and Slides for Honduras’ kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students. She noted that while the students play, they could also get the well-needed exercise their bodies require.

 

“We currently have a few slides that have been donated by teachers,” Mia said in her entry. “Having only a few items limits the amount of children that can climb and slide during outside play time. [These play sets] offer adventure as well as allowing the students to work a variety of their muscles.”

 

The contest was designed to promote a positive dialogue of ideas between school faculty and students on ways to improve attendance, lift morale, and strengthen the quality of life on campus.

 

Synergy Bank is a locally owned bank that is dedicated to giving back to the community. The bank participates in their Partners in Education’s Bank at School program at four local schools, where Synergy Bank employees give lessons on saving and finances. They have also instituted programs such as Cheap Chips at St. Matthew’s Episcopal School to help students learn about money while helping raise money for the school.

 


Synergy Bank Announces Wade Richard as Assistant Vice President

 

Houma, LA – Synergy Bank's board of directors recently named Wade Richard as Assistant Vice President of Synergy Bank. The announcement was made by Jerry P. Ledet, Jr., Synergy Bank president.

 

Mr. Richard has 36 years of experience in the banking and financial services market. He will lead Synergy Bank’s Gray office.

 

“Wade is an extremely knowledgeable banker,” Mr. Ledet said. “He will be a valuable asset to our clients in the Northern Terrebonne and Gray area. We are very fortunate to add him to our team."

 

Having lived in Thibodaux all of his life, Mr. Richard graduated from Thibodaux High School and then Nicholls State University with his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

 

“I am both honored and excited to be a part of a great local bank,” Mr. Richard said. “I look forward to helping our customers meet their financial goals from start to finish.”

 

Mr. Richard is a member of the Raceland Lions Club, Raceland Grand Marshalls Club, Raceland Fire Department, and Central Lafourche Chamber of Commerce. He is also a graduate of Leadership Lafourche.

 

Synergy is a locally owned community bank. As of July 31, 2012, the company’s total assets equaled $375 million. Further information on the bank may be obtained from its web site at www.banksynergy.com.

 


2012 Synergy Bank Christmas Card Winner

 

Emily Huddleston, sixth grader at St. Matthew’s Episcopal School, was the winner of Synergy Bank’s Christmas Card Drawing Contest. Emily’s holiday-themed drawing was featured on Synergy’s 2012 Christmas card. Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School is one of Synergy’s Partners in Education.

 

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Grammy Award Winning Artists Perform at Second Annual Synergy Zydeco Shrimp Boil

 

Members of Synergy Bank’s 50+ Club enjoyed the high-energy music of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band at the Second Annual Synergy Zydeco Shrimp boil on May 22. In addition, guests dined on freshly boiled Louisiana shrimp and all the fixings. After dinner, they were treated to a trip down memory lane with Barq’s root beer floats.

 

Invitations to Synergy 50+ Club events are sent out to all customers 50 years of age and older.




Brigitte Kinsella Named Banking Officer

 

Houma, LA – Synergy Bank's board of directors recently named Brigitte Kinsella as an Officer of Synergy Bank. The announcement was made by Jerry P. Ledet, Jr., Synergy Bank president.

 

Kinsella was one of the original 19 employees of Synergy when it opened its first office in 1999. She joined the bank to help organize and operate a loan operations area, of which she currently serves as the department head. She has 30 years of banking experience.

 

“Brigitte is an extremely knowledgeable banker,” Ledet said. “As an integral part of our bank’s beginning, she continues to be a valuable asset to our clients. We are very fortunate to have her on our team."

 

Kinsella is a graduate of Terrebonne High School. She received her associate’s degree in office administration from Nicholls State University.

 

Synergy is a locally owned community bank. As of March 31, 2012, the company’s total assets equaled $358 million. Further information on the bank may be obtained from its web site at www.banksynergy.com.

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Free Snowballs in July & August

For Customer Appreciation

 

Thanking Customers for a Great 13 Years!

To show our appreciation for helping Synergy Bank continue to grow and serve both Terrebonne Parish and Lafourche Parish, we are treating our customers to a free, delicious snowball throughout the month of July at each of our locations. Please see below for when you can get your tasty treat, provided by Brooke’s Sno-World, at each office:

 

Thibodaux (209 East Bayou Road): Monday, July 2 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Gray (3855 West Park Avenue): Tuesday, July 3 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Main (210 Synergy Center Blvd): Friday, July 13 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Tunnel (1036 West Tunnel Blvd)): Friday, July 27 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

East Houma (919 Grand Caillou Road): Friday, August 3 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

 

We recognize that we are only where we are today because of the support of our customers. Please join us as we say thank you for a great 13 years.

 



Penny at the Spring Fling

 

Charter of Thibodaux held its 2nd Annual Spring Fling at Peltier Park on Saturday, March 10. Synergy Bank co-sponsored this year's event, held on Synergy Bank's 13th Anniversary. Proceeds from the event went to the American Cancer Society.




Bayou Country Children's Museum Starts Construction

 

 

Thibodaux's own Bayou Country Children's Museum began construction on its facility in January. Synergy Bank and various other local community banks teamed up to help finance the construction.

 

Pictured above are (left to right), Patrice Oncale of Synergy Bank, Abby Ellender of First American Bank, Christy Naquin of the BCCM, Wiley Matherne of Community Bank, and Kathleen Gros of the BCCM. Not pictured is Sharon Bergeron representing Coastal Commerce Bank.



Synergy Announces New Officers

 

Houma, LA, January 18, 2012 – Synergy Bank's board of directors recently named Madonna McClennen, Tina LeBoeuf, and Rusty Bourg as Officers of Synergy Bank. The announcement was made by Synergy president, Jerry P. Ledet, Jr.

 

Madonna McClennen was promoted to the position of Vice President. She joined Synergy Bank in March of 2009 and serves as the head of the Bank’s Deposit Operations Area which includes the call center and electronic banking. She has 32 years of bank experience both in the lending and deposit area. She is a graduate of Central Lafourche High School and has completed numerous finance related courses through the Louisiana Bankers Association and the American Institute of Banking.

 

Tina LeBoeuf was promoted to the position of Banking Officer. She began her career in banking in 1985 and has worked in a number of areas including deposit operations, credit administration and loan processing. Ms. LeBoeuf joined Synergy Bank in 2008 and serves as Synergy’s IT Coordinator. She is a graduate of Central Lafourche High School.

 

Rusty Bourg was promoted to the position of Banking Officer. He is a graduate of South Terrebonne High School and a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He joined Synergy Bank in 2006 and works as its Marketing Director, contributing to the advertising, public relations and design functions for the bank. He has six years experience in the marketing field and five years of banking experience.

 

Synergy is a locally owned community bank. As of December 31, 2011, the company’s total assets equaled $347 million.

Madonna McClennen

Tina LeBoeuf

Rusty Bourg


Ring In The Holidays II: A 50+ Club Event

 

For the second year, the Synergy Bank 50+ Club sponsored its Ring In The Holidays event. It was a great success with over 30 food and retail vendors in attendance. After doing some shopping and dining on great dishes, our guests were treating to the sounds of The Victory Big Band's performance of Glenn Miller: In the Mood. If you're 50 or over, keep a look out for your invitation to our next event in 2012.






KASASA Nicholls Tailgate

 





Thibodaux Branch Now Open

 

We are happy to announce that Synergy Bank's fifth office is now open in Thibodaux. Located at 209 East Bayou Road (at the corner of Rosedown Drive), this office is just another way for us to be able to better serve our customers of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish. If you live, work, or attend school in Thibodaux, we invite you to stop by the branch and talk to our staff of experienced professionals including Branch Manager, Patrice L. Oncale, who has over 34 years of banking experience in the Thibodaux area.



Synergy Bank at the Lady Bug Ball

 

For the 12th year, Synergy Bank was a participant and sponsor of the Lady Bug Ball at Southdown Plantation.  Over 5,000 people came out for the fun and games.  At the Synergy Bank tent, event-goers could get their face painted and adopt a pet lady bug rock.  The top names at the adoption station were fittingly Rocky and Lady Bug.



50+ Club Ring in the Holidays

 

On November 30, over 160 Synergy Bank 50+ members came out to the Ring in the Holidays event at the Houma Municipal Auditorium.  Guests sampled food from 18 local restaurants and did some holiday shopping with 6 local retailers.  For our main attraction, The Victory Belles gave an incredible performance for the audience.  Now showing at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, The Victory Belles performed Christmas classics and 1940s era songs.


















Changes to TT&L Payment Methods

 

December 31, 2010 will be the last day for financial institutions to accept Treasury Tax & Loan (TT&L)
coupons under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule change. The rule calls for most employers who
now pay with a paper coupon to pay electronically beginning on January 1, 2011. Those who are not
required to use coupons—typically, businesses with a very small federal tax liability – may pay
electronically or mail a check with their return.
 

Benefits of the Electronic Federal Tax Payment Service (EFTPS)

  • EFTPS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for live operator phone or Internet support
  • Any federal tax can be paid using EFTPS
  • Business payments can be scheduled up to 120 days in advance
  • Businesses receive a printable confirmation number after each payment scheduled

 

EFTPS is a free service offered by the U.S. Department of Treasury that is available now to allow
business and individual tax payers to conveniently pay federal taxes online. For more information or to
enroll in EFTPS, go to www.eftps.gov or enroll by phone at 800.555.4477.


Patrice Oncale Named Vice President

 

Synergy Bank's board of directors has named Patrice L. Oncale Vice President of Synergy Bank. The announcement was made by Synergy President, Jerry P. Ledet, Jr.

Mrs. Oncale has more than 34 years in the banking and financial services market. She will lead Synergy's new office in Thibodaux, Louisiana. "Patrice is an extremely knowledgeable banker," said Ledet. "She'll be a valuable asset to our clients in the Northern Lafourche and Thibodaux area where she has spent her entire career. We're very fortunate to add her to our team."

Mrs. Oncale is a graduate of Thibodaux High School, a cum laude graduate of Nicholls State University and has completed the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.

Synergy is a locally owned community bank. The Thibodaux office will be the fifth office for the company. As of August 31, 2010, the company’s total assets equaled $311.1 million.
 

Synergy Bank Announces Thibodaux Location

 

Synergy Bank has announced that it has purchased a 2.449 acre tract of land on Hwy 308 in Thibodaux for future expansion. The land sits at the intersection of Highway 308 and Rosedown Drive. It is located on the side of the Envie Restaurant and across the street from Bubba’s II.

“At present, we are going through the architectural process and hope to begin construction shortly thereafter” explained President and CEO Jerry Ledet.

The office will mark the fifth location for Synergy Bank, which opened for business on March 10, 1999. “We are excited to be bringing our brand of banking to Lafourche Parish where a number of our existing customers reside and work. Our new facility will be a full service, traditional, community sensitive branch dedicated to serving the people of Thibodaux and North Lafourche’’ said Mr. Ledet.

Synergy is a locally owned community bank. As of August 31, 2010, the company’s total assets equaled $311.1 million. In addition, the bank was recognized as being ranked the sixth top performing bank in the state through the first six months of 2010 by Financial Management Consulting Group.
 



Synergy Bank Again Named A Top Performing Bank

Synergy Bank, located in Houma, Louisiana, continues to rank near the top in overall performance according to the Louisiana Bank Performance Report Mid Year 2010 published by Financial Management Consulting Group, a Kentucky based bank consulting firm. The report lists Synergy Bank as the 6th best bank in Louisiana out of 131 banks for performance in the first six months of the year 2010.


These rankings for banks in Louisiana are based on earnings and efficiency ratios. The other factors are the bank’s strength from an equity and reserve position, relative to non-performing assets and asset quality by the amount of problem loans evident in its portfolio.

 

“With all the turmoil in the banking industry, being in the top half is quite an accomplishment. For Synergy Bank to be in the top six (6) banks in the state, at eleven years old is a major accomplishment” according to W. Timothy Finn II, a principal at the consulting firm. Financial Management Consulting Group has been publishing Bank Performance Reports since 1998.


Synergy Bank Hosts KasasaFest


Hundreds of people from around the parish gathered at Southdown Plantation to take part in KasasaFest.  Those who attended enjoyed numerous activities and entertainment including: a 34 foot rock wall, inflatable basketball and football toss, face painting, magic acts, and of course Robert Meachem.  The Pro Wide Receiver came out to the event and signed autographs for all who stood in line. 

 


 
 

Synergy Bank Named A Top Performing Bank


Synergy Bank, Houma, Louisiana, received high recognition for excellent performance and soundness according to the Louisiana Bank Performance Report 4th Quarter 2009 published by Financial Management Consulting Group, a Kentucky based bank consulting firm. The Report lists Synergy Bank as the 5th Top Performing Bank in Louisiana out of 132 banks for the 4th Quarter 2009.


Performance rankings for banks in Louisiana are based on eight financial factors. Six of those factors have to do with earnings or components of earnings. Factors include the Bank’s ranking among its state peers for Net Interest Income, which is the difference between Interest Income and Interest Expense, as a percent of average assets. Non-Interest Income which includes fee income, and Non-Interest Expense, which is the Bank’s operating overhead are also factors. The Bank’s efficiency ratio is a component, as well as Return on Assets and Return on Equity.


The other factors are the Bank’s strength from an Equity and Reserve position, relative to non-performing assets. And lastly the Bank is measured on Asset Quality by the amount of problem loans evident in its portfolio. All banks in the state are ranked and scored on each category, with an overall composite score based on the average of all factors.


“Synergy Bank has demonstrated superior performance which says the Bank’s management is capable and dedicated. To achieve a top ten ranking, the Bank deserves congratulations. Being in the top ten means this Company is doing well in all areas, not just in some.” says W. Timothy Finn II, a principal at the consulting firm. Financial Management Consulting Group has been publishing Bank Performance Reports since 1998.


Synergy Bank Ranked Among

Nation's Best Performers


Synergy Bank was recently ranked 14th in the nation for best-performing community banks between $100.00 million and $3 billion in size, according to the American Banking Association Banking Journal. The rankings are based on consolidated statistics from the highest regulatory reporting level available for each institution.


"Being ranked among the nation's Top Community Banks is a significant achievement and a great honor for Synergy," said President and CEO Jerry P. Ledet Jr. "It is a result of the hard work by our dedicated team of banking professionals who are 100 percent committed to providing Houma-Terrebonne with community banking services that are second to none. It is also a testament to the solid leadership provided by our board of directors, and the wisdom of employing sound, conservative and time-tested banking practices. It validates our premise that together we are stronger."


Synergy has four branches in the region. The bank’s deep local roots and recent expansion into the community of Gray, along with its broad range of consumer and commercial services, continues to attract customers who are looking for a secure alternative to the volatility of larger institutions.


In the midst of industry challenges, Ledet said Synergy will stay the course that has served it so well, continuing to focus on the banking fundamentals of service excellence, responsiveness, and attractive products and pricing to improve the customer experience.


Synergy Bank reported total assets of $260,550,000 as of June 30, 2009.


TCOA Elderly Housing Project


On June 9, 2009, Synergy Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank (Dallas, TX) presented a symbolic check for $343,000 in the form of a grant to the Terrebonne Council on Aging.  The grant money was given by Federal Home Loan Bank who partnered with Synergy Bank to make the grant possible.

 

The grant money is being used in conjunction with other funds to erect the 49-unit TCOA Elderly Housing on Main Street.

 

In attendance were (left to right):

  • Cal McKey, TCOA Board Member
  • L. J. Folse, TCOA Elderly Housing Chairman
  • Gregory Hettrick, FHLB Dallas Director of Community Investment
  • Jo Anne Plessala, TCOA Elderly Housing Secretary-Treasurer
  • Daniel Henry, TCOA Chairman
  • Kellie Cunningham, TPCG Federal Programs
  • Jerry Ledet, Synergy Bank President
  • Ben Borne, Synergy Bank EVP
  • Darryl Weir, TPCG Federal Programs
  • Diana Edmonson, TCOA Executive Director

Community centric bank wins big-business award

 

By Brian Fontenot

Staff Writer

 

Article from The Houma Courier

HOUMA -- A community bank was awarded the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year award during a Wednesday night ceremony.

 

Synergy Bank received the award at the 79th chamber banquet, held before a crowd of about 500 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

 

"I’m honored and humbled by this," said Jerry Ledet, the bank’s president and board member and the chamber’s 2006 chairman.

 

Ledet served as the banquet’s master of ceremonies, but he said he had no advance warning that Synergy had been selected to receive the award.

 

"This organization believes there is strength in community," said Lisa Schilling, chamber chairman, as she announced this year’s winner.

 

Ledet explained that during the ’90s, community banking changed in the area. The approximately eight community banks that had been here dwindled to just one. That left a void that Synergy Bank elected to fill, he said.

 

Synergy opened its doors in 1999, starting with 19 employees. It now has 62 workers, 300 local stockholders and three locations with plans for a fourth to be built in Gray.

 

Chamber representatives said the bank was chosen for the honor because of its belief in and service to the community.

 

The bank sponsors three local area schools, Boudreaux Canal Elementary, Oakshire Elementary and St. Matthews Episcopal School through the Partners in Education Program. The program pairs a business with a local school, providing financial support and motivating activities to its students and staff.

 

Once a month, bank representatives visit the schools to help second- and third-graders open $5 savings accounts. They then teach the students how to budget their allowance money, the importance of savings and how to interpret bank statements.

 

The special savings accounts are provided service fee free by the bank.

 

The bank also participates in community outreach and volunteer activities with various local organizations. The list includes the United Way for South Louisiana, Kiwanis Club of Houma, Terrebonne Historical Society, American Heart Association, Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, South Central Industrial Association, Women’s Business Alliance, Salvation Army, Bayou Industrial Group, Lions Club and the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center Foundation.

 

The bank also boasts membership on every one of the chamber’s committees and its board of directors.

 

The bank’s board includes past chairman and current Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet, Gulf Island Fabrication President and CEO Kerry Chauvin and Morris Hebert, president of the engineering firm that bears his name.

 

Its other members are Ledet, Terry Colongne, Don Callais, Danny Cannon, Jeff Teuton, Jeff Scott, Gordon Dove and Dr. Koti Sangisetty.