Business News

• In September 1997, a "small-town bank" joined the Montrose community when Capital Bank opened its doors at South Shepherd and West Alabama. • Designed to serve the diverse needs of the inner-city area on a person-to-person basis, Capital Bank has stressed and maintained its independent, local style without foregoing its modern amenities. A telephone call is not greeted by a menu, but a personal banker. Loan decisions do not have to go out of town, but are made on the premises. And most customers are known by name, not an account number. At the same time, it offers 24-hour services, including PC banking, telephone access, ATM, and a website: www.capitalbank-texas.com. • The "local"-style banking is the handiwork of the bank's management team, headed by Randy Christopher. With 18 years of financial experience, Randy grew up in New Mexico and brought those community banking roots with him to Montrose. • Randy is assisted by Gary Verdine, operations supervisor, who has more than eight years of financial sector work. Gary has immersed himself in the community as a volunteer working with the Pride Committee, as well as other community organizations. Capital Bank is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, in addition to supporting a variety of community events. • According to Randy, "Although we offer big-bank capabilities, we have made sure we stand out in the Montrose area by becoming involved in community organizations and activities, as well as stressing person-to-person banking relationships. That's why we always keep the coffee on." • Gary pointed out that "besides my financial background, the bank felt that my living in the area‹only five minutes from the bank‹complemented the bank's desire to become integrated into the local community. And in my experience I've never seen a bank stress personal customer service like Capital Bank. As part of the concept, we strive to have the fastest drive-in window in the area. Nobody likes waiting." • Capital Bank offers full-service banking, including commercial and personal loans with an individual loan capacity of almost $3 million; commercial loans for all-size firms including working capital, inventory, accounts receivable, and equipment; and personal loans include real estate, home equity or improvement, auto, vacation, education, or any good reason. • Capital Bank is an equal housing lender as well as an equal opportunity employer with deposits F.D.I.C.-insured. The bank is located at 3007 S. Shepherd at West Alabama, 713/529-0001. Lobby banking hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. except on Friday, when it is open until 5 p.m. Drive-in and walk-up windows are open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., except on Friday when they are open until 6 p.m.

• Fun, food, and fitness all rolled into one! Muscle Mechanics' newest way to keep you fit, fed, and having a good time doing both is the "New Challenge," a Pilates-based routine that can give you a firmer, flatter stomach, improve your posture, and provide you with an added boost of energy. • The challenge has been carefully designed, in various levels, for those ranging from beginner to advanced, from the injured to the supremely fit, and of any age or ability. "Pilates" is a safe, non-impactive exercise routine that stretches and strengthens all muscle groups with great results and less risk of injury than most group-based classes. Maximum enrollment is six per class. Classes are $20 each or $90 for five classes. Fee includes a delicious, low-fat, low-calorie lunch. • Spaces are limited, so make your reservations soon. Muscle Mechanics is located at 617 Richmond Ave., 713/523-5330.

• Karen Derr & Associates Realty presents an "Autumn Gathering," Tuesday evening, November 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In what has become a much-anticipated event in the Heights, Karen Derr opens her office at 1034 Heights Boulevard several times a year for a seasonally themed party and viewing of artwork by a prominent local artist. The featured artist this time is Kermit Eisenhut. Kermit is known for his playful style and palate-knife renderings of abstract, realistic, and surrealistic subjects. Besides his canvas paintings, a selection of painted wooden plates and uniquely painted mannequin torsos will also be on display. • A portion of the proceeds from the art sales on this evening will go to benefit Kid-Care, a local charity providing meals for needy children. Eisenhut's work will remain on display through the holidays for viewing and purchase. • For more information, contact Paula at Karen Derr & Associates Realty, 713/862-1600.

• Have you ever thought of the perfect thing to say hours after the discussion/argument passed? If you were smart enough to think of it later, what stopped you from saying it when you needed it? Lack of confidence, self-esteem, and good communication skills get in the way. "Developing Confidence and Self-Esteem Through Personal Boundaries and Effective Confrontation" will not only explain step-by-step methods of how to confront someone effectively, but also will identify ways to overcome being manipulated, controlled, and intimidated due to differences in personality styles. We will identify and discuss the importance of personal boundaries and how they are essential to healthy relationships, confidence, and personal integrity. Cost: $22 per class, Dec. 9, Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon. To register, call 713/529-4414, or for more information call Denise O'Doherty at 713/524-9525.

• For the third year in a row, the Houston Small-Business Administration (SBA) district office has named Chase Texas both its top SBA Volume Lender and New Markets Lender in making loans to minority and women-owned businesses. As the number-one producer of SBA loans, Chase's Small-Business Solutions team in Houston reported 148 loans totaling more than $12.6 million for 2000.