Valley Bank of Commerce Helps Families Build Their Legacies in Roswell

Residents of Chaves County looking for local banking options can work with Valley Bank of Commerce, which invites customers to join their family and build something together. Valley Bank of Commerce has been part of the Roswell community since 1978 and continues to be a leader in local banking to this day.

“Community banks are the backbone of the community,” says Cody Burson, President and CEO of Valley Bank of Commerce. “They offer philanthropic giving and support non-profits, while also investing in small businesses. They also work with borrowers to issue loans when their situations might be riskier. The people at the bank live and work directly in the community.”

In 2024, Valley Bank of Commerce was named Extraordinary Bank of the Year, a national honor that celebrates leaders in five key areas: philanthropy, customer service, thought leadership, workplace culture, and financial literacy education. It was the first bank in New Mexico to receive this award.

“This is more than a big award; it’s a stepping stone for other great things to come,” says Burson.

Keep reading to learn more about the impact Valley Bank of Commerce has on the Chaves County community and why it is such a valuable partner to local families and business owners. 

Community Banks Are Invested in the People They Serve

The number of community banks has been declining for several years as customers switch to large corporate competitors or online options. However, Valley Bank of Commerce sees greater value in community banking and strives to offer experiences customers can’t get from larger institutions.

“We want to step in and be a financial advisor, not just a creditor,” says Lexi Williams, Relationship Specialist and Loan Officer at Valley Bank of Commerce. “Families want to grow their wealth and build a legacy, while entrepreneurs want to create something from scratch. What we offer is transformational banking, not just transactional.”  

Valley Bank of Commerce often works with customers who have difficult financial situations. They review different options and work toward solutions. 
“We love our jobs because we want to see people succeed, and we get to help people succeed,” says Burson. “See people buy their first home, start and grow a business, and send their kids to college.” 

Local Banks Keep Money in the Community

Community banking is also valuable because it keeps money within Chaves County. When a borrower pays back a loan, the principal and interest are reinvested in other local mortgages and business loans. This isn’t the case with a national bank, where loan interest and fees are sent to corporate headquarters in another state.

Valley Bank of Commerce team members are also invested in the business owners they support. Its employees live in Roswell, and they want to see their community grow.

“When you get a loan from a national bank, you will likely only hear from the lender when you owe them money,” says Williams. “That’s not the case with us. If you open a restaurant with one of our business loans, I’m likely going to eat there.”

The bank is employee-owned, with many employees working their way up through the years. Burson is proud of the healthy company culture amongst his team and the internal opportunities developed to help workers advance.

“Culture is the leading indicator of production and profitability,” he says. “Our employees are satisfied with the opportunities they have at Valley Bank of Commerce.”

Valley Bank of Commerce Gives Back

Along with supporting residents, entrepreneurs, and business owners, the team at Valley Bank of Commerce runs several programs throughout the year to build up the Roswell community. It has partnered with Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell to host lunch-and-learns for students. Young adults in attendance learn about topics ranging from credit and loans to making a positive impression in job interviews.

Valley Bank of Commerce also attends local career fairs and talks to job seekers about their financial needs and potential opportunities. This is a way to promote the bank while also giving people the space to demystify money by asking questions and talking to real people.  

Additionally, the bank is involved with several local organizations, including 4-H clubs at various schools and Casakids.

“Having been born and raised here, I want to see Roswell prosper,” says Williams. “Growth means new opportunities. If you maintain your values, there’s not much that can go wrong.” 

Valley Bank of Commerce is an RCCEDC Partner

Valley Bank of Commerce first got involved with the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC) by attending a business roundtable discussion on hiring trends in the area. It quickly got involved in various activities and became a sponsor of the National Championship Air Races.

“We really see what the EDC and what it does in the community,” says Burson. “The organization strives to better the region and other banks through forums, communication, and availability. I really like what they have accomplished.”

The respect between the EDC and the bank is mutual.

“We value our relationship with Valley Bank because they truly know our community,” says Mike Espiritu, President and CEO of RCCEDC. “Their hands‑on support for small businesses in Roswell and Chaves County, along with their commitment to community service, makes a real difference for local entrepreneurs and the people they serve.”

Several Businesses are Working to Grow Chaves County

Chaves County is growing because of the collaboration and commitment of local businesses. From community banks to legacy companies and entrepreneurs, everyone works together for the greater good of Roswell. These partnerships help bring new opportunities to the region, benefiting everyone who lives here.

Learn more about RCCEDC and how it grows Chaves County through partnerships with organizations like Valley Bank of Commerce. Together, we can develop a thriving business ecosystem that makes people excited to live here.