Bank of the Southwest evolved from the idea that community banks continue to thrive as a vital link in the economic well-being and prosperity of thousands of small and medium-sized towns, rural areas, and urban neighborhoods throughout America. Many community banks are becoming obsolete holdovers from a simpler time and incapable of competing in the complex, highly competitive, technology-intensive financial services marketplace that now exists. Bank of the Southwest's goal is to secure a niche in the financial services market by focusing its efforts on outstanding customer service and servicing the financial needs of those often overlooked by the larger banks.