Bank of America 2013 Annual Report Download - page 16

Houston is growing in
international prominence
In a state known for being big, bold and
proud, Houston shines in everything from
the arts to the economy. Best known
for its prominence in energy and shipping,
Houston’s diverse economic base also
draws from the many manufacturing,
healthcare and aerospace companies
that call Houston home.
HOUSTON CONNECTIONS
• Houston has benefi tted from Bank of America’s lending and
investing in the oil, gas and ancillary industries to help make
this region the energy capital of the world. Houston’s can-do
spirit creates a welcoming environment for people and ideas
from all parts of the country and the world.
• Bank of America is proud to invest in community partners
addressing the area’s most pressing needs such as New
Hope Housing and SER–Jobs for Progress, and support arts
and culture partners, including the Children’s Museum of
Houston and Houston Grand Opera, which are working to
expand their programs to reach a new and vibrantly
diverse population.
Rebuilding with community support
Established in 1978 by Phin and Phac Nguyen, Mai’s Restaurant
was the fi rst Vietnamese restaurant in Houston. When this
local landmark was destroyed by a fi re in early 2010, the
community rallied around its third-generation family owners
and encouraged them to rebuild. Bank of America was integral
in securing the fi nancing the family needed to rebuild with
a second level and expand into a neighboring property. Our
bankers connected the family to the products and services they
needed, and today we continue to serve as a trusted advisor.
Since Mai’s reopened in April 2011, the family has moved
all of their banking over to Bank of America. The restaurant
reemerged stronger than ever and today attracts lines of
customers at all hours of the day and night.
Supporting Phoenix’s
emergent agriculture
Phoenix can trace its civilization as far back
as 700 A.D. and even then its residents
were known as industrious, enterprising
and imaginative. That spirit has continued
through the ages as this civically minded
outpost became a thriving state capital.
PHOENIX CONNECTIONS
• Through our work with Valley of the Sun United Way, Central
Arizona Shelter Services and Housing Inc., Bank of America
is part of the project to end homelessness in the city of
Phoenix. With our fi nancial support of permanent supportive
housing for youth and veterans, and our volunteer efforts
with Project Homeless Connect, the MANA House and
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, the city is seeing
success in its effort to end homelessness for veterans.
• Bank of America continues to support diversity in the arts,
by working with and supporting XICO, Inc., The Phoenix Art
Museum, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and The Musical
Instrument Museum.
Growing the family agriculture business
It’s a family business, guided by a simple philosophy — to
offer the highest-quality products and services supported by
a staff with years of experience in their respective fi elds.
Northside Hay, Arizona’s largest hay broker, specializes in the
purchase and sale of products and services for dairies, feedlots,
ranchers, stables and horse owners nationwide. The company
was started in 1948 by Olen Dryer, but it is run today by his
grandson Olen Petznick. In 2011, Northside Hay consolidated
its business to Bank of America Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust.
Northside is looking to expand into the United Arab Emirates
and Asian markets while continuing to provide superior service,
and Bank of America Merrill Lynch is looking forward to
supporting this growth for years to come.
14
14
14
4
4
4