Banks help pump up small business growth

This number represents 44 start-ups or expansions, center director Emily Carter told a group of bankers on Tuesday gathered for a Bankers' Appreciation Breakfast at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

"There's a misconception about the role of banks and how much they help small business," Carter said. "This is just a small way we can say thank you."

The bankers were also lauded by Val Ross, Small Business Administration branch manager in Springfield, and Ivan Irizarry, SBA deputy director of Illinois District Office in Chicago. The SBA network, which includes SBDCs in combination with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides free business consulting services, including business planning.

Illinois SBDC director Robyn Laur Russell presented several recognitions to area banks:

Winning two awards was First Southern Bank of Carbondale: most referrals for center services and most closed community loans.

"First Southern Bank is honored to receive the awards as they represent our mission of providing services that meet the financial needs of our small business customers," John Dosier, First Southern president, said. "We would also like to thank the SBDC for all of their hard work in assisting the small business community of Southern Illinois."

Awarding most SBA loans: People's National Bank of Harrisburg and Small Business Growth Corp. of West Frankfort.

"We recognize the driving force to our local economy is small business. SBA helps us step out to help them," Chris Howton of People's National commented.

Client referrals: Old National Bank of Carbondale, Bank of Carbondale, First National Bank of Campbell Hill, Murphy-Wall Bank of Murphysboro and US Bank of Marion.

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