Local bank awards $10,000 to three area businesses

November 26, 2019

First National Bank & Trust Company, in partnership with the DeWitt County Development Council, awarded $10,000 to three local businesses on Friday, Nov. 1 as a result of REV, an event helping local business owners 'ignite' their business. In it's third consecutive year, First National Bank & Trust Company has reinvested $30,000 to local businesses through this event.

First National Bank & Trust Company hosted REV - a small business pitch competition - as a way to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. With $10,000 at stake, applicants were given 10 minutes to pitch their business ideas with five minutes for questions from a panel of four judges. Judges included; Josh Shofner, President of First National Bank & Trust Co., Curt Nettles, Clinton School District Superintendent, Marian Brisard, Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Allie Reinecke, DeWitt County Farm Bureau Manager.

Three businesses received funds from the event. Those businesses include: C & P Custom Printing, K & K Graphics, and The Yoga Space.

C & P Custom Printing, owned by Ryan and Meghan Morge, was awarded $5,000 to purchase a dryer to increase their efficiencies by up to 40%. The new dryer will greatly increase the capacity of their t-shirt printing business, which includes being an exclusive provider of Apple & Pork Festival apparel. Along with increasing the capacity of their printing orders, they will also be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete the orders with the tunnel dryer.

"We are so grateful to be one of the REV grant recipients. The funds will be used for a tunnel dryer and go towards other new equipment which will allow us to be more efficient and reduce the amount of time it takes to complete orders," add Meghan Morge.

K & K Graphics received $3,000 for the purchase of a lift to complete sign jobs that they have had to turn down in the past. This lift will allow K & K Graphics to install and perform maintenance of highly elevated signs. Additionanlly, this should attract a wider customer base, as it expands their service offerings and make their business more efficient.

“I'm am currently searching for an Arial lift. I will use the $3000 towards the purchase of a used lift to make myself more available for the installation and maintenance of signs higher off the ground, which would market my business to a wider customer base.  This lift will also make us more efficient.”  Said owner, Jeff Thrasher.

The Yoga Space was gifted $2,000 to help them purchase a mobile app and financial reporting software that will allow them to engage their clients in a more meaningful way and grow their business. The business celebrated its one year anniversary this month. The yoga instructors at The Yoga Space guide each movement, pose and mediation from the core values of integrity, safety, kindness, empathy, mindfulness and honor. The Yoga Space aims to keep their facility open to all who need personal development and have the passion to continue their wellness journey.

"We are proud to be a recipient of this year's First National Bank & Trust's REV grant. It is a honor that The Yoga Space IL was selected and given an opportunity to keep pursing our mission. Yoga is a practice that helps the body, mind and soul, and we've created a space where you can come, feel safe to be yourself, gain strength, build community and bring peace,” said owner, Vanessa Campos.

First National Bank and Trust Company believes that a community’s success is based on the strength of its small businesses which led to the launch of REV in 2017. This annual event is hosted as a portion of First National Bank’s commitment to its community, which involves reinvesting 10 percent of its net income, locally.

Applications for the 2020 First National Bank REV will open next year. To learn more about REV, visit firstnbtc.com/rev.

About First National Bank and Trust Co: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois. Dedicated to community prosperity, the bank was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank. The name was changed First National Bank and Trust Company in 1974, and was acquired by TS Banking Group in 2017. With $181 million in assets, First National Bank is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information visit firstnbtc.com.

About DeWitt County Development Council: DeWitt County Development Council's mission is to actively engage current and potential businesses to market DeWitt County to attract commerce and encourage job growth. DCDC promotes ideas for local business expansion and workforce development, and provides direction for new and existing businesses or commerce seeking resources to enhance business operations.