Local bank awards $15,000 to four area businesses in REV funds

December 8, 2020

(pictured above: Josh Shofner, President of First National Bank and Trust Company and Kenneth Klein, Dr. Susan Klein, Lisa Lueras and Louie Lueras)

First National Bank and Trust Company, in partnership with the DeWitt County Development Council, awarded $15,000 to four local businesses on Friday, Nov. 6th as a result of REV, an event helping local business owners 'ignite' their business. 

First National Bank and Trust Company hosts REV, a small business pitch competition, as a way to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. With $15,000 at stake, applicants were given 10 minutes to pitch their business ideas with five minutes for questions from a panel of four judges. REV was hosted virtually this year. 

Four businesses received funds from the event. Those businesses include: Magill Restoration Centre, DeWitt Co. Museum Association, STRAND and Clinton Chiropractic Center.

Magill ResToration Centre was awarded $7,000 to begin restoring the centre, starting with opening a bakery. Owners Susan and Ken Klein are committed to the community and hope the centre will turn into a functioning place for people to gather, eat healthy food and obtain rest; starting with the bakery, continuing with their farm to table restaurant and ultimately becoming a center for hosting retreats to be developed using aspects of the restaurant, bakery and overnight rooms.

(pictured above: Joey Woolridge, Director of DCMA and Josh Shofner, President of First National Bank and Trust Company)

DeWitt Co. Museum Association was awarded $3,500 to help fund the publishing of high-quality booklets telling the history of DeWitt County and more. The association has made this project a priority this year to help raise community awareness of the local area history and keep expanding the DeWitt Co. Museum Association's image. 

(pictured above: Josh Shofner, President of First National Bank and Trust Company, and Sherri Strandberg, Owner of Strand Studio)

STRAND, a one-on-one hair studio, was awarded $3,000 to begin the investment into a spray tanning side of the business. Owner, Sherri Strandberg stated, "I'm not intimidated or scared of hard work." She is eager to expand her business and push forward her individualized experience in her studio. 

(pictured above: Josh Shofner, President of First National Bank and Trust Company, and Dr. Stephanie Cluver, Owner of Clinton Chiropractic Center)

Clinton Chiropractic Center was awarded $1,500 to assist in the purchase of tools for the practice to keep improving the business. The center has recognized that today's society is looking for natural ways to keep improving their own health. The center hopes to keep expanding and educating the community with this. 

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 and Trust Company’s commitment to its community, which involves reinvesting 10 percent of its net income, locally. In its fourth consecutive year, First National Bank & Trust Company has reinvested $45,000 to local businesses through this event.

Applications for the 2021 First National Bank REV will open next year. To learn more about REV, visit firstnbtc.com/rev.

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.