Winners of $15,000 local small business pitch competition announced
December 21, 2022
Clinton, IL, December 21, 2022 - In partnership with the DeWitt County Development Council, First National Bank and Trust Company awarded a total of $15,000 to five local businesses on Thursday, November 17, 2022, as part of the REV pitch competition, an event which helps local business owners to ignite their business.
First National Bank and Trust Company hosts REV, a small business pitch competition in an effort to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. This year’s winners included, Sweet Mae’s at $4,450, Loud Bros Pressure Washing at $4,000, Mariah’s Mums & More at $2,625, Clinton Flower Corner at $2,625 and Jake’s Candy Spot at $1,300.
Applications were narrowed to have the top five applicants’ present in-person on November 17. Judges included Lance White, vice president of ag and business banking, Danielle Decker, branch manager, and Glenna Rogers, universal banker all of First National Bank and Trust Company, along with Paul Skowron with the Warner Hospital and Health Services, Curt Homan with DeWitt County Development Council and Marian Brisard with Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
Sweet Mae’s LLC took home the top prize of $4,450 for startup costs to expand and offer a quality shaved ice product line.
Pictured Above: Lance White (FNBT), Kyle Morris & Melissa Tarter-Morris (owners of Sweet Mae’s, recipients)
"We would like to thank DCDC & First National Bank for this opportunity and believing in our new business! We will be using the funds to bring Tropical Sno Shaved Ice to Sweet Mae’s Spring 2023! Thank you again, we are so thankful," said Kyle Morris and Melissa Tarter-Morris, owners of Sweet Mae's.
Loud Bros Pressure Washing was awarded, $4,000 toward the cost of a new commercial grinder to expand their commercial flooring business.
Pictured Above: Glenna Rogers (FNBT), Sabrina Brough (FNBT), Jackson Stephenson and Talon Myers (owners of Loud Bros Pressure Washing, recipients), Amy Sandage (FNBT) and Lance White (FNBT).
“Not only will this grant help our business grow, but it will also have a positive impact on our community. As a locally owned and operated company, we are committed to giving back and making a difference in the lives of those around us,” said Jackson Stephenson and Talon Myers owners of Loud Bros Pressure Washing.
The owners continued, “With this grant, we will be able to offer discounted services to non-profit organizations and schools in our area, helping to improve the safety and functionality of their facilities. We are grateful to First National Bank for recognizing the value of our work and for supporting our efforts to make a positive impact in our community. This grant will be a crucial step in helping us achieve our goals and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers and make a difference in the lives of those around us."
Mariah’s Mums received $2,625 in funds to be used for a sampling and concession trailer called Taste of the Farm.
“We are honored to be selected as an award recipient for the 2022 REV competition. The funds will be used to purchase materials to fast-track construction of our Taste of the Farm food concession and sampling trailer. Providing opportunities to enhance food concessions & sampling of our farm’s products will provide an overall improved experience for customers who visit our farm from May until October," Mariah and Greg Anderson, farmers/owners of Mariah’s Mums & More.
Pictured Above: Mariah & Greg Anderson (of Triple M Farms – Mariah’s Mums & More recipients) and Lance White (FNBT).
Clinton Flower Corner LLC received $2,625 in funds to purchase a laptop to increase sales efficiency and assist with a capital project.
“I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to share the vision for our store and our desire to build community,” said Clinton Flower Corner manager, Jess McCleary.
Pictured Above: Marian Brisard (DCDC secretary), Jess McCleary (manager of Clinton Flower Corner), Lance White (FNBT)
Jake’s Candy Spot Inc. was awarded $1,300 to put toward the purchase of technology to more efficiently market and track business sales.
Pictured Above: Lance White (FNBT), Marian Brisard (DCDC secretary), Jake Heinlen (of Jake’s Candy Spot, grant recipient).
“The REV program was what first drew me to the bank before even becoming an employee, so to be part of the process this year had a personal impact. The panel of judges was certainly impressed by all of the participants in this year’s event. We like to support small businesses in our communities and help create community prosperity - REV is a great extension of making this happen in our local area,” said First National Bank and Trust Company Vice President of Ag and Business Banking, Lance White.
About First National Bank & Trust Company: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois as well as Arcadia, Whitehall and Independence, Wisconsin. Dedicated to community prosperity, the First National Bank and Trust Company was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank and became part of the TS Banking Group in 2017. With $400 million in assets, First National Bank and Trust Company is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information, visit firstnbtc.com.