What are the two greatest opportunities Bank of Belleville envisions that will increase
the bank customer base and community profile in 2009?
One notable high point occurred in 2008 when the readers of the Belleville News
Democrat voted Bank of Belleville as the “Best Financial Institution.” A consistent
high level of service by experienced professionals created buzz in the community
resulting in this award.
We continued our annual tradition of sponsoring the popular horse-drawn trolley
for Belleville’s downtown holiday shoppers. Our staff once again worked after hours
several November evenings to create “Santa’s Bank” for the annual Gingerbread Contest.
It was one of the many edible creations that are displayed in businesses during
the holiday season in downtown Belleville. The tradition recalls Belleville’s heritage
with many buildings in the mid-1800s featuring Victorian “gingerbread” architecture.
In December, we were the lead sponsor for the first annual “Gingerbread Cookie Walk.”
Approximately 200 residents and 24 merchants participated along the route, including
Bank of Belleville, supplying each walker with a unique cookie creation. By all
reports, it was a huge success.
Further evidence of our asset and manpower growth was the need to expand our facility.
We added offices, work stations and much needed storage. As we look forward to 2009,
we look to continue to cultivate our growing referral base and build our core customer
base. We plan to be the best small community bank on “Main Street” in mid-America.
— Kevin M. Pesko, President