• Four high school seniors from throughout the metro east were recently chosen to receive college scholarships through TheBANK of Edwardsville’s Community Scholarship Program, entitling each to $2,000 per year for four years. Erik Neeley of Edwardsville High School, Kelsey Douglas from Belleville East High School; Erin Furmanek of Althoff Catholic High School and Sarah Klarich from Collinsville High School were chosen as the 2010 scholarship recipients. The recipients were chosen for exhibiting positive leadership and character in both academic achievements and community activities.
  
  In August of 2000, TheBANK introduced its Community Scholarship Program pledging $1.3 million toward scholarships to be awarded over the next 30 years to local graduating seniors. The Greater Edwardsville Area Community Foundation, which is governed by a board of local residents, administers the program. The Foundation Board’s Selection Committee includes two members of the Board itself along with representatives from local high schools.
  
  “TheBANK of Edwardsville has established this scholarship program to keep with our tradition of community service and commitment to the education of future civic and business leaders,” said Tom Holloway, president of TheBANK of Edwardsville. “We are very proud of the accomplishments of the students we selected for the scholarships and look forward to watching them progress through college and as they enter the workforce.”
  
  
  The selection committee evaluated the applicants on academic achievement, leadership, and character exhibited both at school and in extracurricular activities. Selection criteria also included leadership in community activities as well as the positive impact the students have had on others.
  
  Scholarship recipient, Erik Neeley of Edwardsville High School plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and study computer engineering. A resident of Glen Carbon, Neeley is the son of Beverly and Bruce Neeley.
  
  Sarah Klarich of Collinsville High School plans to attend the University of Illinois-Urbana where she will study civil engineering. A resident of Collinsville, Klarich is the daughter of Nancy and Dave Klarich.
  
  Erin Furmanek of Althoff Catholic High School, says she plans to attend the University of Illinois-Urbana to study Pediatric Nursing. Furmanek, of Belleville, is the daughter of Phil and Celeste Furmanek.
  
  Kelsey Douglas of Belleville East High School will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia where she plans to double major in Secondary Education for English and Spanish. Douglas, of Swansea, is the daughter of Greg and Denise Douglas.
  
  TheBANK’s Community Scholarship Program was created as part of the American Banker’s Association “Banks of Promise” effort, which is the banking industry’s pledge toward General Colin Powell’s “America’s Promise – The Alliance For Youth.” TheBANK has committed to America’s Promise by partnering with not-for-profit organizations, athletes, mayors, governors, teachers, college professors and others to benefit area youth through a variety of sponsorships and donations.
  
  TheBANK of Edwardsville, established in 1868, has assets exceeding $1.35 billion. TheBANK has a long tradition of providing personal service, offering the most innovative products and giving back to the communities in which it serves.
   

• Bill Barlow, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Group for TheBANK of Edwardsville, has been selected as one of the recipients of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award, a council-level distinguished service award.

  Recipients of the Silver Beaver Award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

  Barlow served as Vice President of Finance for the Trails West Council from 2007-08 before assuming his current position of Council President. He was a key player in the meetings and process to consolidate the Trails West Council and Okaw Valley Council in 2009 and was elected to serve as the first Council President of the newly formed Lewis & Clark Council. He has been the driving force behind the successful consolidation and helped the council to achieve Centennial Quality Council status in its first year of operation. Barlow is a Life Scout and attended Philmont Scout Reservation with his father who served, at the time, as Scoutmaster of his troop.

  “Bill was selected to receive this award by a panel of volunteers representing the more than 4,000 registered adults who serve nearly 18,000 youth in the Lewis & Clark Council, Boy Scouts of America,” said Alicia M. Lifrak, Scout Executive / CEO, Lewis & Clark Council, Boy Scouts of America. “This award is given to those who do not actively seek it, but rather go above and beyond in a selfless and caring manner.”

  TheBANK of Edwardsville, with its 2010 theme: “Because We Care,” has assets exceeding $1.25 billion and a long tradition of providing personal service, offering innovative products and giving back to the communities in which it serves.

   

TheBANK OF EDWARDSVILLE CLOSES $5 MILLION IN GUARANTEE RURAL HOUSING LOANS: RECEIVES AWARD FROM USDA

• TheBANK of Edwardsville today announced that it received the top honor from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program for closing more than $5 million in Guarantee Rural Housing Loans during fiscal year 2009. Each year the USDA Rural Development Program recognizes lenders that excel in using the federal agency’s guaranteed loan program to increase home ownership.
  
  With the Rural Development guarantee, TheBANK of Edwardsville can offer 100 percent loans with no required down payment, no private monthly mortgage insurance (PMI), no maximum purchase price, competitive fixed interest rates, and 30 year terms. The program includes flexible credit guidelines and generous income limits. Guarantee Rural Housing Loans are available to assist eligible households with incomes that do not exceed 115% of the medium income for the area.
  
  “In this difficult housing market, TheBANK of Edwardsville committed to using Rural Development’s guaranteed home loan program to help as many homebuyers as possible reach their dreams of owning a home,” said Janet Fauth, a Rural Development specialist in the agency’s Edwardsville office. TheBANK of Edwardsville provided 44 homebuyers with $5 million in Rural Development backed home loans this year.”
  
  The Guarantee Rural Housing Loans also have flexible credit standards, expanded qualifying ratios, no maximum purchase price limits and generous income limits.
  
  “We believe wholeheartedly in the Guarantee loan product and are very proud to receive recognition from the USDA Rural Development Program for our efforts to provide this type of loan to our customers,” said Steve Fuehne, vice president of mortgage lending for TheBANK of Edwardsville. “Likewise, our customers have embraced the Guarantee loan product and have been thrilled with the opportunity to take advantage of the loan’s features and flexibility, making it easier for them to own their dream home, even in this economy.”
  
  Fuehne adds, “The USDA’s Guarantee Rural Housing Loan is a terrific option for families or individuals that have a moderate income but have goals of owning their own home or are interested in making a transition to a larger home,” added Fuehne. “The product is incredibly flexible and has proven to be a good fit for several of our customers.”
  
  For more information about the Guarantee Rural Housing Loan or other loan products of TheBANK of Edwardsville, please call (618) 656-0098 or visit www.4thebank.com.
  
  TheBANK of Edwardsville, with its 2009 theme: “Because We Care,” has assets exceeding $1.25 billion and a long tradition of providing personal service, offering innovative products and giving back to the communities in which it serves.