Flesor Family Confectionary awarded FHLB grant through Peoples Bank & Trust

Peoples Bank and Trust was proud to present a $30,000 grant to Flesor Family Confectionary (Flesor’s Candy Kitchen) to assist with the extensive renovations of their historic building in Downtown Tuscola. Peoples Bank and Trust partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) to award the $30,000 grant. The grant was made possible through the Community First Accelerate Grant Program from the FHLB. Community First Accelerate Grants for Small Business (“Accelerate Grants”) assist the growth and development of small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin, creating economic opportunity in the communities FHLB members serve.

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen is a downtown Tuscola landmark and an integral part of the vibrant Tuscola Downtown Main Street. Their candy is nationally known and the food is beloved by the community of Tuscola and the surrounding area. They have been providing comfort food and sweet treats for over 100 years! They are a multigenerational small business providing essential service to the community. Flesor’s is majority owned by a female, provides full time employment to members of the community and delivers valuable food service to Tuscola and Douglas County. Their building on the corner of Main Street in Downtown Tuscola is a town icon with the large Coca Cola Mural painted on the side of the brick building. Helping Flesor’s preserve their storefront will continue to provide much needed tourism traffic to the community.

Devon Flesor Story, majority owner, shared, “We are very thankful that Peoples Bank and Trust chose us for this grant to provide additional resources for our business. We have received numerous donations from customers and supporters of the project. The proceeds from this grant will assist us with the building project ensuring continued employment of our staff and continuing with our business for the next generation. We are thankful that Dale Boyer and John Gardner believe in our small business and us.”

Pictured – Cam Scott, Sarah Lemke, Angela Quinn, Devon Flesor Story, Owner, Halle Kearns, Peoples Community Bank President Dale Boyer, Sam Kearney

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed independent community bank with thirteen offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, Charleston, Springfield, Morrisonville, Arthur, Arcola, Tuscola, Palmyra, Waverly and White Hall. Peoples is a full service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small business, and farmers in Central Illinois. People First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust.