YMCA After School Program in Pana Begins Second Year

Sarah Van Huss, Chris Weittenhiller, YMCA Exec. Dir. Joani Jones

The Christian County YMCA is pleased to announce the second year of the After School child care program for Kindergarten to Fifth grade students in Pana. The program is offered at Washington Elementary from dismissal of school until 6:00 p.m. daily, with district bus transportation provided for Lincoln Elementary and Sacred Heart students. The program provides a positive environment with adult supervision offering healthy snacks and structured activities including homework assistance, arts/crafts, games, sports, free play and more. The Site Coordinator for this year is Kiley Halbrook. After School Counselors, Taylor Gibson, Madison Hilbert, Josie Semro and Whitney Voyles, will assist in carrying out daily activities and supervising the children.

Recognizing the positive impact this program had on the youth and families in the community during the first year, Peoples Bank & Trust has agreed to be a major sponsor for this program again this year. In an effort to keep program fees as low as possible and encourage participation, Peoples Bank & Trust will be making a generous donation of $5,000 to the YMCA for the 2017-2018 school year. Additionally, scholarships are available to those who qualify through the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program that supports the organizations practice of not denying services to anyone based on an inability to pay.

The YMCA also offers a “rural” membership to Pana residents. This option offers facility access on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at a reduced rate. Please call 287-7271 with any questions regarding the Pana After School Program or the membership option available to Pana residents.

Peoples Bank & Trust is an Independent Community Bank with ten offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, Waverly, White Hall, Palmyra, Morrisonville, Charleston and Springfield. 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.

April 1, 2017

PEOPLE FIRST BANCSHARES INC. RECOGNIZES LARRY BEATY AT ANNUAL MEETING

People First Bancshares, Inc. held its annual meeting of shareholders on March 29, 2017 at Peoples Bank & Trust in Pana, IL. During the meeting, George Hiler, David Slater, and Brad Davis were reelected to three year terms as directors of the Bank and Holding Company. Other directors of the Bank and Holding company are David R. Fines, James D. Randolph, David T. Dorn, Jr., Michael E. Beyers, John Gardner, and Michael M. Trexler.

During the report of operations, John Gardner, President and CEO, recognized the Board, Management and Employees for their contributions to the bank’s success. Gardner recognized Larry Beaty, who is retiring from the Board of Directors, for his exceptional contributions to the organization. Gardner thanked Beaty for 20 years of distinguished service, guidance, leadership and friendship to the organization and the communities it serves.

Gardner commented the Bank has provided balanced value for each of its stakeholder groups: its shareholders, its employees, and the customers and communities it serves. Gardner noted that the company had generated record earnings of over $6 million, while also providing a work place that was Satisfying or Very Satisfying to 97% of its employees and a customer experience that was considered Good or Excellent by 96% of its customers. Gardner was also proud to report that the company continues to be a good corporate citizen providing thousands of volunteer hours to its communities through its employees’ and directors’ involvement in more than 250 local organizations and activities.

Chairman Beaty’ addressed those in attendance. Beaty thanked the shareholders and directors for their confidence and support during his years as Chairman of the Board. He thanked the officers and staff for their loyal support and friendship. He was grateful for the opportunity to work at Peoples Bank & Trust and serve as the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Bank & Trust and People First Bancshares. He thanked John Gardner for his direction and guidance. He is confident that John and the Board of Directors will continue to provide excellent customer service and record performance in the future. He thanked the Board for their support and loyalty over the years. He noted that this Board is the finest that he has ever had the opportunity to work with. In closing, he thanked his wife, Nancy, for her support over the past 48 years he has been in banking.

During the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors of People First Bancshares, Inc which followed the annual meeting, Michael M. Trexler was elected Chairman of the Board and David Slater was elected Vice Chairman of the Board. Other officers include John Gardner, President & CEO, James Adcock, Secretary, Terry Schafer, Asst. Secretary and Craig Deere, Treasurer & CFO. Larry Beaty was elected Director Emeritus.

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed, independent community bank with ten offices located in Charleston, Altamont, Tower Hill, Pana, Taylorville, Morrisonville, Springfield, Waverly, Palmyra and White Hall. Peoples Bank & Trust 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.