Beecher, IL (July 12, 2023)—As Americans take off for summer, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing advanced planning tips for consumers that can take the financial sting out of unwanted surprises during travel to maximize their enjoyment regardless of how long or how far they venture. “Planning for the unexpected—including trip delays, lost or damaged merchandise, and last-minute expenditures can offer greater
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This article was published on June 12, 2023 by Steven Estep from the Independent Community Bankers of America.  In recent years, community banks across the nation have seen a drastic rise in check fraud. To compound the issue, many community banks are faced with challenges getting funds reimbursed from the banks of first deposit and are left to reimburse affected customers even when the community banks aren’t liable for the fraud. The following post will discuss why this sudden
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Beecher, IL (June 29, 2023) - Roughly 20 percent of older Americans fall prey to financial exploitation totaling $3 billion annually or an average of $120,000 per elderly victim, according to a study from the AARP Public Policy Institute. And given that only one out of every 44 financial abuse cases are reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association, true losses from elder financial abuse could be north of $35 billion annually. As relationship lenders
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Beecher, IL (June 15, 2023)–First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing tips for preventing elder financial abuse in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Older Americans lose roughly $3 billion to a growing number of scams each year, according to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. But only one in 44 cases get reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association, putting
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Beecher, IL (April 3, 2023) — In honor of Community Banking Month in April, First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are shining a spotlight on community bank efforts to create economic prosperity for Americans in urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide. “As a financial service provider with deep community ties, we apply our local knowledge and financial expertise to help the citizens of Beecher and Peotone reach their
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Beecher, IL (June 2020) – We want to make our local community aware that our June Shredding Day will still be held as scheduled. This event will take place on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at 1111 Dixie Highway in Beecher, IL. The health and safety of our customers and employees is very important to us. Therefore, we will have some additional guidelines in place to promote proper social distancing. Please be aware of the following new procedures: Enter off of Chestnut
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Tags: beecher, community bank, document shredding, local bank, peotone, shredding day, shredding event

Peotone, IL (June 2020). . . The Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) Foundation for Community Banking has selected its 2020 Annual Scholarship Program winners. Now in its 34th year, the program offers $21,000 to 24 high-school seniors via an essay‑writing contest; $500 is also awarded to the first‑place winner's high school. This year, 90 CBAI member banks representing 246 students statewide, participated in the contest. First Community Bank and Trust is very
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Tags: community bank, community service, higher education, local bank, scholarship

Beecher, IL (May, 2020)—As college graduates finish their studies in preparation to enter the workforce, First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) want to remind them of the importance of planning for their financial future.  “For soon-to-be graduates, transitioning from the classroom to the real world can be exciting and overwhelming,” said Greg Ohlendorf, President and CEO at First Community Bank and Trust. “As a
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Tags: 2020, community bank, employment, graduates, graduation, workforce

Beecher, IL (April 1, 2020)—In honor of ICBA Community Banking Month in April, First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are shining a spotlight on community banks’ role in fostering economic prosperity and meeting the needs of consumers and local communities through expansion and innovation. “As a local small business invested in building a legacy of prosperity for our customers, First Community Bank and Trust invites
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Tags: April, community bank, community banking month, local bank

Beecher, IL, March 23rd, 2020 –  We want to inform our customers that, as an essential business, we will remain open during the government mandated ‘stay-at-home’ order. While our lobbies will remain closed to the public until further notice, our drive-up windows will be open during normal banking hours. ATMs will remain open 24/7. Lobby access is also available by appointment. First Community Bank and Trust employees are available via phone and email to
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Tags: beecher, community bank, community news, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Illinois, peotone