First Midwest Bank of Jackson, Mo.

Year established: 2003

Product or service offered: Banking services and loans

Number of employees: 12

Location: 2319 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO

Owners: Privately owned

What is your vision for your business and/or your industry in 2012?

Brenda L. Proffer, vice president: Our vision is to continue being a partner in the community. From the time our customers enter the bank until they leave, we want them to have a wonderful banking experience and also tell others about the relationship between the bank and its customers. We want to show a correlation between our history in business and the way we treat our customers since customers come first at First Midwest Bank.

How has technology changed your business in recent years? Was it difficult to adapt to the changing technology?

BP: Changing technology has a tremendous impact on the banking industry. New and ever-changing customer demands for products and services create some unique challenges. In order to keep up with the times, we have increased our technological staff, implementing new software and programs, to assist educate our staff and customers.

What are some lessons that you learned at a young age that still apply in your business philosophy today?

BP: First Midwest Bank believes that successful business philosophies that worked a few years ago still apply. Being a locally owned and managed community bank we provide rapid response to our customers. We are able to make decisions quickly, avoiding lengthy waits and committee bottlenecks. We listen to your unique situation and offer solutions that are appropriate to meet your individual needs at competitive pricing.