Memo 8-27-07

Banks form regional disaster coalition

A group of area banks are joining forces with emergency agencies and health departments to provide continued service in the event of disaster. The Bank of Advance, the Bank of New Madrid, the Bank of Missouri, Alliance Bank, Capaha Bank and Security Bank and Trust Co. have formed ShowMeFIRST, a regional coalition to assist in disaster preparedness and business continuity. The group aims to prepare for a regional disaster by working with local, state and federal agencies to coordinate actions. The group hopes to raise public awareness, gain access to facilities in a disaster and develop comprehensive plans for recovery and continuity of business. ShowMeFIRST members will meet quarterly and are encouraging all financial institutions to join by contacting Shawn Asmus at 335-5157.

Bank offers seminar on small business financing

US Bank is offering a free seminar on small business financing through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The seminar will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Southeast Missouri State University Innovation Center, 920 Broadway. Speakers at the seminar will include Mac McDougal of the US Bank Small Business Division ad Robert Francis, Cape Girardeau market president. For more information or to sign up, call Melody Smith at 986-5021.

-- From staff reports