Women in Business 2011: Lori Fowler

For Lori Fowler, relationships are at the foundation of banking.

"I always try to be professional and caring of others," says Fowler, vice president-commercial lending at Alliance Bank in Cape Girardeau. "I try to assist customers in the best way possible and help them in being successful in their business. It's kind of a partnership between the bank and the business. We try to help them be successful, and then when they're successful, we're successful."

Fowler helps customers with all types of needs, whether it's to expand a business or buy equipment or invest in real estate. She also helps supervise teller operations and customer service at the bank.

"I enjoy working with people in the community," she says. "I like helping people and seeing results of our work when that loan money helps people grow their business and be successful in their work."

Fowler, originally from Mexico, Mo., first worked for an insurance company and moved to Southeast Missouri when she got married. She later went to banking school and worked her way into the loan area, where she's been for about 21 years.

"My family is all business people and a lot of them have their own businesses," she says. "Finance and business are something I've always been interested in, and banking, when I came to Southeast Missouri, seemed to be the right direction for me."

Looking back, says Fowler, she feels lucky to have worked with managers willing to give her the training and opportunities to advance her career.

"I take advantage of all educational opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills," she says. "Women in business, especially, need to have supportive families."

Fowler's husband Tom is an independent insurance agent, and the couple has two daughters, one in high school and one in college. Fowler is active in the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Noon Optimist Club, Backpacks for Friday, Notre Dame Regional High School and the Special Olympics.

When it comes to balancing all those responsibilities, says Fowler, "Having a really supportive family is a big one. They all do their share and we support each other. Time management is important, too. It just takes juggling a lot of things and trying to keep all the balls in the air at one time."