“Our mission has always been to evolve the bank to meet the needs of the community and our customers. I do not envision a time when people will not want to talk face-to-face to a banking professional regarding big financial decisions – we feel this smart branch is the perfect union of personal customer attention and efficient technology.” The new smart branch will perfectly meld the high level of friendly service our customers are accustomed to with a range of technological solutions to provide full-service transactions. New features include:
"Our goal is to more than deliver on our 'same great bank, next-generation branch' tagline that we introduced last year when we started the remodel of several of our other branches. Creating a unified, seamless experience across our banking channels, whether it is online, mobile, or in-person, is our top priority. No matter how you choose to bank with us, your service experience will be consistent." Buhr continued by stating, “The digital advances we’re going to introduce at this smart branch will not simply be add-ons to outdated banking practices, but rather they are designed to be enhancements to our current banking culture. We’re here to create a welcoming experience where customers feel comfortable transacting business and receiving financial guidance no matter which channel they choose.” Once completed, the two-story, 15,000 square foot structure will include a retail banking center and two smaller rental units on the first floor. The bank will occupy 75% of the building with backroom operations claiming space on the second floor. “With 5 locations and total assets now approaching $300 million, we have long since outgrown our existing facilities here in Washington. We plan to continue to grow, and this new facility is a key part of the plan. At the same time, we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished in the past 20 years, and this further solidifies our commitment to our customers and the communities in Franklin and surrounding counties.” With construction anticipated to start at the beginning of February, it will be necessary to close the current Rabbit Trail location on January 30, 2021. Other locations will remain open with normal hours of operations. As of today, lobbies are only accessible by appointment to ensure the safety of employees and customers during this pandemic. While the future impact the pandemic will have on our communities is uncertain, the bank eagerly looks forward to being able to reopen their lobbies and welcome their customers back. “We look forward to extending a warm welcome to our new neighbors and customers, and thank those who have been with us for the 20 years we’ve been operating in your neighborhoods.” The bank has enlisted the services of Washington Engineering & Architecture, Inc. and Jasper Builders, Inc. to complete this project.  Bank of Franklin County is an independent and locally owned community bank with five locations in St. Louis area serving Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis and Warren Counties. In addition to its full service banking locations, Bank of Franklin County also owns and operates Missouri Valley Wealth Management, LLC along with Franklin Mortgage Company, LLC as wholly owned subsidiaries of the bank.
For more information about Bank of Franklin County please visit www.bankfc.com  Last week we were excited to hold a ribbon cutting to welcome River City Signs to the Chamber!
The event was held at ATA Martial Arts -Washington, MO on Fifth Street, where some of their work is displayed. More Info: rivercitysignsmo.com - Phone: 636-432-1740 - E-mail The November 12 event has been postponed. To see how Four Rivers Career Center is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, watch the FRCC Facebook Page for updates! Thursday, November 12 will be an exciting day for our community as students and local businesses are officially paired for apprenticeships as part of the Career Now program. The ceremony will not be open to the public, but a recap and photos will be available on our blog, and from the School District of Washington.  Four Rivers Career Center prides itself in authentic experiences for their students, bridging the gap between education and career success. Recognized as a premier Career and Technical Education Center we are excited to offer our students the ability to connect their passions to their career path. FRCC services ten high schools and spans St. Charles, Gasconade, Warren, Franklin, Crawford, and St. Louis Counties. Washington is an ideal location for an apprenticeship program based on our civic leadership, ability to attract and promote long standing businesses, and equip students for the future workforce through our excellence in education. In our first quarter we have been able to connect with fifteen employers for our students. We anticipate a goal of twenty apprentices to sign their commitment with the Department of Labor and their employers. Leaders representing our community, apprentice's parents, our instructors alongside our elected officials will be there to celebrate these students' achievement. More information on the Apprenticeship Program at Four Rivers Career Center can be found here.  Bank of Franklin County has partnered with the St. Louis Business Journal for a virtual roundtable discussion that includes a mix of community bankers and actual local small business owners. The discussions center on community banks, small businesses and the vital roles each play in communities across the country.
 Four Rivers Career Center is pleased to announce the creation of the Youth Registered Apprenticeship Program in coordination with TransPORTS and the Missouri Department of Labor and with full support from the City of Washington and the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce. The Department of Labor officially approved the FRCC Youth Registered Apprenticeship (YRA) program standards as a nationally recognized and registered intermediary. The FRCC stands as the newest YRA program in Missouri Career and Technical Education. Andy Robinson, FRCC Director, and Andrea Wieland, Career and College Specialist, have laid the ground work through effective internship (pre-apprenticeship) programs with their industry relevant instructors. FRCC is setting high standards of qualifications for high school students to qualify through aptitude, academic performance, and work ethic. This merit-based job placement will utilize the top performing students for on the job training, using an earn-while-you-learn model with local employers in high demand. “Rigorous and relevant career technical education through our instructors at Four Rivers Career Center is producing highly qualified skill trade workers,” Robinson said. “We are bridging the gap between 21st century education and employment needs of our community. We do not just graduate highly skilled students, but we help launch them into their long-term career path.” The first occupations registered are through the Machine Tool program. Tool and Die Maker and Machinist will be the first apprenticeable occupations as the launch of the YRA program takes shape. Advanced Manufacturing companies, Homeyer and G & H Tool/Tool Tech are long-term supporters and partners with FRCC advisory councils and internship program. Gretchen Homeyer, Director of Business Operations, Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, and Julie Scannell, Tool Tech Human Resources Administrator, were the first employers to sign the Department of Labor YRA agreements. Employers are selected by administration and instructors. KJ Unnerstall Construction and Modern Auto, Inc. have recently joined the industry partner lineup as this program is exponentially expanding to meet the immediate needs of the City of Washington. “We are thrilled and would like to pass along our congratulations to the Four Rivers Career Center for the launch of this program,” said Sal Maniaci, Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Washington. “Washington’s growing industries are fortunate to now have another tool to find and train the future of their workforce. The YRA Program not only gives companies the opportunity to find skilled and reliable workers but it also solidifies the vital business and education relationship in this community.” Robinson and Wieland recently received notification that TransPORTS accepted the proposal for partnership. As a part of his vision, Robinson has long desired to reinstate the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship initiatives into FRCC. As a first step, he received his first investment of $40,000 to help offset costs of hiring a coordinator, establishing the program, and launching this program into the community. TransPORTS Project and Marketing Communications Manager Katie Adams has partnered with numerous entities across the nation. As one of only eight national industry intermediaries for the U.S. Department of Labor, they are dedicated to expanding register apprenticeship. Four Rivers is one of only six organizations nationally and the only registered youth apprenticeship to receive funding. “TransPORTS is proud to partner with Four Rivers’ as a valuable, nation leading program,” Adams said. “Their registered apprenticeship program will link students with employers giving them a strong head start on career paths that pay a family supporting wage and provide opportunities for professional growth.” Robinson and Wieland welcome Cynthia Walker as the new apprenticeship coordinator. She comes to the School District of Washington after heading up two successful Career and Technical Center Youth Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Missouri that received both national and state recognition. Wieland will be working closely with Walker as they enhance the internship and college articulation opportunities for FRCC apprentices. “Youth Registered Apprenticeships use a proven earn-while-you-learn model by combining the excellence in career technical education and employer-provided on the job training, resulting in a highly skilled, sustainable workforce,” Walker said. “We can all find hope in this next generation of workers to be contributions to our community. Youth apprentices are doing something today their future self will appreciate.”
 On September 23, Dr. Howard Short, of Advanced Sight Center, retired from practicing medicine. He has been a physician in Washington since 04/18/1983. The practice will continue to be owned by Dr. Short and the four remaining physicians (Dr. Ullrich, Dr. Olk, Dr. Elliot, and Dr. Pieper) will assume the responsibility of caring for his patients. Advanced Sight Center is located in Washington at 1251 Jefferson Street, Suite 110. Phone: (636) 239-1650 ~ Facebook
  A Ribbon Cutting was held at the Leesmann Mortgage Team (USA Mortgage) Open House on Thursday, September 24. It was a great day to celebrate the business's new, larger office at 1390 Hight Street, Suite 3.
For more information on Michelle Leesmann and her team, visit their website or Facebook page!  You'll find more than you expect at Johnnie Brock's Party Store in Washington! In addition to the HUGE inventory of costumes (all sizes, all personalities!) and Halloween decor, the "party" section of the store is sprawling. Every color scheme you can imagine is there, and themes galore - Luau, Red Carpet, Milestone birthdays/anniversaries, kids characters, and so much more. Plus, with over 850 mylar balloon options, they are sure to have the one you need to brighten someone's day! Shop here for your next party - even if it's just a drive-by celebration! And Stay Local for your Halloween Costume needs!
Hope Ranch of Missouri has been awarded 70% Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credits for business corporations and eligible entities. We have an opportunity for companies to donate to our capital campaign to build a residential center and school for abused and neglected children on donated land in Stanton, MO. For your donation of $1,000 or more, your company would receive a 70% tax credit for Missouri State taxes. This credit can be used over 5 years. Attached is a flyer which explains the tax savings.  Hope Ranch of MO will provide you with a simple application with instructions. Mail the completed application and materials to the Hope Ranch to validate the forms and send them to Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). The DED will process the application and send you a Certificate of Eligibility and the MO tax credit form for your state tax return.
A flyer with Frequently Asked Questions is available here. To apply, e-mail Ellen Aubuchon. For more information about Hope Ranch of MO please visit their website at www.hoperanchmo.org and like their Facebook Page, Hope Ranch MO. This is a wonderful opportunity to help your community with a gift that gives back! |
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