Stark bankers Mike Stahl and Doug Parrott told the Rural Coalition for Development (RCD) last week that their community banks have money to lend and are not affected by the turmoil that has beset the huge banks.
“Mike and I had forefathers in our banks who were very conservative,” observed Parrott, CEO of the State Bank of Toulon. This tradition continues and has served the banks well.
Stahl, CEO of the State Bank of Speer, urged anyone interested in starting a business to come to his bank with a business plan and collateralization.
Toulon businessman Rick Calhoun suggested to the group of about 40 that he felt each community should develop an advisory committee of businessmen and women who could provide guidance to people interested in starting a business. 
Stark County board member Tom Howes asked how local governments could obtain energy audits.  He was told that the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as well as Bradley University’s entrepreneurship center for assistance with energy audits.
The RCD, a multi-county group, was hosted by Stark County economic development director Dennis Rewerts at the News Room Bistro in Toulon. The meeting was chaired by Roger Larson, head of the Peoria County Extension office.