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2017 June Issue

NEWS of the Nation

NEWS of the Nation   Trump’s combative trade stance makes U.S. farmers nervous By PAUL WISEMANAP Economics Writer    WASHINGTON (AP) — A sizable majority of rural Americans backed Donald Trump’s presidential bid, drawn to his calls to slash environmental rules, strengthen law enforcement and replace the federal health care law.     But this spring, many…

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Name-calling: Select something befitting of your business

    Choosing a name for a new small business has always been an important decision. But in an age where so much business is done online, your name must not only effectively distinguish who you are and what you do in person and in print, but also online.     What sounds “distinctive” to you may…

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Recent business developments throughout Southern Illinois

Area’s first Macy’s outlet to debut in Metro East         A Macy’s Backstage outlet store will debut inside the Macy’s St. Clair Square store in Fairview Heights on Saturday, June 17.    The store will be carved out of approximately 17,800 square feet.of space on the first level.    The grand opening will be celebrated with…

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Illinois Legislature considers several initiatives

Savings accounts for computer buys        SPRINGFIELD – College students needing to buy a new computer for school use or who utilize special needs services could be allowed to use their Illinois’ College Savings Plan to do.    Senate Bill 1758 would add computers and other technology based expenses to the definition of qualified expenses for…

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Here’s how you can avoid becoming a ransomware victim

By JAMES DANIELS JR.    On Friday, May 12, the news was inundated with reports of a widespread cyberattack that was affecting companies all over the globe.     This cyberattack affected 200,000 Windows computers in more than 150 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Britain and the United States. The cyberattack targeted hospitals, academic institutions,…

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Susan Davis, Committee Member, Illinois Bankers Association

By ROBERTA CODEMO    Susan Davis grew up on the family dairy farm in Oakdale. She credits her family with where she is today.     “My parents were wonderful people,” she said. They placed a lot of emphasis on education, and they taught her to always do her best.    She has always enjoyed analytics and computers…

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Tracy Session, Associated Bank Vice President, Market Manager

By RITA DUCKWORTH    Tracy Session wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in marketing. She had a friend and mentor in banking who thought she’d be a good fit for the industry. Sixteen years later, Session oversees 50 employees as vice president and market manager of…

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Lisa Hock, Financial Consultant, TheBANK of Edwardsville

By RITA DUCKWORTH    Lisa Hock, ChFC has spent her entire career in the banking industry. She started as a teller in 1980, worked her way up to new accounts and moved up the ranks, ultimately becoming a financial advisor.    After years of helping clients in her various roles, she developed an interest in the investment…

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Jodi Clinton, South-Metro East Group Manager, Commerce Bank

By ROBERTA CODEMO    A friend suggested that Jodi Clinton apply for a position at Commerce Bank. She knew the local bank president through school connections and arranged a meeting with him.    She started out as a part-time personal banker at the Fenton location and has been with the bank since 1998.     “I’ve been working…

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