The Experts
First Mid Bank & Trust encourages homeownership exploration amid rising rents
As rising rent prices and housing market uncertainty continue to challenge many first-time homebuyers, mortgage experts say misconceptions about credit scores and interest rates may be preventing buyers from exploring homeownership opportunities. According to Zillow, median rents for single-family homes have increased approximately 30 percent to 45 percent in many markets since early 2020. With…
Read MoreSmall business lending: A guide to applying for a loan
By CHRIS LEFEVER, Director Small and Medium Business – Community Markets, UMB The truth about bankers is that we love nothing more than helping people turn their dreams into reality. We entered this line of work to help others reach their financial goals and find their individual path to success. For many, that means opening…
Read MoreMandatory pre- and post-shift activities are now compensable in Illinois
By SCOTT CRUZ Pre- and post-shift activities—security screenings, health checks, equipment donning and doffing, clock-in procedures, and compliance checks—are common in modern workplaces. Yet these activities sit at the intersection of operational efficiency and wage-and-hour compliance, making them a frequent source of wage and hour litigation. The Illinois Supreme Court’s (the Court”) March 19, 2026…
Read MoreEconomic analysis of Q1: The war, oil and consequences for the markets
By ERIC KELLEY Executive VP, Chief Investment Officer UMB Private Wealth Management The first quarter of 2026 witnessed a mix of geopolitical and market events in rapid succession. There were major global headlines throughout the first quarter, and, on the home front, the tariff package was struck down by the Supreme court, a new chairman…
Read MoreAsk SCORE: How do I decide if my company needs an app?
Smartphones and other smart devices are an increasingly important point of access for many consumers around the world as the digital economy accelerates. Many businesses are finding it useful to develop their own mobile apps to help them connect with customers and provide a new avenue for sales. While creating an app can certainly be…
Read MoreWorking across cultures: Done right, it works
By AMY NARISHKIN, Ph.D. Miscommunication is expensive. It slows execution, erodes trust, and quietly drives turnover. I was reminded of that while planning my daughter’s wedding at a small resort in Cozumel, Mexico. I had lived in central Mexico for four years, so you’d think I would have remembered that experience when we arrived to…
Read MoreLesson learned: Consistency, not volume, builds trust
Nothing is more important than establishing your own rhythm. I have been writing this column for the Illinois Business Journal every month for a year now. The opportunity came when IBJ Managing Editor Melissa Meske liked a free email I have sent every week for much longer. Earlier in my career, I approached marketing differently.…
Read MoreAdvancing a strategic vision for Southwest Illinois Tourism
Where the Mother Road meets the River Road By CORY JOBE, President/CEO Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau As the United States approaches a rare convergence of milestone events—America 250, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Centennial of Route 66—Southwest Illinois is uniquely positioned to benefit from renewed national and global travel interest. Insights…
Read MoreBusiness exit: Why most family businesses aren’t prepared for transition
By BRYAN ESARCO Nearly six million small to midsize businesses will be ready for transfer by 2035, according to Forbes. Being prepared is the first part of the sale process; are you and your family ready? Here, I share what can create roadblocks to the transition and provide an action plan to mitigate them. What…
Read MoreAsk SCORE: Finding funding for your new business
Finding funding for your new startup can be more complicated than you think. Before you even start, you’ll need to determine your business’s financial outlook, how much funding your business is likely to need, and how much you may be able to receive through equity or debt financing. Major debt funding sources Options for debt…
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