Locally owned Resource Bank traces its origins to Malta and over the years has gradually grown by adding brick and mortar locations in neighboring towns often because other banks closed their branches and left according to banker Jerry Foster who was this week’s Rotary speaker. Foster said the bank has a formula for community involvement and revitalization and wanted to share their ideas with others even when they are beyond the bank’s customer base. Foster said there are about 800 communities in Illinois with a population of 1,000 or less. He said this is what led to creation of their Inspire/Renew/Enjoy tutorial website that shares ideas and best practices from small towns mainly from the Midwest.
Foster explained how the website was named. He said “Inspire” was named for the examples of successful planning that stood out as they researched the concept of small town champions. These ranged from music festivals to financial turnarounds allowing major public improvement projects, to unique visitor attraction events or landmarks. “Renew” was named for specific resources available. Foster listed public and private grants, along with volunteer support as examples. Foster said “Enjoy” was to highlight how the local community becomes involved in celebrating the revitalization process.
Foster showed a video featuring interviews and tours of successful small town champion successes. Among its highlights was an interview with the Mayor of Three Oaks Michigan who explained how they went from the verge of bankruptcy to a flourishing community, video from a music festival in Galva, Illinois that now draws thousands of tourists each year, the “Big Things in a Small Town” attractions in Casey, Illinois featuring oversized items like a rocking chair in the town square, and an interview with an administrator at Sauk Valley College between Dixon and Sterling, Illinois on how students can earn tuition credits through community volunteerism.
Foster said that locally there is a rural community initiative being organized with the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation and DeKalb County Community Foundation to help small towns in DeKalb County. He invited Rotarians to check out the website on small town champions at www.inspirerenewenjoy.com.