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addition, it was announced that a new bank will be built to replace
the Woodlawn branch. That new bank will be erected next door to the
current building.
The day was also the official opening day for the Sangamon branch
with a dedication ceremony and ribbon cut held at 10 a.m.
Many will remember that the original State Bank of Lincoln Sangamon
branch was topped off with a four-sided dome like structure, and the
building was a natural terra cotta brick color. The renovation and
remodel of the bank included a coat of whitewash on the brick and
the removal of the dome. Inside the vaulted ceiling that was the
inside of that unusual dome is gone, as is the numerous pieces of
artwork that hung in the recesses of the dome. According to Becky
Mills, Director of Marketing for HBT, the art was donated to the
Logan County Historical Society so that it may be kept local and
protected. All the pieces donated were painting that depicted
different stages in the life of Abraham Lincoln at the point in time
when he would have frequented this community. Other than these
changes, the overall footprint of the interior of the bank is
practically the same, but the entire area has been given a fresh new
look.
Tuesday, there was a large crowd of guests and HBT employees who
gathered for the dedication ceremony and ribbon cut.
The morning event began with HBT Senior Vice President and Senior
Lending Officer Dave Irwin welcoming guests and acknowledging some
of the special guests in the room. Those guests included Lincoln
Mayor Tracy Welch, Lincoln City Clerk Peggy Bateman, Renee Martin
and Cassie Blue representing Senator Sally Turner, Andrea Runge with
Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development, Alice Roate with the
Logan County Tourism Bureau.
Irwin introduced HBT Chief Executive Officer Lance Carter.
Carter began his career with HBT in Lincoln employed by the State
Bank of Lincoln. He recalled working with Irwin then as well as
Steve Aughenbaugh who was also in the room.
He talked about the original ownership of HBT saying it began as a
community bank in 1920 owned by the Drake family and yet today the
family is heavily involved with HBT. He said that the tradition of
being a community bank with pride in its roots continues on today.
He added that HBT is in Lincoln to stay, has invested in the
community and will continue to do so with the building of a new
banking center on Woodlawn.
Mayor Tracy Welch was the next person to speak. He talked about the
importance of the bank in the community and then read a mayoral
proclamation declaring the Sangamon branch officially open on
Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
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Next up was HBT staff member Wendy Kernan, who dedicated a memorial
outside the bank. Sandi Shehorn was a long-time employee of Town &
Country Bank, who joined HBT when the company purchased T&C. Shehorn
passed away on January 23, 2024.
She said that Shehorn spent 40 years serving in Lincoln and the last
ten years Kernan had the honor of working with Shehorn, as did
several other staff at HBT.
The last person to speak before the ribbon cutting was Andrea Runge
of L.E.A.D. She talked about how every person’s road to success
starts with a bank.
She said, “the bank in a community is your center of hope.” She
noted that whether it is buying a home or vehicle, starting or
sustaining a business or any number of other milestone events, more
often than not the journey to achieving the end goal starts with a
visit to the bank.
She said she was well aware of this not only because of her current
role as an economic development director, but also because she began
her career in banking. She spoke of having strong partners in the
community and how it aids her in her work. She noted that HBT is a
very strong partner and was even before she became a part of the
L.E.A.D. group.
With speeches concluded, it was time for the ribbon cut. HBT had
called on Lincoln Daily News to assist with the cut. Those who
gathered behind the ribbon included Carter, Irwin, Welch, Bateman,
Roate, Runge, Renee Martin, Cassie Blue and Kernan and staff who had
worked closely with Shehorn, other HBT staff and Karen Castelein and
Chassidy White with LDN.
The group stood for the posed photo, and then Irwin did the honor of
snipping the ribbon.
After the cut, guests were invited to enter for gift basket
giveaways and enjoy refreshments while checking out the newly
remodeled bank and visiting with staff.
Outside, the memorial to Sandi Shehorn sits at the base of a brick
and metal sign noting the address of the bank. It is two black metal
rings intersecting in an orb. The small plaque accompanying it says,
“Community ties are strengthened link by link through compassionate
action and service. In memory of Sandi Shehorn, dedicated and
beloved community member, friend and teammate. Always proud to call
Lincoln home.”
[Nila Smith] |
