EXHIBIT 99
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NEWS
Date:April 16, 2001
(For Release April 23, 2001)
Contact: William S. Rowland Karl Tauber Rodney L. Morris
Chairman & CEO Community Bank Vice President &
(217) 258-0415 President, Director of Marketing
Highland & (217) 258-0676
Pocahontas
(618) 654-1111
AMERICAN BANK IS NOW FIRST MID-ILLINOIS BANK & TRUST
Beginning Monday, April 23, 2001, American Bank of Illinois, with
offices in Highland and Pocahontas, officially becomes First
Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust. The transaction is the result of the
acquisition of American Bank by First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, and
follows regulatory approval.
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust was originally chartered as the
24th US National Bank in 1865 and has assets totaling more than $650
million. In addition, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust (commonly
referred to as First Mid) manages $300 million in assets through its
Trust and Financial Services Division, and operates some 45 banking
centers and ATMs across Illinois.
William S. Rowland, Chairman & CEO of First Mid-Illinois Bank &
Trust said, "We are pleased to add Highland and Pocahontas to the
growing number of communities we serve across Illinois. We operate as
a community bank where decisions are made locally, yet offer modern
banking services and conveniences. Our mission is to provide banking
services which exceed customers' expectations and we will help
American become an even better bank than it is today."
We recognize the accomplishments of the staff in Highland and
Pocahontas", Rowland added. "We are fortunate that the staff will
remain in place to continue our commitment to service. Under the
leadership of Karl Tauber as Community Bank President, our employees
are dedicated to being a financial partner that businesses and
individuals in this area can depend on to help them solve their
financial needs." Rowland said, "We recognize the importance of
community development and will also utilize our advisory board members
for guidance in serving this area. They are an outstanding group of
individuals who exemplify our commitment to strengthening the
communities we serve".
Members of the First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust Advisory Board for
Highland and Pocahontas, include:
Tom Korte, Vice-President of the Korte Company. Tom and his wife,
Marian, are residents of Highland and are involved in numerous
organizations including the Community Foundation and St. Joseph's
Hospital Auxiliary. Tom was previously a director of American Bank.
Jim Tischhauser, is a farmer and resides in rural Pocahontas with his
wife, Marilyn, who is senior aide to State Senator Frank Watson. Jim
was previously a director of American Bank, and currently serves as
Director of Development for Utlaut Memorial Hospital in Greenville.
Brant Frey, is President of E.F. Express and Frey Transportation, Inc.
in Highland, and is active in the Business/Education Alliance (BEA)
and the American Cancer Society. Brant and his wife, Aimee, live in
Pocahontas.
Barbara Johannes, owner of Victorian House Advertising Specialities.
Barb and her husband, Don, who is partner in Johannes & Marron Law
Office, reside in Highland. Barb is active in numerous community
organizations and activities, including: GRIP - downtown renovation,
the Historical Society, and Kirchenfest.
Roger L. Fulton, M.D. specializes in Internal Medicine with Highland
Physicians, Ltd. Roger and his wife, Debbie, reside in Highland where
Debbie is active in the Highland Civic Women's Club, St. Joseph's
Hospital Auxiliary, and St. Paul School.
Karl D. Tauber, is First Mid Community President and was formerly
President and a director of American Bank. Karl and his wife, Janet,
are active in numerous organizations. Karl currently serves as
Treasurer of the Highland Schools Foundation and on the Board of the
Highland Business/Education Alliance (BEA).
Karl Tauber, Community Bank President for First Mid said, "We are
excited about becoming First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust. Even though
the name of the bank is changing, our staff is excited about the many
services that First Mid offers, and the benefits these services will
provide to our customers. We have communicated with our customers
regarding the conversion to First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust and we're
delighted with their response. They are pleased to have access to many
products and services we just couldn't offer before."
"Some of the many new services will include: Free Online Banking;
Business Banking Online; Check Imaging; Cash Management Services;
IRAs; Trust and Investment Services, including financial planning and
asset management; Company Retirement Plans; Full Service Brokerage;
and, Insurance. Our checking customers 50 and over will also enjoy
many opportunities with Club 50 Plus - one of the premier club
checking programs anywhere in the country - including social, travel,
and educational programs, plus a host of financial benefits such as
free checks and higher rates on certificates of deposit." Tauber said,
"We will continue to offer free checking, competitive deposit and loan
rates, and a full line of credit services including business and
personal loans, as well as mortgages and home equity loans". Tauber
added, "Another benefit of becoming First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust
will be our ability to serve larger borrowers, as a result of larger
legal lending limits. The conversion to First Mid-Illinois Bank &
Trust will be extremely positive for the Highland and Pocahontas
area."
For more information regarding First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust,
you may contact them at either the Highland or Pocahontas Banking
Center, or visit their website at www.firstmid.com.