First Bank, along with Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants®, is proud to announce that Christy Walker, Vice President, Business Relationship Manager, has fulfilled the requirements and passed the certification exam to become an Accredited Small Business Consultant® (ASBC).

By receiving the ASBC® designation, Christy has demonstrated the knowledge required in all core competencies of small business and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) consulting to effectively assist clients with improving operations and achieving higher profits.

“By hiring an ASBC®, small businesses and SMEs are assured they are working with a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to help them reach their operational goals and maximize profits,” said Richard L. Weinberger, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants® and a member of its Board of Advisors. “By offering advice on increasing efficiency and profitability, the ASBC provides an extremely valuable service to small business and SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) owners and managers striving for success.”

Nikki Roser, President & CEO of First Bank adds, “The knowledge Christy gained from this accreditation has equipped her with the expertise to deliver a well-versed consultative approach to our clients, helping them operate more efficiently to reach their fullest potential. When local businesses succeed, so do our communities… and that’s the absolute core of our mission.”

Christy has been a First Bank team member since 2015 and banker since 1996. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana and earned her Accredited Banking Professional Certification in 2019. Christy is also a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and on their Finance Committee, past Board Chair and current Board Member of Youth First, and past President and current member of the Rotary Club of Evansville.

Congratulations, Christy!

About Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants®:
With headquarters in Austin, Texas, and offices in Washington, D.C., the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants®, the only global association specializing in training and certification of small business and SME consultants, provides certifications to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the specialized consulting area of small business and SMEs. Learn more at aasbc.com.

About First Bank:
Founded in 1893, First Bank has over $616 million in assets, twelve branches and specializes in delivering tailored and unexpected solutions to businesses, farmers and families. Its holding company, Southern Illinois Bancorp, Inc., in Carmi, Illinois, has one other entity, Southern Illinois Title – together employing 116 associates.