Brian Bohnhoff Named Outstanding Ag Lender

Illinois Finance Authority honors Brian, The Peoples State Bank - Brian Bohnhoff directs award to Jasper County Cooperative Extension

NEWTON, IL. - Brian Bohnhoff, Vice President, Peoples State Bank, Newton was named Outstanding Ag Lender by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) in its third annual program to honor excellence in agricultural lending.  The award recognizes Brian's personal and professional contributions to strengthening the agriculture industry in his community.  In a ceremony held during the Illinois State Fair, Ag Day, IFA Board member, Brad Zellers along with Funding Manager Cory Mitchell presented Brian with a plaque and awarded a monetary donation in Brian's name to Jasper County Cooperative Extension.  Connie Elliott, Community Worker with Jasper County Cooperative Extension, was on hand to accept the donation.

Quote from Chairman Brandt: Mr. Bohnhoff has 23 years experience as an Agricultural Lender, all with The Peoples State Bank.  The bank manages a $135 million loan portfolio, with $62 million in agricultural loans.  Mr. Bohnhoff and The Peoples Ag team provide an exceptional level of service to over 200 Ag borrowers that account for 46% of the bank's loans.  The Peoples State Bank has branches in Sumner and St. Francisville.

Quote from Greg Ikemire: "We are extremely proud that Brian has been named the Illinois Finance Authority Outstanding Ag Lender of the Year.  Brian is a lender with both passion and compassion.  Having been raised on a farm, Brian has a passion for the industry.  As an individual, Brian has an enormous amount of compassion for the challenges his customers face.  That combination has resulted in a very loyal customer base that Brian has maintained for over twenty years.  He is a tremendous asset not only to our bank, but to our community."

He also serves as a committee member for the Newton FFA Foundation, is a member of the Dieterich Unit #30 School Board, and has volunteered his time for the St. Isidore Pre-Cana Team.

Bohnhoff is a life-long resident of the Dieterich area.  He graduated from Dieterich High School in 1978 and from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1982.  He continues to operate a grain farm with his family.  Brian and his wife Lisa have 2 children Jake and Seth.

The IFA works with hundreds of Ag Lenders throughout Illinois to provide Beginning Farmer Bonds and a range of agricultural loan and state-backed loan guarantee programs.  Because of partnerships with lenders like Brian, many farmers, livestock producers and agri-businesses have been able to obtain affordable low interest rate financing to help start, expand or restructure their operations.

The Illinois Finance Authority is a self-funded, state authority that fosters economic development and job growth by providing access to affordable capital for Illinois businesses and institutions.  IFA works with organizations in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, local government, manufacturing, and not-for-profits.  Offices are located in Chicago, Mt. Vernon, Peoria and Springfield.  For additional information visit IFA's website at www.il-fa-com.