For Immediate Release: March 15, 2004

Peoria Construction Company Announces Heritage Bank of Central Illinois as Anchor in Peoria Heights Development

(Peoria Heights) Michael V. Lewis, owner of Peoria Construction Company, announced that Heritage Bank of Central Illinois will make their permanent Peoria Heights home in Heritage Square next year. According to Lewis, Heritage Bank will be one of the anchors in the 75,000-square-foot retail/business complex. Lewis, who purchased the site of the former Kelly Avenue Grade School, has already begun construction and anticipates having a variety of tenants, including specialty retail shops, restaurants and service businesses.

“A bank really is a natural for this kind of development,” Lewis said. “And I’ve always respected Heritage Bank’s reputation for service and commitment to community. That’s why I am proud to have them involved – easy access to the bank and its variety of financial services will be an asset for both customers and businesses in Heritage Square.”

Scott Hedden, president & CEO of Heritage Bank of Central Illinois, said, “The plans for Peoria Heights are very exciting. “Our office on Prospect Road has prospered, and it’s time to expand. The Heritage Square development is a perfect fit.” He added that the bank has also been very impressed with the support that the mayor, village officials, and Peoria Heights School District have given this project. “Their welcoming attitude should encourage other businesses to take a serious look at this location.” If all goes according to plan, he expects the bank to open in Heritage Square sometime in early 2005.

Heritage Bank has been serving the Peoria area as a locally owned and managed bank for almost 84 years. “And we plan to remain that way,” Hedden said. “As an ‘outstanding’ CRA rated community bank, we will do everything we can to help our communities grow and prosper. Being an anchor in Heritage Square demonstrates our commitment to this community and our customers. We believe this development will be a catalyst for continued growth in the area, and that’s why being a part of it is so important.” Heritage Bank currently has five offices in Trivoli, Hanna City and Peoria. To expand its services in Peoria Heights now, Heritage Bank has moved to a temporary location at 3921 N. Prospect Road, Suite A (next to Peoria Pizza Works). Check www.heritage-bnk.com for construction progress at Heritage Square.

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Brenda Tomlinson, Director of Public Relations
McDaniels Marketing Communications
(309) 346-0512 | Email: btomlinson@ewmcd.com