A partnership between Landmarks Illinois and Banterra Bank was unveiled on Tuesday at the historic downtown square in Marion. Bonnie McDonald, President and CEO of Landmarks Illinois, a non-profit that works to preserve Illinois' historic downtowns, says her group and Banterra Bank have agreed to provide 20-thousand dollars in grants to preserve historic buildings in southern Illinois. And, McDonald says the heart of any town, is the downtown.
"It is where people invest, oftentimes in new businesses, because the size and scale of the buildings is actually conducive to small businesses getting started. And that's what this grant is meant to do, start their own businesses."Bonnie McDonald
Marion Mayor Mike Absher says when historic downtowns are well-maintained, that leads to a better experience for tourists, which can spur more economic growth. To learn more about the
"Preserve Southern Illinois Grant Program", visit: https://www.landmarks.org/landmarks-illinois-banterra-bank-preserve-southern-illinois-grant-program/