Alcast Company, based in Peoria, Illinois, is an ISO 9001:2015 certified low pressure, permanent mold aluminum foundry and CNC machine shop. Utilizing proprietary Mitchener Molding Machines, Alcast specializes in high-quality aluminum castings, offering a range of products from simple to complex, with weights from a fraction of a pound to over 200 pounds. They provide production volumes from 5 to over 250,000 pieces annually, ensuring adaptability and value for their clients. Their in-house capabilities include machining, heat treating, and various finishing processes, making them a competitive partner in the aluminum casting industry.
Founded in 2003, Alto Ingredients, Inc. is a leading producer of specialty alcohols and high-value ingredients derived from corn. The company focuses on manufacturing high-grade alcohols for various markets including food, beverage, health, and renewable fuel. Alto Ingredients is committed to quality, sustainability, and community engagement, ensuring that their products enhance everyday life while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Their diverse product line serves multiple industries, positioning them as a key player in the bio-based ingredients market.
Ameren Corporation is a utility holding company with subsidiaries providing rate-regulated electric and natural gas services in Missouri and Illinois. The company focuses on sustainable energy solutions and aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, positioning itself as a leader in the energy sector. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ameren serves a broad customer base while maintaining a strong emphasis on community support and environmental responsibility.
American Water Works Company, Inc. (American Water) is a water and wastewater utility company. American Water provides drinking water, wastewater and other water related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and in two Canadian provinces. The Company operates in two segments: the Regulated Businesses and the Market-Based Operations. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of the water system assets from the city of Whitwell in southeast Tennessee. In April 2014, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Missouri American Water acquired water and wastewater system assets serving customers living in Emerald Pointe development near Branson in southwest Missouri. In April 2014, American Water Works Company Inc acquired Yankeetown Water, a member-owned water utility located in southwestern Indiana.
ARi is a leading provider of integrated engineering solutions, specializing in Industrial Automation and Digital Transformation. The company combines mechanical product design, electronics, embedded design, software development, and testing with manufacturing engineering capabilities. ARi offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions in the Industrial Automation and Robotics space, focusing on quality and safety. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, ARi serves various industries, including transportation, heavy equipment, and manufacturing, helping clients achieve operational efficiencies and optimize product designs. The company has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2001, establishing a strong market position and a reputation for delivering complex solutions.
Founded in 1958, Belcan is a global supplier of design, software, manufacturing, supply chain, information technology, and digital engineering solutions to the aerospace, defense, space, government services, automotive, and industrial markets. Belcan engineers better outcomes for customers – from jet engines, airframe, and avionics to heavy vehicles, automobiles, and cybersecurity. With more than 10,000 professionals in over 60 locations around the world, Belcan is ready to solve your toughest challenges, consistently earning trust by taking a performance-driven, partnering approach to provide value-added solutions with speed and scalability.
Banking Made Better - Since 1898 The rich history of Better Banks dates back to 1898 with the founding of Dunlap Bank. Since then we’ve expanded to 8 communities serving Peoria, Dunlap, Morton, Chillicothe, Bartonville, Wyoming and Astoria. We continue to remain true to our founders philosophy to “remain a strong, locally owned, community bank” with a full line of financial solutions aimed at providing efficient, convenient and friendly service so you can spend more time doing what you love. In 1957, B.F. "Chip" Backlund, a Senior Bank Examiner, joined Dunlap Bank as an Executive Vice President. He became President of the bank in 1967 and later Chairman. Chip could see the importance and need for locally owned community banks and organized the purchase of Wyoming Bank in 1967 and Bartonville Bank in 1970. Bartonville Bank, founded in 1918, and Wyoming Bank founded in 1935, boasted the same banking philosophy as Dunlap; to be pillars of strength and stability and serve the banking needs of their respective communities with loyalty, honesty and dignity. Seeing the need for additional locations, enhanced services and more products, Steve Backlund, Chip’s youngest son, directed the opening of the Bartonville Bank II on Garfield in 1982 and Dunlap Bank II on North Knoxville in Peoria in 1990. While further strengthening the bank overall, the combinations of the banks allow us to offer customers an enhanced line of products and services while providing additional locations and ATMs for added convenience. Better Banks has deep roots and as we grow, we continually reflect on our history and how it has brought us to where we are currently.
