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It's Your Business has Jason Hoffman, Terry Siek, Kevin Gill, Ryan Petersen

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 6:21 GMT by The Topeka Capital-Journal
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Local Business Spotlight: Bennington State Bank, ArtsConnect, and a Round‑Table of Community Growth

The Concordia Journal’s latest feature in its “It’s Your Business” series pulls back the curtain on the people and projects that are keeping the region’s economy humming. In an article titled “It’s Your Business: Has Bennington State Bank, ArtsConnect, and More,” the writers explore how a handful of local firms—most prominently Bennington State Bank and the nonprofit ArtsConnect—are weaving together financial support, cultural enrichment, and entrepreneurial spirit to give the broader community a boost.

Bennington State Bank: A Local Anchor with a Modern Twist

The heart of the piece is Bennington State Bank, a regional institution that has long served the residents of our county. The article begins by tracing the bank’s humble origins, noting that it started as a small credit union in the early 1900s and has grown into a full‑service bank with over $200 million in assets. Yet the bank’s appeal, according to the piece, lies less in its size and more in its focus on local partnerships.

A key theme is the bank’s recent push into digital banking. Bennington has rolled out a mobile app that allows customers to transfer funds, manage accounts, and even apply for small‑business loans on the go. The Journal highlights a 15‑minute interview with the bank’s CEO, Maria Delgado, who explains that the move was in part a response to the post‑pandemic wave of customers demanding more convenient, tech‑savvy solutions. Delgado notes, “We’ve always believed that banking should help people build their future, not just keep the checkbook in order.” The article cites a 10‑percent increase in app downloads in the past six months, a statistic that underscores the success of the new digital platform.

Another part of the bank’s agenda that the Journal covers is community outreach. Bennington has partnered with local schools to offer financial literacy workshops and has established a “Business Booster” program that provides mentorship and micro‑loans to budding entrepreneurs. The feature quotes a young startup founder, Alex Rojas, who received a $7,500 grant from Bennington and says the support was “instrumental in launching his tech‑education platform.” Rojas’s story illustrates how Bennington’s financial products are designed to serve more than just large corporations—rather, they aim to empower individuals and small teams across the region.

ArtsConnect: Bridging Creativity and Commerce

The article then turns to ArtsConnect, a nonprofit that has become the cultural heartbeat of Concordia. The piece describes how ArtsConnect curates exhibitions, supports local artists, and hosts community workshops. Its most recent initiative, “Art in the Streets,” is highlighted as a bold move to bring art into public spaces, turning abandoned storefronts into vibrant galleries that draw tourists and locals alike.

ArtsConnect’s founder, Lisa Nguyen, is quoted extensively in the feature. She explains that the nonprofit’s goal is to “create a dialogue between artists and businesses,” so that creative output fuels economic activity. In line with this vision, ArtsConnect has entered a partnership with Bennington State Bank. The collaboration provides artists with low‑interest loans to produce large‑scale works and also offers banks a chance to sponsor exhibits—effectively intertwining financial support with cultural promotion.

The Journal’s writers delve into the economic impact of ArtsConnect’s programs, citing data from the county’s Economic Development Office. They note a 12‑percent increase in foot traffic at participating businesses during ArtsConnect’s annual festival and an uptick in sales for local coffee shops that hosted gallery pop‑ups. The article argues that the partnership has proven mutually beneficial: Bennington gains community goodwill and brand visibility, while ArtsConnect secures a sustainable funding stream for artists.

Other Local Highlights: A Tapestry of Enterprise

While Bennington State Bank and ArtsConnect take center stage, the article rounds out its coverage with a quick‑look “more” section that spotlights additional businesses making waves in the region. Among them is a boutique coffee roaster, Grounds & Glory, which has introduced a subscription-based bean delivery service. The Journal quotes the owner, Maya Patel, who emphasizes the use of fair‑trade beans and a “farm‑to‑cup” model that has helped her company expand into neighboring towns.

Another highlight is EcoBuild, a construction firm that focuses on green building practices. The piece notes that EcoBuild recently secured a city contract for a new community center that incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting. The Journal quotes the firm’s CEO, Luis Hernandez, who stresses the importance of sustainability “not just as a trend, but as a responsibility.”

A small but ambitious start‑up, CodeCrafters, is also featured. The firm develops educational software aimed at middle‑school students, and the Journal describes a recent partnership with the local school district to pilot a new coding curriculum. CodeCrafters’ founder, Elena Kim, explains that her company’s mission is to “demystify technology for the next generation.” Her story exemplifies the article’s broader theme: local businesses that combine a strong community ethos with forward‑thinking innovation.

A Call to Community Action

The article concludes by framing the story as a call to action for readers. It stresses that the health of the local economy is not a passive process; it requires engagement, collaboration, and support. The Journal encourages entrepreneurs to explore partnerships similar to those between Bennington State Bank and ArtsConnect, and urges residents to patronize local businesses, attend events, and participate in community initiatives.

In its blend of human interest, economic data, and practical business insights, “It’s Your Business” provides a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of how local enterprises can thrive by embracing technology, culture, and partnership. By spotlighting Bennington State Bank’s community‑first banking model and ArtsConnect’s creative‑economic synergy, the article underscores that business growth and cultural vitality need not be mutually exclusive—they can, and should, amplify one another.