May 02,2002
Financial Consultants join First Financial Services

Southern Illinois Bancshares, Inc., parent company of First Bank and First Insurance Agency, is pleased to announce the formation of First Financial Services. Lance Barbre, Gary Holland, and Randy Kleinschmidt have agreed to join First Bank in establishing the financial consulting firm effective May 6.

First Financial Services offers a full range of investment products and services. Clients may also obtain advice and counseling from the three consultants. Barbre, Holland and Kleinschmidt have 40 combined years of local financial consulting experience. They each have secured Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 Certifications.

“I am pleased that Lance, Gary and Randy have agreed to join us. Their customer-oriented way of conducting business makes them ideal additions to our team,” says Al Fritschle, President of Southern Illinois Bancshares, Inc. “We have strived to meet the financial needs of the people of Southern Illinois since 1893. First Financial Services will allow us to better meet those ever-changing needs.”

Lance Barbre brings six years of financial consulting experience to First Financial Services. A native of Carmi, Barbre graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a degree in Economics. He is a member of the Carmi Kiwanis Club and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Barbre and his wife, Cherie, reside in rural Carmi.

Omaha, Illinois native, Gary Holland attended Southern Illinois University where he obtained a degree in education. With eight years of financial consulting experience, Holland is fully licensed and has been commended for his dedication to client service. A life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Southern Illinois University Alumni Association, Holland and his wife Judy reside in Omaha.

Randy Kleinschmidt has worked in the financial services industry for 28 years. The Lockyear College of Business graduate is an elder at First Christian Church in Grayville, a member of Sheba Lodge #200 A.F. & A.M. and the Grayville Community Arts Association. Kleinschmidt and his wife, Debbie, are lifelong residents of Grayville.

First Financial Services is located inside the First Bank branch on outer west Main Street in Carmi. They can be reached by phone at 382-7305 or (800) 270-2917.

Southern Illinois Bancshares, Inc. has been rapidly expanding over the past few years. In 1996, First Bank opened its first financial center outside of Carmi, in Grayville, Illinois. That same year, they acquired First National Bank of Enfield. In 1999, they acquired the Becker and Hall Insurance Agency and the Carmi office of Schultheis Insurance Agency. Last November, a new First Bank location opened its doors in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. In January 2002, First Insurance Agency acquired the Logan Insurance Agency in Carmi. Last month the company announced that it would be purchasing Fifth Third Bank branches in Albion and Mt. Carmel, Illinois.


If you would like to contact us about this press release,
contact Customer Service at 618 382-4118 or
customer-service@surffirst.com.