2020 Influential Businesswoman Awards

Acquisition International - 2020 Worldwide Finance Awards 7 espite being based predominantly in the LaGrange area of Northern Illinois, the greatest asset of FNBC Bank & Trust can be found approximately forty miles west in the nearby town of Yorkville. There, the Yorkville branch of the firm is the online banking help centre for any clients who need help navigating this new world of digital transactions and online banking that has seemingly taken over. At the helm of that branch in Yorkville is Sarah Allen, a banking business leader who understands what it means to lead. Having worked her way up through the ranks of FNBC Bank & Trust for twelve years now, there are few more qualified or familiar people when it comes to being an integral part of what the firm is trying to achieve. Sarah began her time with FNBC Bank & Trust firstly as a teller twelve years ago, before working her way through various other roles of increasing stature to eventually arrive at the role of branch manager four years ago. Now, Sarah is able to work with her team in assisting customers with their online banking related issues. Alongside this, she also serves as the Board President of the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce, and helps to oversee the financial health of the local chamber whilst mentoring local business owners. Effectively managing a team and mentoring local businesses requires no small amount of talent and skill, but Sarah has it in abundance having completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology-related fields. Armed with the knowledge she has gained from these degrees as well as her previous experience, Sarah knows that it is important to coach and mentor to each individual team member’s strengths, rather than expect them to rise to a managerial level. In her work with the local Chamber of Commerce in Yorkville, Sarah has actively sought out mentoring relationships with several women-owned businesses in an effort to help them thrive in the community. Valuing collaboration over competition amongst women-owned businesses, Sarah has always sought for ways to help the female entrepreneurs that she knows grow and succeed together. As a whole, the banking industry is very female-friendly according to Sarah. All of the managers that she works with are women, and her staff is comprised entirely of women. The industry challenges every member of staff to handle change whilst providing top quality customer service to its clients, and this is something that the FNBC Bank & Trust sees Sarah and her team do on a daily basis with ease. Based in LaGrange, Illinois, FNBC Bank & Trust is a family-owned and operated bank that is home to one of the finest female banking business leaders of the year in the Northern Illinois region. Alongside her role as AVP, Sarah also serves as Branch Manager for the Yorkville branch of the FNBC Bank & Trust, delivering outstanding services to local communities. We find out more about Sarah, and her work in helping clients with all their banking needs. Banking Business Leader of the Year 2020 (Northern Illinois): Sarah Allen D When it comes to supporting female entrepreneurs of any field, be it banking or otherwise, Sarah has one crucial piece of advice; keep learning. It is so important to stay on top of changing and emerging technology and various advancements in any chosen field. Sarah does not just believe this, but she embodies it with her actions as well. She is constantly signing up for classes, whether they be related to her field, or simply there to enhance her personal development. Knowledge is power, and Sarah is all about empowering strong female entrepreneurs both in and out of the banking industry. Ultimately, her work for FNBC Bank & Trust is spectacular, but her work for female entrepreneurs and other business women is what makes this leader truly outstanding. Company: FNBC Bank & Trust Contact: Sarah Allen Website: https://www.fnbcbt.com/