Growin' Up Gregory

My job, like most everyone else's, can be frustrating at times.  I have friends, clients, or random potential customers who contact me about a financing need or a loan product that they've heard about through some ad on the radio, online, or on TV.  Sometimes, what we have to offer may be much better (or at least much simpler) and other times the larger company is simply able to offer something that a bank our size isn't equipped, capable, or willing to offer.  I like the way one of customer (and now friend) put it:  "A community bank may not be able to do everything, but they can do some things that other banks can't."  He unknowingly nailed what sets community banks (and other small businesses) apart - their ability to see more clearly what a customer wants and needs, and the willingness to customize a solution for their particular need (without all of the ridiculous corporate approvals that are sometimes required). For people who do a lot of traveling,...

A zoning ordinance that would allow a bar or tavern to open on Main Street has been in the news for Union recently.  There has been a significant amount of both strong support and strong opposition to this considered amendment.  I am still attempting myself to figure out and comprehend ALL of the facts but here is what I have come to so far. 1.  It my current understand that the present ordinance ALLOWS a restaurant to open on Main Street and serve alcohol.  This misconception is being passed around that alcohol sales are not permitted at all in the City of Union.  You may open a restaurant (key part first) that is focused on food yet serves alcohol.  You may not open a bar or tavern whose primary purpose is the sale and consumption of alcohol.  I have not read all 80 pages of the City's zoning ordinance book online but based on conversations I have had with people that is what I currently understand to be the law.  If I am wrong in that, severa...