Valley Community Bank not a spider to be squished

I went to my bathroom sink the other morning to wash my hands. Simple enough, until I spotted the tiniest of spiders struggling to climb out of the basin. Every time it neared the top, the spider would lose its footing and slide back to the bottom. You have to love that spider's tireless effort.

I'm sorry to admit my first instinct was to squish the spider and wipe the sink clear. After all, it was just a tiny, insignificant spider. But I realized at that moment, the spider's life was in my control. I wondered: Does it have a family, a home, a purpose?

In April of 2010, as most of the Fox Valley knows, Valley Community Bank was given a directive by the FDIC to "raise more capital" in order to secure its financial footing.

It's a small but vital community bank. Under the caring leadership of its founder, Bob Hoge, the Bank has been an institution of hope and trust in our community since 1996. And Bob Hoge's character and vision have been forces for good in the valley long before that. Bob and the banks he has worked for have been responsible for helping establish many of the fine valley businesses that we all depend upon today.

Since the FDIC gave its directive, Valley Community has been working diligently to make it back to the top of the basin - to get its footing once again.

It continues to value the importance meeting customer needs, supporting local charities, schools, and organizations, etc. And it remains a viable institution that parents will tell their young adult children about.

The spider? I scooped it up with a paper drinking cup, took it outdoors, and gave it firm footing once again. Guess you could say I was a benevolent benefactor.

And VCB? The bank is offering additional stock for sale and is looking for investors in its "vision" - benevolent benefactors perhaps, who believe that the communities of the Fox Valley need a true community bank.

Larry Rossi

Elgin