During the grand opening celebration on Sept. 29, Alliance Bank presented a check for $1,200 to Francesville Market. Pictured (l to r): Alliance Bank Relationship Manager Kim Shidler, Alliance Bank Commercial Banker Ron Kruger, Francesville Market board member Chuck Mellon, Francesville Market manager Mark Warren, and Alliance Bank President Shane Pilarski.

On Sept. 29, the Francesville Market, a community-owned grocery/gas station/deli/pharmacy opened its doors in a vacated building along U.S. 421.

Community members pooled their resources to form the cooperative, under the umbrella of the Humanitarian Distribution Center.

Alliance Bank, locally-owned and headquartered in Francesville, saw an opportunity to invest in the Market through its Casual for a Cause program.

“Alliance Bank believes in investing in our communities,” shared bank president Shane Pilarski. “A local grocery store is one key to a thriving community. It offers the ingredients to a home cooked meal, provides local jobs and fosters a sense of community pride.”

Pilarski, joined by colleagues Ron Kruger and Kim Shidler, presented Francesville Market leaders a check for $1,200 during the grand opening celebration.

Alliance Bank is a locally-owned community bank, proudly serving the residents of Francesville, Monon, Monticello, Otterbein, Oxford, Rensselaer, Winamac and surrounding communities since 1930. Bank employees pride themselves on community investment and donate over $80,000 annually back into their communities. Learn more online at MyAllianceBank.com or call 888-567-2101.