Local businesses invest $100,000 in UDA

Twelve local banks, accounting firms and entrepreneurs have offered to contribute corporate donations totaling at least $100,000 to Urban Districts Alliance over the next five years.

The amount is significant, said UDA Executive Director Rusty Worley, especially compared to the organization’s annual operating budget of $300,000.

“(The investment) is absolutely essential for us to carry on the programs and the support of the businesses in our center city districts,” he said. “It’s a testament to the momentum we’ve been able to accomplish over the last five years and also to the optimism of what lies ahead for the next five years.”

The investors are: Bank of America; BKD LLP; Citizens National Bank; Commerce Bank; Empire Bank; Hlavacek, Morris, McIntyre, Yates & Danielson; Liberty Bank; Regions Bank; State Bank of Southwest Missouri; Town & County Clothiers; U.S. Bank; and Whitlock, Selim & Keehn.

UDA coordinates the activities of Springfield’s three historic districts – downtown, Walnut Street and Commercial Street – and helps small businesses identify available properties and loan programs.