Springfield-based Guaranty Federal Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Guaranty Bank, are reassuring customers that the bank is stable after media coverage of the failure of Texas-based Guaranty Financial Group.
The announcement that the Texas institution was closed Aug. 21 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and acquired by Alabama-based Compass Bank has led to confusion among some Springfield customers, according to Guaranty Federal Bancshares Marketing Director Carlye Wannenmacher, who said the bank has received several calls from worried customers. Springfield's Guaranty Bank operates nine branches and three loan-production offices in southwest Missouri.
"We understand that our customers are extremely concerned to hear that the Guaranty Bank in Texas has failed, but they can rest assured that their local Guaranty Bank has absolutely no affiliation with that failed institution," President and CEO Shaun Burke said in the release.
Shares of Guaranty Federal Bancshares (Nasdaq: GFED) closed Aug. 27 at $5.35 compared to a 52-week range of $3.29 to $14.63.
Bass Pro goes bowling in Iowa
The Springfield-based sporting goods retailer known for catering to fishing and hunting has changed lanes for its latest store.
Visitors to Bass Pro Shops' new location in Altoona, Iowa, will be greeted with the opportunity to bowl at the nautically themed Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill.
The 15,000-square-foot bowling facility is a joint effort between Bass Pro and Illinois-based Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, according to a news release. It features 12 custom-designed lanes, a billiard room with a fireplace and a casual-dining restaurant for up to 150 people. The island-themed bar also features a 750-gallon saltwater aquarium.
"Our goal was to create something never seen before," said Brent Perrier, president of Brunswick Bowling Products, in the release. "There is nothing else like it in the industry, and we're thrilled that Bass Pro Shops chose Brunswick to be a part of it."
The Altoona store is Bass Pro's 56th location in the United States and Canada.
Slice of Nice
The Rainbow Network, a Springfield-based nonprofit ministry that focuses its efforts on 124 Nicaraguan villages, received a $10,000 challenge grant for vehicle maintenance and repairs. The Rainbow Network has until Dec. 31 to raise $10,000, and Buellton, Calif.-based SG Foundation will match the money raised dollar-for-dollar, according to a news release.
The funds will be used to maintain the four-wheel-drive vehicles the network uses to deliver, food, medicine, supplies and staff to remote Nicaraguan villages. The average age of the group's vehicles is 15, and each has several thousand off-road miles, the release said.
Twice of Nice
Ozark Mountain Bank held a Dollars for Denim day in July that raised $294 for the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross. Bank employees were given the option of wearing jeans and tennis shoes in exchange for a donation to the American Red Cross. The bank then matched the donations.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
