A $12,500 donation was recently facilitated by INB to Moving Pillsbury Forward (MPF), a not-for-profit organization focused on revitalizing the former Pillsbury Mills property in Springfield's north end. In order to support MPF's mission, INB's credit card partner, Elan Credit Card (Elan), has donated the funds.
I agree with Chris Richmond, president of Moving Pillsbury Forward (MPF), that hopelessness is not acceptable when the situation looked hopeless when we started, but we all decided that it is not acceptable. Founded in 2020, MPF has undertaken the remarkable task of restoring the abandoned Pillsbury Mills site.
Despite the fact that the situation appeared hopeless when we started, we all agreed that hopelessness was unacceptable, says Chris Richmond, the president of Moving Pillsbury Forward (MPF). Since its inception in 2020, MPF has been tasked with revitalizing the abandoned Pillsbury Mills property, which had been abandoned for many years.
The INB recognized MPF's commitment to providing a better community for all by recommending them for the donation, and MPF was chosen as one of the 30 organizations nationwide to receive this generous contribution.
INB's President and CEO, Sarah Phalen, expressed the bank's commitment to community development and stated that the bank takes pride in its community focus and its commitment to building a healthy, vibrant business community in all the markets the bank serves.. If citizens refuse to take no for an answer when it comes to making our hometown a better place, then we should take note of that. It was after years of seeing other groups walk away from deteriorating situations that this small group came in and said, 'Hopelessness is not a reason for inaction'.A plan was developed, they got their hands dirty both figuratively and literally, and they made things happen by putting their minds to it
A plan was developed, they got their hands dirty both figuratively and literally, and they made things happen by putting their minds to it
Phalen went on to say, "I know this $12,500 from Elan will only cover a very small part of the overall need, but as we have seen time and time again, change is a journey that must be taken one step at a time. INB is proud to be a part of this one small step in a long journey."
It is the vision of the MPF to remediate and clear the 18-acre site over the next 3-5 years, in order to prepare it for redevelopment, as the site is adjacent to a rail yard, making it an ideal location for light- to medium-industry activities.
There are three experts leading the charge at MPF: Chris Richmond, retired fire marshal for the city of Springfield, Polly Poskin, retired executive director for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Tony DelGiorno, an attorney at the DelGiorno Law Office.
If you would like to know more about Moving Pillsbury Forward and their project, such as historical documents such as employee newsletters, visit their website, pillsburyproject.org. Additionally, a December 15, 2023, NPR "Community Voices" podcast gives an update on the group's work. You can find that report at: https://www.nprillinois.org/arts-life/2023-12-15/moving-pillsbury-forward-provides-healing-for-community-with-stories-artifacts-and-art-exhibits
Here is some information about INB:
This is a short introduction to INB, N.A., a privately held national bank. Founded in 1999 in Springfield, Illinois, the bank offers both personal and commercial banking products as well as wealth management services.  The bank also provides commercial banking services in Missouri and Florida.
Elan Credit Card - What you need to know

Source prnewswire