Business

A Vandalia company that prepares and mails publications throughout the nation recently landed a job that tested its capacities.
The task involved mailing about 4.5 million booklets that explain a proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution.
Though it was a big job, JoAnn Boggs, founder and president of Poly-Pak and SHIP Inc. pursued it – and she beat out several other bidders from around the country.
"We've been trying to get in with the state for years," she said. "Government jobs can keep people busy."

Ernie Chappel, president of First National Bank of Vandalia, was quoted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch column on Aug. 31.
Business columnist David Nicklaus, writing about the impact of the new Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, quoted Chappel's reaction to the legislation.
Chappel likened the act to "Aunt Betty's sweater, the ugly and uncomfortable one you were forced to wear at Christmas.

First National Bank announced recently that Steven C. Henna has been promoted to chief lending officer. He formerly served as vice president and senior lender.
Henna, a Vandalia resident, has more than 26 years of lending experience. He began his career with First National Bank in December 1998 as a vice president and loan officer, specializing in agriculture and commercial lending.

Merchants group has new name

Though the goals are the same, the name of the recently formed association of downtown merchants has been changed.

The new name is the Downtown Vandalia Merchants  Co-op. It encompasses businesses on Gallatin Street and about two blocks either side of it.

Donelle Conaway, owner of Something Special Florist and one of the organizers of the group, said the "co-op" part of the name is critical.