First Bank & Trust Gets 5-Star Rating

Evanston's First Bank & Trust received a five-star rating from BauerFinancial, Inc. a leading private national bank rating service that evaluates the safety and stability of thousands of institutions. First Bank & Trust is the operating subsidiary of First Evanston Bancorp, Inc., a financial services holding company headquartered in Evanston. Originally founded with just one location in Evanston, the bank now operates multiple branches in Evanston, inclduing one on the 2900 block of Central Street, as well as locations in Skokie and Winnetka. The board of directors of the bank includes former mayor Jay Lytle and former aldermen Jon Nelson and Beth Boosalis Davis, among others.
 
Prior to being noted for the safety and security of its deposits, our local community bank gained attention this last fall for refusing federal bailout funds. Me, I like the personal atmosphere, the convenience of locations in both north Evanston and downtown Evanston, and the no-ATM-fee policy.