Running a successful business can be challenging. Today's customers have so many sources for meeting their needs that it's not only tough to attract them, it's hard work to keep them.

Retail options are everywhere from small shops and boutiques to big box stores, to online shopping malls. When a doctor or dentist is needed, it seems like the options are endless. Does your pet need a vet? No problem – there are plenty to choose from.

So how do you keep your customers coming back to your business?

Survey after survey shows that customers value convenience. They're busy. They want to be able to get what they need fast — and move on to the next errand on their list.

A lot of business people focus on customer service. But, they don't give as much thought to the final step in a customer interaction — collecting the payment. The ...

As part of our drive to provide 500 meals to those in communities served by our bank and its branches, we're hosting lunchtime events at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch on Friday, January 18.

Won't you join us for lunch and make a donation to help feed neighbors in need?

We'll be serving a delicious soup and hearty chili, accompanied by some scrumptious cornbread.

Stop in either branch through January 17 and make a donation of $4 per person and you'll receive a ticket for lunch on the 18th. You can also get a ticket on the day of the event, but then we'll be asking you to donate $5 per person.

Every $1 you donate will fund five meals for those in need.

Please mark your calendar:

• Friday, January 18th
• 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Branch and the 2nd Loop Branch

If you want ...

Happy New Year! We want to wish you a year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.

Prosperity? Yes. It's a goal that's within the grasp of all of us, no matter our income level. But to reach prosperity, we need to do some honest analysis of our spending, set goals and put our money to work for us. After all, we work for our money, so why shouldn't it work for us?

Right now some of us are feeling the aftershock of the holidays. It's not hard to be surprised when you count up the dollars you've spent on gifts, decorations, parties and other holiday treats.

That's why so many Americans spend January and February with a case of the post-holiday financial blues. It can take a long time to get back to financial health — especially if a lot of the holidays were funded with your credit card. ...