As the economy struggles to dig itself out of crisis mode nationwide, the local economy isn't in panic mode yet...
From credit unions to auto dealers these institutions claim they're still operating normally.
News 25's Syreeta Baker explains how Central Illinois continues to beat the odds.

Currency, money, cash...whatever you call it CEFCU says it's got it waiting and ready for you to borrow.

"We didn't get involved in a lot of the sub prime mortgages or a lot of the more exotic loan products that are out there. And as a result we've been able to maintain business pretty much the same way," says Keith Reynolds.

But before you try your loan luck there are conditions every client must meet.

"People who have a history of paying their bills on time people who have stable employment and stable income," says Keith Reynolds.

CEFCU's lending institution isn't the only one primed and ready for borrowers. Here at Velde's GM in Pekin those in sales say the time to buy is now.

"All year really there's been good interest rates out there.
We're actually short of cars so we can use trade-ins right now.
So it's good as time to buy right now as is," says Rory Griggs.

And when consumers buy they generally need a loan. But sometimes that's were CEFCU's Vice President of lending has to say no.

"We've followed a discipline in terms of making loans and providing loans that has worked for us for a number of years and we've maintained that discipline. It's worked for us in the past and it continues to work for us," says Keith Reynolds.

A working cycle that allows CEFCU to loan about a half a billion dollars to their members...at a time when nationally similar financial institutions are folding.
In Peoria,
Syreeta Baker
News 25.