Better Banks names Stratton president

Michael J. Stratton, Jr., was named president of Better Banks, Peoria, Ill..Stratton replaces Robert Mowrer, Jr., who was promoted to group president of lending at the bank's holding company, Backlund Investment Company. Mowrer will remain on the bank's board of directors..Previously, Stratton had been a senior vice president with Better Banks, which he joined in 1993. He has Bachlor of Business Administration from Culver Stockton College, Canton, Mo., and is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.."Stratton is a proven leader whose experience and strategic vision will propel Better Banks into the future," said Steve Backlund, chair and CEO of the $274 million Better Banks. "He understands the value of community banking and the importance of building strong community partnerships.".Backlund Investment also owns the $35 million Glasford State Bank, Glasford, Ill., and $194 million State Street Bank and Trust Co., Quincy, Ill.