Making friends to build a community is both the business and civic mission for History Maker Rob Fazzini. Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Rob came to Bloomington to attend Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating with a B.S. in Insurance and Economics. Lynne (Johnson) grew up in Normal and met Rob while attending Illinois Wesleyan University. They married after Rob graduated in June 1962. After an international career in banking, they would return to McLean County in 1988, opening Busey Bank’s first local office in Bloomington.
Rob’s goal is always to make connections, not just for business’s sake, but to build a community. With his leadership, multiple local businesses were backed by Busey Bank. Rob embraced involvement with community organizations, always with the goal that he would work hard enough “to become the president.” He served as the president for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, BroMenn Advisory Council, and the McLean County Museum of History. He was elected to the Bloomington City Council representing Ward 8 from 2011-2014, served as a past General Chairman of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Leadership McLean County program, and in 2009 helped establish the Multicultural Leadership Program where he chaired the advisory council. As he looks at the next generation, he encourages people to volunteer not just to build a resume, but to find their passion.