Kristen Hampshire  Just as people need annual check-ups to
maintain their physical health, businesses also need check-ups
to help maintain their financial health.  Businesses that are
dedicated to creating solid business plans with both short- and
long-term goals, and that habitually refer to those written
documents and measure their success against those goals are
better positioned than their competitors to access capital for
growth and go after market opportunities, says Stewart Beach,
executive vice president, Old Second National Bank, Aurora, Ill.
“With the economic climate in recent years, it’s critical for
business owners to constantly evaluate their position in the
market, to review goals and objectives, and to determine what
action items are necessary to carry out their business plans,”
says Beach. “A business’s bank wants to make sure that
management is actively leading the business toward success and
future growth, making performing regular financial checkups so
vital.”  Smart Business spoke with B