FENTON, Mo. – More than 25 years ago, Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions got its start thanks to a business loan from Alliance Credit Union. The $115 million credit union recently took the relationship to another level when it provided the financing for the Charlack, Mo.-based lawn company's new 16,000 square-foot corporate headquarters. Alliance CU was able to provide the loan through its partnership with the SBA. In 2004, it expanded its commercial lending program by becoming the first credit union in Missouri to be approved as an SBA lender. The CU has $7.8 million in business loans outstanding. "The SBA approval gives us a valuable tool to help serve our members who are small business owners," said Dennis Sommer, president/CEO, Alliance CU. "We are committed to helping small business members succeed personally and professionally by providing much needed access to capital and uncompromising service." On Sept. 6, several members of the Rottler management team, and representatives from Alliance CU, Hallemann Construction, and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce joined together for the official groundbreaking celebration. Also in attendance was the mayor of Charlack, James F. Beekman. Rottler said the new headquarters will be fully operational by the spring of 2006. "This is a big step for us," said Mike Rottler, president/CEO of Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions. "At the rate we are continuing to grow, we knew we needed room to expand. This facility will provide us with the means necessary to grow all aspects of the organization." The credit union also finances Rottler's fleet of vehicles. Alliance CU serves more than 16,000 members. [email protected]