United States securities and exchange commission logo March 5, 2021 Van A. Dukeman Chief Executive Officer First Busey Corporation 100 W. University Ave Champaign, IL 61820 Re: First Busey Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-4 Filed February 26, 2021 File No. 333-253608 Dear Mr. Dukeman: This is to advise you that we have not reviewed and will not review your registration statement. Please refer to Rules 460 and 461 regarding requests for acceleration. We remind you that the company and its management are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of their disclosures, notwithstanding any review, comments, action or absence of action by the staff. Please contact Tonya K. Aldave at (202) 551-3601 with any questions. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Finance cc: Jennifer Durham King, Esq.