United States securities and exchange commission logo January 24, 2024 Van A. Dukeman Chief Executive Officer First Busey Corporation 100 W. University Ave. Champaign, Illinois 61820 Re: First Busey Corporation Registration on Form S-4 Filed January 12, 2024 File No. 333-276507 Dear Van A. 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 Robert Arzonetti at 202-551-8819 with any questions. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Finance cc: Abdul R. Mitha