FFB&T Newsroom

A Bank Worth Five Stars!

A lot has happened to First Farmers Bank and Trust in 2012. We have been through so much and have conquered many hurdles to get to where we are today. As we look back, we can say that 2012 has proven to be a very successful year for us. Along with the acquisition of our four new branches, we have accomplished things that we never thought imaginable a few years ago!

First Farmers is very dedicated to continued service to the community as well as their to their customers. Not only should a bank be concerned with the financial aspect, it should be just as concerned about the people that make the company run. The small town feel and customer service orientation that First Farmers bases the entire company around is what sets us apart and makes us unique from other banks.

First Farmers Bank and Trust is proud to accept the award of Five Star Final Report for 2012! This award is presented by the Indiana Bankers Association every year for outstanding achievement in five specific categories. These categories include Political Awareness, Issue Advocacy, Life-Long Learning, Volunteerism, and PSP (Preferred Service Providers) Utilization. The Indiana Bankers Association has declared that First Farmers Bank and Trust has excelled in each of these categories, giving us the Five Star rating that they search for in financial institutions.

We are very excited and grateful to have been awarded such a title, but this award does not give us permission to slow or halt any of our opportunities to become involved with our communities and our customers. We will always be centered around one thing, “state of the art banking with old fashioned service!”

New Faces at FFBT!

Aimee Romero, Greentown - AVP/Mortgage Lender

Aimee grew up in Greentown, IN and went to Eastern High School. Aimee pursued a degree in Education at Indiana University - Kokomo and has worked in the banking industry for twelve years doing mortgages. Welcome to FFBT! 

Michelle Million, Peru Square - Loan Admin. Assistant

Michelle attended Rochester High School in her hometown of Rochester, IN.  She then furthered her education and graduated from Purdue University with a major in Interdisciplinary Agriculture and a minor in Farm Management and Crop Science. Welcome to the team! 

Mindy Marburger, Peru River - Teller/CSR

Mindy was raised in Peru, IN and graduated from Peru High School. She went to Indiana Business College where she studied Office Management and Medical Coding. Mindy has 5 1/2 years of banking experience and has worked as a teller/lead teller. Welcome aboard! 

Kurt Krauskopf, Peru Square - RJF Advisor

Kurt was raised in Peru, IN and graduated from Maconaquah High School. Kurt went to Indiana University where he received a B.S. in Accounting. Kurt has spent the last 29 years working at Bryan Steam as the Controller and has an established income tax preparation business for the past 35 years. In his spare time, Kurt serves as the Treasurer for the Circus City Festival and serves on the Board of
Directors for the Miami County YMCA. Kurt is the past President of Junior Achievement - Miami County. Welcome to the team!  

Diana Graham, Terre Haute - Teller

Diana grew-up in Ft. Wayne, IN and then moved to Missouri at age 11, where she graduated from Smithville High School. Diana has 4 1/2 years experience in the banking industry working as a Universal Banker, Vault Teller and Teller. Diana is an active volunteer for Relay for Life. Welcome to the team!

Lindsey DeWitt, Marion - AVP Mortgage Lender

Lindsey grew-up in Converse, IN and attended Oak Hill High School. Lindsey comes to us with six years of mortgage experience and has worked as a Teller, Relationship Banker, Investment Rep and Mortgage Loan Originator. Welcome to the team! 

Suzette Aiello, Wabash - Teller 

Suzette currently lives in Peru, IN and was raised in a military family allowing her the opportunity to travel as a child. Suzette attended Rota High School (Spain) and continued her education at Princess Anne Business College (Virginia Beach, VA). Suzette has three years prior banking experience as a Teller Float. FFBT is glad to have you! 

Shannon Whitaker, Knox - Teller (part-time)

Shannon grew up in North Judson, IN where she attended North Judson-San Pierre High School. Shannon pursued her college degree at Indiana University Northwest where she obtained a degree in Dental Hygiene. Shannon has two years banking experience where she worked as a Teller.  Shannon has been working part-time for the past two years as a Dental Hygienist. FFBT welcomes you aboard!

 

Annual Ag Client Seminar 2013

On February 19th, First Farmers hosted the 18th Annual Agricultural Client Seminar at the Roseburg Event Center. It was a great day! There were over 200 clients and employees in attendance of the event along with four excellent speakers. We were very impressed with the turnout of guests as well as the messages that were presented from our speakers.

 

The day began with Ken Perkins giving his touching testimony from his recent trip to Laos. His message revealed just how different farming is in different areas of the world. Ken and his team for years have been able to teach farmers in other countries new farming practices to ensure productivity and sustainability. Next, Kevin Elder from the Ohio Department of Agriculture shared some interesting insights about environmental impact mandates and some of the farming practices that will help farmers comply with them.

 

Scott Beck from Beck's Hybrids spoke about trait genetics and how new products and services offered through Beck's would benefit plant productivity.

 

The keynote speaker for the event was Max Armstrong, anchor of Farm Progress Broadcast. With much experience as a broadcaster, Max was able to provide the audience with entertainment as well as interesting industry information. He spoke on many topics such as agriculture within schools, the role that agriculture plays in government, as well as sharing some of his own experiences
working in the ag industry.

 

In addition to FFBT customers from Indiana as well as Illinois, we also had a wide variety of industry professionals that attended the event. Representatives came from Farm State Agency and Extension Offices, State Ag Offices, as well as many ag industry partners. It is exciting to see the variety of people that we have attend the event each year!

 

 

Above and Beyond Service

Not only is First Farmers dedicated to serving our customers, we are also willing to go above and beyond for our four legged friends as well! Ashley Howell and Stephanie Koepke from our Kokomo North branch were able to save a lab puppy from running out onto the busy highway on February 20.

Stephanie noticed the puppy roaming around in the parking lot and decided that it was probably alright to leave it be, until she saw her walking out towards US 31!  Acting quickly, Stephanie ran out and was able to keep the pup from the road. She and Ashley kept her in the branch until they could locate the owner.

Ashley states that this was quite a task because the owner could not be found even after multiple Facebook posts, local radio announcements, and even calling local vets. Nothing. Belle, as they began to call her, was quickly turning into another member of their bank family. She was very well behaved and sat quietly while the employees had work to do. Eventually, Ashley was able to track down the owner of the puppy. They were extremely excited to have her back home safely.

It just goes to show, that community service can be shown in many different ways. Way to go girls!.

Get to Know...Aimee Romero!

Aimee is new to our FFBT circle. She recently filled the position of Mortgage officer at the Greentown branch. Aimee is a native of Greentown where she attended Eastern High School. She went on to further her education from Indiana University earning her Bachelors of Science.  Although Aimee is new to First Farmers, she is definitely not new to the banking industry. She has been in the industry for over 11 years. Before moving to First Farmers, She was previously employed at Keybank. She loves the care and sincerity that is shown towards our customers. Aimee states that what she enjoys most about First Farmers is helping people pursue their dream of owning a home.

When Aimee is not busy tending to her new responsibilities with FFBT, she enjoys singing, playing the piano, and making gourmet cupcakes. Yum! She also loves to be involved in her community. She is an active member of RACI (Realtors Association of Indiana). She has also served as the past president of the Local Lenders Association. Aimee and her husband Chase, have three children, two daughters Keyton (9) and Kamryn (22 months) and a son Kaeden (4). Her understanding of the importance of family shows through her interactions with customers. She knows that her customers have families as well, so she tries her hardest to do everything she can to meet their needs. When Aimee is not busy with work, family, and her activities, she is tending to K's-A-Dillas, the new restaurant that her and her husband recently opened in Greentown.

Now you know Aimee Romero! The next time you are in the Greentown area stop in and say hello!

Get to Know...Susan Powell!

We would like for you to get to know Susan Powell, Mortgage Loan Officer and Branch Manager in our Sheridan office. Susan is a native of Tipton where she graduated from Tipton High School. Go Blue Devils! Not only was Susan a Blue Devil, she was also an Indiana Hoosier. She went on to further her education at Indiana University. Susan has been in the banking business for over 37 years. She has enjoyed her move to First Farmers very much because she says there is no other bank with the community atmosphere that First Farmers provides.

Susan and her husband have two daughters and son-in-laws. Her two twin granddaughters are her pride and joy.Just ask her about them and watch her face light up! In her free time, she enjoys flower gardening and being involved in her community. She is a member of the Tipton Extension Center Board as well as the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Board. And when she is not busy with her family or other commitments, Susan loves to collect antiques, watch the Colts play football, and cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers in basketball and football.

Now you know Susan Powell. Be sure to stop in and visit her the next time you are in the Sheridan area!

Get To Know...Ken Perkins!

Ken Perkins holds the title of Vice President/Senior Commercial Lender of First Farmers Bank and Trust. Ken joined the FFBT team in 2004 after spending 24 years with ADM/Moorman Mfg Co. While at ADM, Ken worked in multiple areas ranging from sales management to Swine Specialist for the Midwest and Northeastern states. Once Ken graduated from Indiana University in 1974, he went on to work for Irving Materials Inc. as manager of the concrete plant.

Ken is very active in his community. He is an involved member of the Wabash Friends Church. He also volunteers for "The Access", a youth activity and ministry center. He serves on the board of directors of the Wabash Community Foundation and Wabash County Economic Growth Council. Not only is Ken locally involved with ministry, he also actively travels to South East Asia where he donates his time and efforts helping local farmers improve their agricultural production.

Ken has served on the Certified Livestock Advisory Board and has spoken on behalf of Pork Producers and Dairymen at various local Board Zoning Appeal hearings. In 2008, he was honored as a "Beyond the Gate" recipient at the Indiana Livestock Forum for his support of the Indiana Livestock Producers.

In his spare time, Ken enjoys tending to his small farm, forest, and stocked ponds. Ken can truly understanding the farming lifestyle because it is so present in his own life. Not only is Ken involved with the typical farming lifestyle, he has also been active in various forms of Aquaculture. This type of industry deals with the cultivating of marine or freshwater food fish or shellfish. For the past few years, his particular focus in Aquaculture has dealt with the spawning and growing of yellow perch and bass.

Ken and his wife, Beth, have been married for 38 years. They have three children and 4 wonderful grandchildren. They currently reside in Wabash, Indiana, where they continue to play an active role in their community. Come visit Ken at our Converse branch today!

Now you know...Ken Perkins! 

It's Not Everyday You See This!

Can you guess who this man is running the teller line?

 

Gene Miles, President of First Farmers Bank and Trust

 

It's none other than our very own President of First Farmers Bank and Trust!

Friday, December 14th, Converse held their Customer Appreciation Day. This day was devoted to serving our wonderful customers for their business. They served refreshments all day and had drawings for great FFBT prizes! But not only did we want to serve our customers on this day, our President, Chief Operating Officer, and Regional Branch Manager surprised our tellers by taking over their teller windows so that they could all enjoy a nice lunch together!

This is so special because it shows just what we at First Farmers are all about, service. We dedicate our time and effort to serve all of our customers as well as our employees in any way that we can. It just goes to show that no employee is any less important or valued than the other!

 

Dave Eikenberry, Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

Julie Cain, Regional Branch Manager

 

 

A Look Back

    As we look back on 2012, it is hard to believe where the time had gone. This year is almost gone and new one is quickly approaching. 2013 is coming, but before it does, we at FFBT would like to take a look back on just a few of the new and exciting things that have happened in 2012. The bank is growing and changing, and it's so exciting to see where we have been and look to where we are going in the future.

    January: Nancy Robison (Peru) celebrated her 15th anniversary in banking, while Don Smith (Kokomo Central) celebrated his 30th anniversary!

    February: Brandt Downing and Jordan Foland (Converse) represent FFBT at the Illinois Pork Conference. Kokomo Central hosts a Pet Contest in order to raise money for the Relay for LIfe.

    March: Our Greentown branch participates in the Urban Outreach Supermarket Sweep!

    April: Vikki Sutton (Kokomo South) retires after many years of service with us. The FFBT "Banking for a Cure" hosts a scavenger hunt to benefit the Howard County Relay for Life.

    May: High School graduates have the opportunity to receive $50 for opening a checking account.

    June: Our Relay for Life team reached their goal of $10,000! FFBT employees raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness on Lee National Denin Day. The Cook and Belle concert took place at the Grant County 4-H fair. Sara Douglas (Converse) celebrates her 35th anniversary in banking.

    July: FFBT acquired four new locations in Paris, Oakland, and Terre Haute! Our Tipton branch serves watermelon during the Tipton County 4-H fair. Kokomo branches offer the annual fishing clinic for kids to participate in.

    August: Janet Haworth (Russiaville) celebrates her 35th anniversary in banking. FFBT donated $15,000 to the MIllion Meals Program. Janet Wilde (Knox) receives the Employee of the Quarter Award. Brittany Brown (Paris Main) receives the Excellence award.

    September: Amboy, Greentown, and Sheridan hold their customer appreciations. The Elwood branchparticipates in a walk-a-thon to help raise funds for the Morrisett Center food pantry.

    October: Many FFBT employees as well as others participate in the 6th annual Miami Heartland's Chili Cook-off! Galveston celebrates their customers on customer appreciation day. The Elwood branch receivesthe Pride award from the Chamber of Commerce for their beautifully decorated building! Kokomo branches all help to create a beautiful tree for the 2012 We Care Trim-a-Tree. FFBT employees enjoy dressing up for Halloween!

    November: Russiaville offers great door prizes to their customers on customer appreciation day. Naomi Gross (Galveston) celebrates 35 years in banking! Linda Dever (Converse) celebrates 25 years in banking. FFBT welcomes new employees to our staff!

    December: Joan McReynolds retires after many years as a float/teller. Converse holds their customer appreciation day.

    Looking back on 2012, it's apparent the FFBT has been very busy in many different ways. Even though we have changed so much in a year's time, we still hold tight to our committment to serving our customers with the same old fashioned community service that we always have. We look forward to 2013 and all that it has in store for us! We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

    For additional information and pictures about many of the events and things listed can be found on our Facebook page or our Flickr page. So check us out online!

New FFBT employees!

We are always thrilled to add new members to our wonderful FFBT staff. Here are the newest employees from this quarter. Be sure to welcome them when you see them!

 

 

 

Shane Martin, Credit Analyst - Converse

 

 

 

Shane is a native of Kokomo and graduated from Northwestern High School. Shane currently attends IUK where he is a Senior Finance/Economics major. Shane's prior work experience consists of a service leader at Staples.  Welcome to the team!

 

 

Lori Collom, Teller - Terre Haute

 

 

Ellen Cass, Floater Teller - Tipton

 

 

 

Ellen is a native of Arcadia, IN and graduated from Hamilton Heights High School. Ellen is currently working as a floater and is based out of the Tipton Branch. Ellen has three years of teller experience in the banking industry.  Welcome to FFBT!

 

 

 

Stuart Wood, Credit Analyst - Converse

 

 

 

Stuart is a native of Kokomo and graduated from  Northwestern High School. Stuart is currently attending IUK where he is studying Accounting/Finance. Stuart's prior work experience was with Pepsi. Welcome aboard!

 

 

 

 

 

Naomi Gross Celebrate 35 Years in Banking!

    Naomi Gross, from our Galveston branch is celebrating 35 years in banking! This is such a great accomplishment! So here is a little bit about Naomi to show just how superb she really is.

    Naomi started banking in 1977 in the bookkeeping department at First National Bank in Logansport. In 1993, she came to Galveston as a teller, when the Galveston branch had become First National Bank. From 1998 to the present, she has been an employee of First Farmers Bank and Trust, where she excels in her position as an ISR. Her gracious and helpful spirit reaches her customers and co-workers alike. First Farmers Bank and Trust is so blessed to have such a friendly, kind, and hard working employee. Congratulations Naomi on 35 wonderful years in banking! Don't forget to congratulate her if you visit our Galveston branch.