FFB&T Newsroom

Annual Ag Client Seminar Achieves Increased Attendance, Focus, and Scope

The 17th Annual FFBT Agricultural Client Seminar was hosted at the Roseburg Event Center on February 22nd and over 180 industry representatives attended the event. The seminar has gradually evolved since its inception and the positive response from attendees recently reflects a sustained interest in unique industry perspectives offered by the high profile speakers.  The general theme of the presentation focused on productivity, sustainability, and the importance of the transparency of sound agricultural practices. All speakers echoed that concerted efforts need to continue to better educate a public that is now far removed from food production on important standards maintained in both livestock production and environmental sustainability. As stewards of the industry, farmers are taking an active role in sharing their views on how to best manage sustained productivity while maintaining effective soil and water practices. 

Ken Perkins again reflected on his continuing efforts in Laos and the importance of farmers to focus on managed productivity growth through sound practices against the back drop of feeding a growing third world population.  Hugues Rinfret, Director of Research at MetLife Agricultural Investments, discussed general economic trending of the industry and market impact expectations. Jason Tucker, Strategic Officer at John Deere, offered updates on the technological advancement in farm equipment as it pertains to communication and monitoring and also spoke about how his company is proactively developing initiatives to meet the needs of the industry dynamics.  

Our keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Patrick Moore, Co-Founder of GreenPeace International and Founder of Greenspirit.  He began by talking at length about his origins in GreenPeace and their effective application of grassroots support to end commercial whaling and nuclear testing but also spoke at length of the general seperation from scientific research that has developed in the modern environmental movement and his current role in helping to working with key industries to reach goals that satisfy both societal needs and sustainable use of resources and production. He clearly offered a unique perspective on critical topics in the industry and many attendees offered appreciation for hosting a speaker of his caliber. 

To close out the event, Jerry Carroll, a Farmer Humorist and Agricultural Comedian, made everyone laugh with stories from his days working on a farm in North Carolina with stylings similar to the red neck comedy tour.

 Also in attendance with clients and prospects were a wide variety of industry professionals from Farm Service Ageanices , Purdue Extension offices, State Ag Offices, and Ag Industry Partners.

-Tade Powell

1st Quarter Employee Updates

Anniversaries

Lorinda Fuller celebrated her 25th Anniversary with the bank on Friday, March 2nd.  She works in the bookkeeping department, where's she's been since 1987.  Her department had a party for her in Converse to celebrate her years of success with the bank.  Congratulations Lorinda! 

Don Smith celebrated his 30th Anniversary in banking, starting at Central Bank, before coming to FFBT in 2009.  He took over for his father as President & CEO of Central Bank in 2005 and is now an integral part of the FFBT team.  Congratulations, Don!

Janet Layman celebrated her 25th Anniversary with FFBT on February 2nd.  She has been with the bank since 1987 and started as a teller, before moving into the loan department.  Janet said, "At one time, we only had one computer for the loan department and two people!" She is happy to work with such a great team of employees and has enjoyed seeing the many changes in the bank's history.  Congratulations, Janet!

 

Retirement

Vikki Sutton retired on March 30th after several years in banking.  Several years before she started at FFBT as a teller, she was Branch Manager at Citizens National Bank in Tipton, IN.  She will miss her bank family, but is looking forward to spending time on the lake, golfing, and in Florida.  Congratulations Vikki, and enjoy retirement!

Recognition & Awards

Karen Symons received the Outstanding Employee Award for 4th Quarter of 2011 and was presented with a trophy.  This is not the first time Karen's been nominated for the award as she has proven to be a dedicated, hard-working team member!  As part of Karen's nominations, it stated that she goes above and beyond for her mortgage customers by making herself available when they are available and really listening to the needs of her customers.  She is a great officer to work for, very considerate, and always willing to help.  She is very supportive of the Greentown community and helps at various community events and fundraisers.  Congratulations Karen!  We appreciate all you have done and continue to do!

Danielle Binkley and Darlene Posey were given the Outstanding Service Awards for 2011.  Danielle came to FFBT through the acquisition of the Knox branch in 1996, but has been working at that branch for 22 years.  She is now the Assistant Branch Manager/ISR/Back Up CSR and was nominated for the award because of her passion for outstanding customer service, both to customers and her fellow employees.  Thank you Danielle!  Darlene is the CSR at our Elwood branch and has also been with the bank for 22 years.  Darlene was nominated for this award because of her many years of excellent customer service for both customers and employees.  Thank you Darlene!

New FFBT Members This Quarter

In the 1^st Quarter of 2012, we welcomed a few new employees at our various locations!  Be sure to welcome them when you see them!

Lindsay Bowers joined FFBT as a part-time teller and receptionist and will be traveling to our many branches.  She came to the bank with around seven years of experience in banking and customer service and after a time away from banking, it excited to return and meet the customers in her area.

 

Melissa Nufrio joined FFBT as a part-time teller in Sheridan.  She has several years of experience in customer service and is very involved in her community as a case worker.  She attended Ball State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

 

Marla Krulik joined FFBT as a part-time teller in Knox.  She has over 10 years in experience in customer service, sales, and supervising.  In her free time, she assists with the Pop Warner Organization and is very familiar with the Knox community.

 

 

Arielle Anderson joined FFBT as a part-time teller in Knox as well.  She has a few years of experience in cash handling and customer service.  She was president of her class and her 4-H Club for five years and has played an active rold in 4-H for many years.