FFB&T Newsroom

Indiana Business Journal Business Profiles

First Farmers Bank & Trust (FFMR) offers its customers the best of both worlds: old-fashioned service combined with state-of-the-art banking products. Some call it "today's bank with yesterday's values."
    

And that's just fine with First Farmers, which is proud of its past and focused on the future. Based in tiny Converse, Indiana, it has been serving rural farming communities for almost 130 years. The bank remains committed to those customers, but it has also broadened its reach to include mid-sized communities like Kokomo, Terre Haute, Marion and Huntington. And its banking expertise has broadened from the agricultural industry to commercial businesses of all kinds. 

"We are committed to rural communities and have proven to be both a very progressive institution while retaining the core philosophy of community banking. At the same time, our service concept translates well to larger mid-sized markets as well," said First Farmers President and Chief Executive Officer Gene Miles.

Today, First Farmers offers a range of services - from deposit and investment accounts to commercial loans and leasing - that its commercial and Ag clients need to succeed.

First Farmers' reputation has soared right along with the number of services it offers. American Banker magazine recently ranked the Top Community Banks in the nation based on average three-year return on equity. First Farmers ranked an impressive 13th in the country. It was the only bank in Indiana among the top 75 and one of the only three Hoosier banks in the top 100.

With assets of $1.2 billion, First Farmers has more than 50,000 clients served by 27 offices. It has locations throughout Hamilton, Johnson, Cass, Grant, Howard, Huntington, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Starke, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo and Wabash counties in Indiana,  and three offices in Coles and Edgar counties in Illinois.

First Farmers has been in growth mode lately, announcing in May that it is buying the deposits of nine BMO Harris Bank branches. It will acquire seven of the nine branch buildings and will assume responsibility for the employees of all nine branches, which are located in Marion, Logansport, Terre Haute, Farmersburg, Sullivan, Clay City, Brazil, Carlisle and Shelburn.

Last Year, First Farmers entered the Indianapolis-area market when it bought four Bank of Indiana offices, including one in Bargersville in Johnson County.  First Farmers has had a presence in Hamilton County since 1998 with an office in Sheridan.

"Expansion and growth is welcome but only if we remain true to our core mission of exceptional customer service. Our model works ...so a consistency in approach is as important in smaller markets as it is in larger ones. This acquisition fits nicely with our history of supporting rural communities. We are confident our services and products will complement these types of communities," added Miles.

While the availability of First Farmers' services is spreading to commercial enterprises big and small throughout the state, so is its full line of personal and financial planning services. "It is imperative that a bank have a full complement of services and delivery channels today. We have  to match our much larger competitors in terms of e-commerce and convenience. At the same time, we offer the added value of significant experience in the Ag industry and a comprehensive client relationship. We consider our client experience to be very reflective of a traditional banking model in the way we interact and communicate with our customers," said Tade J. Powell, VP-Marketing & Public Relations.

Whether working with a business or a personal banking client, individual attention is the foundation upon which the bank has existed since 1885.

First Farmers Bank & Trust is proud of that rich tradition as a solid financial force with the highest of ideals. As First Farmers looks to the future, it will continue to focus on its strength of providing state of the art banking with old-fashioned service.

    

 

First Farmers Bank & Trust (FFMR) Acquisition Press Release

 

Converse, IN First Farmers Financial Corporation (FFMR), parent company of First Farmers Bank & Trust, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire deposit relationships of nine BMO Harris Bank N.A. Indiana branches. The purchase includes deposit relationships at locations in Marion, Logansport, Terre Haute, Farmersburg, Sullivan, Clay City, Brazil, Carlisle and Shelburn, Indiana.  First Farmers Bank & Trust will also acquire seven of the nine branches and retain the employees from all nine locations.  The acquisition does not include any loans (other than overdraft lines of credit), commercial accounts, accounts with cash management services and certain other deposit accounts associated with those locations.

“First Farmers Bank & Trust continues to uphold the philosophy and principles of community banking in a variety of markets. These new locations are representative of markets that our organization has successfully served for generations and we are very confident that our products and style service will be well received”, Gene Miles, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Farmers Bank & Trust.

As of February 2014, the branches had deposits of approximately $134 million.  Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the latter part of 2014.

First Farmers Financial Corp (FFMR) is a $1.2 billion financial holding company headquartered in Converse, Indiana. First Farmers Bank & Trust has 24 offices throughout Cass, Grant, Hamilton, Howard, Huntington, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Johnson, Starke, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo and Wabash counties in Indiana and 3 offices in Coles and Edgar counties in Illinois.

 

 

 

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!

 

 

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!”

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!

Get to Know More about Gene Miles on his Birthday!

Today, the community of First Farmers Bank and Trust would like to wish our President, Gene Miles, a very happy birthday!

            

Gene, the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers Bank and Trust, is a very valuable member of our bank. Gene was a graduate of Purdue University and has been involved in banking for over 30 years. His experience in banking along with his background in agriculture has helped him in leading the bank to the successful position that it is in today. Gene has served in many positions within banking, these would include: 

•   Commercial Loan Officer, 
•  Compliance Officer
• Investment Officer
• Marketing Officer
• Accounting Officer.

This was all before taking his current position of President and CEO of First Farmers, where he oversees the general management of the company as well as managing stockholder and director relations.

Gene is so much more than just an extremely knowledgeable and successful President and CEO of the bank. Hewas raised, like many other farmers, helping on his family's grain operation producingcorn and soybeans, and raising livestock. He and his wife Cheryl are currently residing in Greentown, Indiana where they have raised three children. Gene enjoys his involvement with philanthropic organizations including the Community Foundation of Miami County and Saint Joseph Hospital Board of Directors. Gene loves tennis and really enjoys watching his daughter participate in collegiate tennis. He is very active in the lives of every employee that works at this bank as well.

Gene is more than just the President and CEO of the bank, he a friendly and caring reminder of what First Farmers is really about, state of the art banking, with oldfashioned customer service!

 

 

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.

2012 Ag Client Seminar Speakers Announced!

This year's speakers for the 17th Annual Agricultural Client Seminar speakers are excited to share their knowledge of current events and trends in the industry.  Learn more about them below.  Excerpts from their presentations will be posted online after the event, so stay tuned!

 

Hugues J. Rinfret, CFA, FRM
Director of Research, MetLife Agricultural Investments
Mr. Rinfret joined the MetLife Agricultural Investments team in July 2005.  He is responsible for market research and portfolio risk analysis relevant to Agricultural Investments at MetLife, ranging from production agriculture to agribusiness and timberland investments.  He has over 18 years of experience in agricultural market research in both the consulting and financial industries.  Mr. Rinfret has authored articles in industry publications like Poultry USA and Feedstuffs and has produced quarterly newsletters addressing current market and policy issues.  After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, Hugues spent four years at Global Insight with the Canadian Agricultural Service in Philadelphia.  From there, he joined the Agribusiness team at SunTrust Bank in Atlanta developing analytical capabilities to enhance portfolio risk management and market research.  He also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation and grew up on a dairy and cash crop farm near Montreal, Canada. 

 

Jason Tucker
Strategic Officer, John Deere & Company
Jason Tucker is Strategic Lead for the Agriculture & Turf Division of Deere & Company, a position he has held since August 2010.  Tucker is responsible for the development of market opportunities leading to a portfolio of solutions for customers within the geography of US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Tucker joined Deere & Company in 1997 as a product marketing manager and has held a variety of management positions in sales, marketing, and corporate business development.  A native of a small town tobacco farming operation in North Carolina, Tucker is a 1997 Ag Business graduate of North Carolina State University.  He received an MBA in 2002.  He is a past board member of the North Carolina Chapter of Alpha Zeta Agricultural Fraternity and active member of the National Eagle Scout Alumni Association and Boy Scouts of America.

 

Dr. Patrick Moore, Ph.D.
Founder of Greenspirit
Dr. Patrick Moore has been a leader in the international environmental field for over 30 years. He is a founding member of Greenpeace and served for nine years as President of Greenpeace Canada and seven years as a Director of Greenpeace International. As the leader of many campaigns, Dr. Moore was a driving force shaping policy and direction while Greenpeace became the world's largest environmental activist organization.  In recent years, Dr. Moore has been focused on the promotion of sustainability and consensus building among competing concerns. He was a member of the British Columbia government-appointed Round Table on the Environment and Economy from 1990-1994. In 1990, Dr. Moore founded and chaired the BC Carbon Project, a group that worked to develop a common understanding of climate change.  As Chair of the Sustainable Forestry Committee of the Forest Alliance of BC, he leads the process of developing the "Principles of Sustainable Forestry" which have been adopted by a majority of the industry.  In 1991 Dr. Moore founded Greenspirit, a consultancy focusing on environmental policy and communications in natural resources, biodiversity, energy, and climate change.

Most ag producers would find it unusual that a founding member of Greenpeace, one of the world’s largest environmental activist groups would now be preaching the myths and misinformation leading the green movement.  Well that’s just what took place during the Indiana Livestock Forum on Dec. 18 in 2008, as Dr. Patrick Moore, founding member of Greenpeace and Greenspirit founder took the stage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis as a keynote speaker.

'In the 1960s I was a reborn ecologist and rallied against hydrogen bombing, which was a major turning point in my life and became the birthplace of Greenpeace,' Moore explained.

Several of First Farmers Bank & Trust's lenders were present at Lucas Oil in 2008 and heard Dr Patrick Moore speak.  Over the years First Farmers has provided dynamic and currently relevant speakers for our agricultural and agri-business clients.  I encourage you to join us on Wednesday February 22^nd. 

This is an opportunity that you do not want to miss! 

 -Norman Lavengood, Sr. Vice President, First Farmers Bank & Trust

 

Jerry Carroll
Farmer Comedian & Agricultural Speaker
Jerry found humor growing up on his family’s farm. From the time he could walk, Jerry joined his father and uncle to farm 130 acres of flue cured tobacco, 500 acres of corn, 500 acres of small grain, 500 acres of soybeans, 40 head of cattle, and 5,000 hogs per year.  Spending 14 hours a day in a tractor cab gave Jerry plenty of time to think about his life’s dream of entertaining people and making them laugh. Since beginning in 1993, Jerry has performed for crowds in venues ranging from local cattlemen’s association banquets to the Ministers of Provincial Parliament in Toronto, Canada.  Besides corporate events and conventions, Jerry has opened concerts for musical artists such as Michael Bolton, Patty Loveless, Lyle Lovett, and Larry Gatlin. Everywhere he goes, he leaves audiences roaring with laughter.  When he’s not on the road making people laugh, Jerry still works the fields of his family’s farm.