FFB&T Newsroom

FFBT Went to China!

In late summer of 2011, First Farmers Bank & Trust gained a great deal of media attention for the coordination of an international exploratory visit to the People’s Republic of China. For almost two weeks, a diverse group of FFBT directors, management personnel, select clients, and industry and elected officials traveled in an attempt to better understand the inherent links of developing agricultural processes, technology, and trade with the most populist nation in the world. 

The scheduling and logistics of the event were coordinated by FFBT in cooperation with the Chinese government at the direction of key FFBT clients with agricultural investments in varying parts of the country. A comprehensive travel itinerary kept the entire party quite busy and allowed the group to log over 4500 miles in transit and within the country itself.  A variety of facilities specializing in food production, processing, and distribution were visited along with tours of cultural and civic entities in different regions to better understand the diverse standard of living that exists in various parts of the country. 

“You simply can’t begin to comprehend the future of the global agricultural industry without properly examining the dynamics that exist in the Far East.  Given our level of involvement in the ag industry, it is simply a necessity to better understand the impact that China will continue to have on the global marketplace for food" stated Gene Miles, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers Bank & Trust.  “We certainly enjoyed the experience, but given our scheduling and travel, this was clearly not a relaxing trip. However, we have a much better understanding of the stage of development that various provinces are in, and we definitely better recognize the relevance of their efforts and commitment to feeding a staggering population. It was incredibly rewarding, and I think it has really given us a perspective on the central differences between cultures in the realm of agriculture".

4th Quarter Employee Updates

The 4th Quarter of 2011 was a busy year for employee promotions, transfers, educational advancements, and retirements.  Most recently, Jennifer McConahay made the move to become a Mortgage Lender for the Converse and Marion areas.  She's been working in the mortgage department in Converse for a little over a year and is excited about her new position!

 

 

Melody Scalf has decided to take an open position in the Internet Banking Department.  This is a recent change for Melody, who started as a Mortgage Loan Clerk at the bank over 2 years ago, and she's looking forward to helping customers with their Internet Banking and eStatement questions and needs!

 

 

Ben Barnett has been promoted to Loan Review Specialist in Converse to take over for Linda Rodgers following her retirement.  He started with the bank a little over a year ago as a Teller at the Peru River branch.  He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and is looking forward to learning more about his new position.

 

 

During the summer, Paul McCann attended and graduated from the Indiana Bankers Association's Commercial Lending School.  The program takes place at the IBA's Center for Professional Development and each IBA education program is carefully designed under the direction of experienced bankers, academicians, regulators, and industry consultants. 

 

 

At the end of the year, two employees decided to retire from the bank after many years of service.  Carol Ploughe retired on December 2nd after over 38 years of service.  During that time, she held various positions and played an integral role in the bank's success.  At retirement, she was serving as the IRA Specialist for all of our locations.  We are very thankful to have such a person as part of our team for so long and we appreciate everything she's done during her time here.  Her retirement party wa held on December 2nd and many stopped by to say congratulate her.  Carol is excited for her retirement, but said she would miss seeing all of the friends she's made on a daily basis.

 

 

And just last week, Linda Rodgers retired from FFBT after over 33 years in banking.  She has worked for several different banking institutions over the years and has gone through three mergers.  Linda has held various positions over the years including Mortgage Officer, Branch Manager at the Peru River Location, and most recently, Loan Review Specialist in Converse.  She is looking forward to being more involved in different activities and has enjoyed working with everyone in the community and at the bank.  Her retirement party was held on December 22nd in Converse and many stopped by to see her on her last day.

New Faces at FFBT!

In the 4th Quarter of 2011, we welcomed several new employees at our various locations.  Learn a little more about them below!

Charisse Johnson is the new Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer in Elwood.  She has over twenty years of experience in lending & banking.  Charisse has held various titles with other financial institutions, such as Personal Banker, Branch Manager, Account Executive, and Loan Officer.  She is looking forward to starting her career with FFBT and getting to know members of the community.

 

 

Jarrod Smith has filled the position of Customer Service Representative and Teller at the Wabash branch.  He is a graduate of the Indiana Institute of Technology and is looking forward to beginning his career in the banking industry.

 

 

Britney Parsley is the new Customer Service Representative and Teller at our Kokomo North branch.  She came to us with several years of experience in banking.  She is involved in many different local organizations in Howard County and grew up in the area. 

 

 

 

Faith Plank has accepted the position of Customer Service Representative in Greentown.  Faith is attending Ivy Tech Community College, where she has already obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.  She is looking forward to getting to know her coworkers and customers in Greentown! 

 

 

 

Amy Williams is a new Teller at the Tipton location.  She might seem like a familiar face because she has been with us in the past.  Amy worked for FFBT as a Teller at the Tipton branch from 1999 to 2004, and decided to stay home and raise her family.  Amy is excited to be back at the bank, and we are glad to have her! 

 

 

Amanda Larmer is a new float teller.  She travels to our South and Central branches as needed and is currently helping to open accounts at our Kokomo South branch.  She comes to us with around 7 years of experience in customer service, sales, and cash handling and is from the Galveston area. 

First Farmers Financial Corporation Announces Agreement to Acquire First Citizens of Paris, Inc.

Converse, Indiana and Paris, Illinois, December 14, 2011 - First Farmers Financial Corporation, Converse, Indiana and First Citizens of Paris, Inc, Paris, Illinois, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement under which First Citizens of Paris will merge into a subsidiary of First Farmers.  First Citizens of Paris is the holding company for Citizens National Bank of Paris, which will be merged into First Farmers Bank & Trust, First Farmers’ wholly-owned subsidiary bank.

 

At September 30, 2011, First Farmers had $875 million in assets and operates 20 branches in eleven counties throughout North Central Indiana.  First Citizens had $205 million in assets and operates two branches in Paris, Illinois, one in Oakland, Illinois, and one in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

 

Under the terms of the agreement, First Farmers will pay First Citizens’ shareholders cash equal to 101% of adjusted book value at the effective date of the transaction.  At September 30, 2011, First Citizens had a total book value of $19.7 million which, net of $3.0 million of adjustments to the carrying value of specifically identified assets, equals adjusted net book value of $16.7 million.  Based on 215,679 shares outstanding, First Citizens’ shareholders would have received $78.12 per share if the transaction had been consummated as of September 30th.  The transaction is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2012.

 

Gene Miles, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers stated, “This agreement represents a cooperative effort to bring two outstanding community banks together in a very progressive way. We look forward to working with the staff of First Citizens to build on their exceptional record of community involvement while learning how we can best serve the Greater Edgar, Coles and Vigo County markets.  We are especially excited to expand on First Citizens’ agricultural customer base given our organizations historic strengths in the industry. The markets served by First Citizens  are very similar to those that we have served since 1885 and we are very confident that the philosophy of our organization will fit in well in these communities.  Our strong capital position and earnings history has allowed us to continually extend our geographical reach but our commitment to community banking is what has allowed our organization to prosper in markets such as these.” 

 

Bill Minnis, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens added, “First Farmers provides the financial strength and resources that will allow us to better serve our customers and communities, particularly our agricultural customers and rural communities.  Their banking philosophy and commitment to community banking matches our tradition of providing outstanding customer service and active community involvement and support.”

 

In connection with this transaction, Mike Renninger of Renninger & Associates, LLC acted as financial advisor, and Tom Blank of Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, LLP served as counsel to First Farmers Financial Corp.  Scott Martorana of FinPro, Inc. acted as financial advisor, and Ted Eissfeldt and Joe Hemker of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC served as counsel to First Citizens of Paris, Inc.

 

For further information regarding this release please contact Gene Miles at 765-395-3316 or Bill Minnis at 217-465-7641.

Join us This Weekend for the Amboy Fall Festival!

This weekend, the town of Amboy will be hosting their annual Fall Festival.  FFBT has been a sponsor of this for many years.  On Friday, stop by the U.C.E Building to watch Amboy's Got Talent at 7:00pm.  This contest will feature all ages and talents and there are cash prizes for the top 3 acts.

The following activites will be held on Saturday:

8-10am: Biscuits & Gravy

9:15am: Parade Line-up

10:00am: Parade Begins (Hometown Heroes Theme)

11:00-2:00: Car/Truck/Bike Show Registration sponsored by FFBT

11:00-3:00: Music at the Pavilion

11:30am: CID Irish Dancers (inside building)

12:30pm: Jim Snapp Magic (inside building)

2:00-4:00: Car/Truck/Bike Show sponsored by FFBT

Northwest Corner of the Park

1:30pm: PTA Team

2:00pm: Von Lick Kennel K9's

3:00pm: Square Dancing

4:00-7:00: Beef & Noodle Supper

6:00pm: Paul Stout

8:00-11:00: Teen Dance ($1 per person)

Also, enjoy food, kid's games, penny pitch, 50/50 drawing, free pony rides, a cakewalk, flea market, and booths all day!

On Sunday, join Amboy for:

10:00am: Community Church at the Park with Paston Jeff Herron of Amboy United Methodist Church

11:30am: Community Pitch In picnic at the park

12:30pm: Corn Hole Sign Up

1:00pm: Corn Hole Games

             Kid's Games

             Wiffle Ball Game

6:30pm: Community Singsparation with Pastor Dwight Elliot and the Friends Church

 

We hope to see you this weekend!

Greentown Branch Holding "You've Been Flocked" Fundraiser for Relay for Life

The Greentown branch is doing something a little different to raise money for Relay for Life starting this month.  It's called Flocking, and here's how it works:

For $25 or more, you can have your family and friends' yards flocked with pink flamingos.  For an extra $10 in Hush Money, you can remain anonymous to the recipient. 

For a $10 donation, the recipient can have the flamingos removed from their yard within 24 hours, but for an extra $10, the flamingos will be moved to a yard of the receipient's choice.  For an additional $5, you can find out who "flocked" your yard (unless Hush Money was accepted).

"Pink Flamingo Insurance" is also available.  You can purchase this insurance for between $15-25 and this will keep your yard "flock" free for up to 1 year.

100% of the proceeds benefit the First Farmers Bank & Trust Relay for Life Team, "Banking for a Cure".

Have someone with a special birthday coming up?  We can also do special "flockings" for a free will donation. 

To schedule a "flocking" or purchase insurance, call Jodi Cecil at (765) 628-3309.

Download FLAMINGO FLOCKING ORDER FORM

Summer Events

First Farmers' branches and employees have been very busy this summer volunteering and sponsoring various events throughout our communities.  Below are a few examples of what we've participated in.  For more information and photos from these and other events, visit our Facebook and Flickr pages. 

 

Relay for Life

Howard and Miami County branches work year round to raise money for their counties' Relay for Life organizations.  Through events such as "Second Chance Prom", Cards for the Cure, Walk for Relay, Howard County branches were able to raise over $10,000 and Miami County branches were able to raise over $2500.  Keep checking in to learn more about events that will take place to benefit this great cause!

 

4-H Fairs

Each year, commercial officers and branch managers spend time at their counties' 4-H fairs.  They help at the auction, help man booths, and purchase animals.  This year was no different.  In addition, the Cass County branches again hosted Cook & Belle at the Cass County 4-H Fair.  Cook & Belle is a soul/gospel group that is very popular in our area and put on a great show.  We were happy to be able to sponsor them again.  At the Tipton County Fair, Tipton officers served watermelon during the Hog Show.  Visitors were eager for something refreshing as they were working in record heat.  At the Howard County Fair, FFBT sponsored Pioneer Village celebrated it's 25th anniversary, the last remaining Round Barn in Howard County was being assembled, and First Farmers gave four lucky winners "A Night on the Town" at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Indy.

 

CASA Sand Sculpture Artfest

For the third consecutive year, CASA of Grant County held Sand Sculpture Artfest.  This event was developed by the two children of FFBT's Commercial Lender, Michael Belcher.  Greg Thompson, a Grant County resident and FFBT Loan Officer, and his family competed on behalf of First Farmers.  The event was a huge success.  More information on the event can be found at CASA of Grant County's Facebook Page.

 

Peru Circus & Customer Appreciation

During the week of July 17th, the city of Peru welcomed the Circus and held a Circus Parade on Saturday.  All of the businesses decorated in a Circus Theme and the Peru River branch hosted a Customer Appreciation Week.  They had popcorn, drinks, and balloons for the kids.  They also gave away prizes each day.  Alice Dawalt, Carrie Taylor, Gene Winters, and Deb Cline were daily winners of FFBT gear.   Sue Burnett was the lucky grand prize winner of 2 Indiana Beach Passes!

 

Jim "Moose" Carden Kid's Fishing Clinic

FFBT again sponsored the Fishing Clinic that is held at Kokomo High School and the Kokomo Resevoir each summer.  This year, an anonymous donor paid the entry fee for over 100 kids that signed up to attend.  They receive lessons from local fisherman about bait, responsible fishing, lures, cleaning fish, and many other topics.  They also each receive a rod and reel and various prizes. One of the highlights of the training portion of the clinic is seeing Scotty Lucas perform tricks.  Scotty has been at the Clinic for over 25 years now and teaches kids trickcasting and teachers parents the importance of spending time with children, even if it's not fishing.  At the end of training, on Saturday, July 30th, many boat captains take the kids out for a fishing tournament.  They separate the kids into age brackets and after the fish are weighed, hand out awards and serve lunch.  The winners were:

Ages 6-9 Division: Dakota Thompson

Ages 10-12 Division: Parker Sullivan

Ages 13-15 Division: Alex Knight

Biggest Catch of the Day: Allison George

Bart Alexander, Commercial Loan Officer at FFBT, volunteers extensively at the event, along with his 3 girls. 

 

Summer Reading Club

FFBT again sponsored the Kokomo Library's Summer Reading Club and attended the after party on July 21st at Kokomo Beach.  Throughout the summer, kids are given reading assignments based on their age group and this year's theme was "Around the World". 

 

Duck Derby

First Farmers sponsored this year's Duck Derby at Kokomo Beach that was hosted by Samaritan Caregivers.  Employees manned a tent and raffled off beach towels throughout the event.  Our FFBT Duck, created by Linda Clark, placed 10th in the race!  Despite the heat, several attended the event and had fun watching the race and cooling off in the pool later.

 

Wabash Business After Hours

On Thursday, July 28th, the Wabash branch hosted Business After Hours through the Chamber of Commerce.  They recently updated the inside of the branch with new paint and furnishings.  The event lasted from 4-6pm and there were snacks and drinks for everyone.  Each attendee also received a gift from First Farmers, a rain gauge.  Now let's hope for some rain!

 

Corporate Challenge

Several employees participated in this year's Miami County Corporate Challenge, and overall FFBT placed 5th!  Peru Utilities came in first place, followed by Orion Safety Products, Doane Keyes, and Western Reman.

In the 18 Hole Golf Scramble event, the FFBT team of Paul McCann, Paul Maish, Mark Jones, and Kent Glassburn placed 2nd.  In the Women's 1.6 Mile Run, Allysha Brown placed 1st with a time of 11:52!  In Bowling event, two teams competed for FFBT.  Kris & Justin Heirs and Amanda & Zach Frey placed 5th and Carol Savage, Paul Maish, and Amy & Greg Million placed 7th.  In the Fishing Derby, Pam Camden and her family placed 4th.  In the cornhole event, Carrie Minns and Dick Schaffhausen teamed up and got 8th place.  In the Men's Racquetball competition, Ron Douglas came in 1st place!  Great job, FFBT teams!

To view photos from these events, go to our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/firstfarmers.  We'll continue to update you on events as they come up, so check back often!

First Farmers Bank & Trust Earns Three Major Banking Industry Awards

CONVERSE, INDIANA, July 22, 2011 … First Farmers Bank & Trust (FFBT) has earned recognition for outstanding performance from three different industry sources in the past several weeks.

Five Star Member

For the third consecutive year, the Bank received a Five Star Member Award at the Indiana Bankers Association’s Mega Conference held in May at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Award was presented to FFBT President and CEO Gene Miles in recognition of excellence in five separate categories of bank performance. To receive the award, institutions must show outstanding commitment in the areas of Political Awareness, Issue Advocacy, Life-Long Learning, Volunteerism, and Community Involvement.

FFBT’s Tade J. Powell, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, served as master of ceremonies for the annual Maxi awards presentations for Marketing excellence at the Conference. Representatives from 94 Indiana banks attended the three-day event.

The Bank also earned prestigious recognition from two additional financial services organizations  in recent weeks:

Proven Performer

First Farmers Financial Corporation, an FFBT company, was one of only 167 institutions nationwide to receive the “Proven Performers Award 2011” from Fiserv, the leading global provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for the financial services industry.

The Fiserv’s award is presented in recognition of sustained outstanding performance and exemplary achievements in profitability, growth and risk management, and “for setting standards that inspire accomplishment.”

5-Star Bank

The third honor bestowed on FFBT recently was the 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. The 5-Star rating is the highest achievable, and is based on financial strength and performance.  FFBT has received the 5-Star rating for twelve consecutive quarters.

FFBT has also earned the “Recommended” rating from BauerFinancial for the past 20 years without interruption. To receive that recommendation, an institution must excel in areas including capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability.

First Farmers Bank & Trust, established in 1885, is headquartered in Converse and  serves over 40,000 clients in North Central Indiana from 20 conveniently located branch offices. The Bank offers online banking services at www.ffbt.com, and  maintains a Facebook presence at facebook.com/firstfarmers.

The Bank is a member of the FDIC.

And the Winning Ticket Numbers Are...

The Winning Numbers for "A Night on the Town" giveaway are:

000526
001683
001687
002088

Call Mary Sutton at (765) 395-3316 if you have one of the matching winning ticket numbers!

Cook & Belle to Perform Again at Cass County 4-H Fair

 

On Thursday, July 14th at 7:30pm, Cook & Belle will be performing at the outside stage at the Cass County 4-H Fair.  Cook & Belle mix raw passion, soul, and gospel to create a country sound all their own.  Admission is FREE courtesy of First Farmers Bank & Trust and we are excited to again be sponsoring this great event.  Stop by and see us on Thursday, July 14th at 7:30pm at the Cass County 4-H Fair to hear this great band!

For more information, please call (574) 722-6506.