FFB&T Newsroom

FFBT Wins 4th Overall at the Corporate Challenge

Each year, First Farmers Bank & Trust participates in the Miami County Corporate Challenge. The mission of the Corporate Challenge is to promote a community-wide commitment to health, fitness, and wellness activities. This is accomplished through the planning and execution of a series of events and opportunities for the corporations and businesses in the Peru/Miami County area. The YMCA encourages all companies in Miami County to compete, cheer, and support the team as one. First Farmers Bank & Trust has four branches in Miami County, with participants from each branch.

 

FFBT had 4 bowling teams in the Mixed Men’s and Women’s Bowling event. The teams were as follows:

 

Team 1 – Crystal Scales, Steven Cecil, Vicky Pickering, and Brandt Downing
Team 2 – Julie Cain, Ruth Glassburn, Dave Eikenberry, and Steve Wilson
Team 3 – Carol Savage, Suzanne Arnold, Bruce Savage, and Craig Langley
Team 4 – Amy Million, Greg Million, Amanda Frey, and Paul Maish.

 

We also had a team in the Fishing Derby, which consisted of Pam Camden and her family. They won first place in this competition, as they have the past 6 years in a row! We had 36 employees and family members who participated in the fun walk, which is a 2 mile walk at your convenience. In the 1.6 Mile Race, we had Suzanne Arnold as a participant and 3rd place winner. We also won 6th place in the Cornhole competition, which included Melody Ringeisen and Theresa Bond. Ron Douglas is always a participant in the Racquetball event and won 3rd place this year.

FFBT won 4th place overall! Go Team FFBT!

FFBT Sponsors the Successful Jim 'Moose' Carden Kid's Fishing Clinic

For the past 5 years, First Farmers Bank & Trust has sponsored the Jim ‘Moose’ Carden Kid’s Fishing Clinic in Kokomo, IN. Bart Alexander, Vice President and Commercial/Ag Lender with First Farmers, and his family, have been an integral part of this event’s success for the past 14 years. The clinic is a 2 week annual event that teaches children in the area how to fish and gives them the tools to do so. It began in 1983 as the Kokomo Kid’s Fishing Clinic and was headed by Jim ‘Moose’ Carden and John Martino. Carden passed away in 1990, and Martino chose to rename the event in honor of him. Martino is the current chairman of the event. Also sponsoring this event was Zebco, the City of Kokomo, and the Kokomo Park and Recreation Department.

 

This year, the event took place from July 13th-July 25th and 135 kids participated. During the first meeting, the kids received a rod and reel donated by Zebco and a T-shirt sponsored by First Farmers and Adams Auto Group. The following two sessions began with casting practice in the Kokomo High School Parking lot and followed with various guest speakers. Then the kids were split up by age group and went to two classes each session, with topics including lure presentations, types of rods and reels, outdoor ethics, seasonal patterns, types of bait, and fish cleaning. The sessions ended with “Happy Half Hour” where the kids won various door prizes geared toward helping their fishing experiences. Funds for the door prizes were raised from the Adams Auto Group 6th Annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kid's Fishing Clinic Benefit Bass Tournament which was held in May. During the last session before the big tournament, the kids were entertained by Trick Caster Scotty Lucas, who traveled up from Tennessee with his father to perform at this event.

 

Saturday, July 25th, was the big day of the event, the tournament. Approximately 70 individuals donated their time, their boat, and their equipment to take the kids fishing on the Kokomo Reservoir. Everyone met at the reservoir at 7:00am. John Martino welcomed everyone to the event and expressed the rules and schedule of events, and Mayor Goodnight shared a few words. The kids were out on the water from 8:00-11:00 even though rain showers came through throughout the morning. At 11:00, all of the boats and kids came in to weigh their catch. The Hoosier Open staff weighed each child’s catch and determined who caught the biggest fish in each category. Categories were based on age and were as follows: 6-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-15 years old. The winners for the event were:

 

6-9 years old: Emily Bales, 5 fish, 23 lbs
10-12 years old: Andrew Nearon, 6 fish, 16 lbs
13-15 years old: Camden McGrew, 6 fish 13 lbs

 

In addition to a large trophy, the first place winners also received a rod and reel and a tacklebox donated by Outcasters Bass Club in Indianapolis. As Emily Bales was the overall winner with her 15 lb carp, she also received $25 cash and a certificate from Jeff and Terri Rood of the Hoosier Open. Every child who participated in the tournament received a trophy. After the weigh in, lunch was served to the public, the volunteers, and the kids and parents. Lunch included two hogs, donated by Frank Simpson of Simpsons deer processing in Young America, hotdogs, hamburgers, several sides, and homemade ice cream. Scott Lucas and his father spent the day at the event, helping announce winners and talking to the kids and parents.

More pictures from this event are located in a photo album on our Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marion Branch of FFBT Participates in Sand Sculpting Contest to Benefit CASA of Grant County

On Saturday, July 18th, FFBT sponsored and participated in the First Annual Sand Sculpting Contest to benefit CASA of Grant County. The event was created and led by FFBT employee Michael Belcher’s 11 year old son, Bradley, and 7 year old daughter, Lauren. Bradley Belcher has been involved in several fundraisers in the area and especially enjoys helping organizations that benefit kids. The Community Foundation of Grant County previously recognized his work by naming him Youth Philanthropist of the Year. After discussing the organizations that needed help, Bradley and Lauren chose CASA and decided on a sand sculpture contest. This event was held in memory of Pastor Andy Schramm, who dedicated many years to CASA and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The event was held at The Splash House in Marion. Along with First Farmers, Paddock View Residential Center and Westminster Presbyterian Church also served as sponsors. All three organizations and 10 additional teams participated in the event as well. Teams could contain up to four members and they had from 1:00-6:00 to build their creation. They had an 8’ x 12’ area to work in and IMI donated over 63 tons of sand for the event. The sand was delivered courtesy of Thompson Trucking, and the city of Marion has agreed to store the 63 tons of sand for use next year.

The First Farmers team consisted of Lanita Ferre’, Katie Smock, and James Norris, all of our Marion branch. They build a turtle (picture shown below). Michael Belcher teamed up with Dawn Darga to create Frosty the Sandman (also pictured below). At the end of the contest, several awards were given out. The first was the Schramm Family Award, which was voted on by the Schramm family. The winner of this award was Carey Services. The second award was the People’s Choice Award and was given to the group that collected the most money. This award went to Westminster Presbyterian, who had spent a lot of time collecting money in memory of Pastor Schramm. The final award was the Golden Pail Award, given to the group with the best spirit and who had the most fun. This award went to Paddock View Residential Center.

First Farmers Bank & Trust was very excited to participate in this event and looks forward to participating again next year. It’s great to see employees, and employees’ families, doing so  much for their community. 

  

First Farmers Financial Corporation Welcomes New Board Member

John O’Donnell has been added to the Board of Directors of First Farmers Financial Corporation, the parent company of First Farmers Bank & Trust. O’Donnell resides in Kokomo and is the owner of Reality Investors. John has an extensive background in the financial industry. He began his banking career in 1973 with Union Bank (now Key Bank) and worked there for 11 years as head of trust investments. After moving to American Fletcher Bank (now Chase Bank) in Indianapolis to work in the investment area, John returned to Kokomo with First National Bank in Kokomo as Vice President. During that time, he also formed First National Investments and served as President of the organization. In 2004, he became President and board member of First National Bank and Regional President for Harris Bank in 2006.

John is the current chairman of the Kokomo Howard County Chamber of Commerce, a Vice President of Finance of the Sagamore Council Boy Scouts of America, a board member of the Kokomo Family YMCA, and a member of the Elder Board at Fairview Baptist Church. He currently spends his time working on real estate investments and has been a client of First Farmers Bank & Trust for over 20 years.

John earned his degree from Indiana University’s School of Business and currently resides in Kokomo with his wife Patti. They have 3 children: Ann Cleary, who resides in Leesburg, VA with her husband, David and son, Will, Laura Misinec, who is currently serving as a J.A.G. Officer in Iraq with the U.S. Army with husband, Marcus, who is also a J.A.G. Officer currently serving in Iraq, and Matthew O’Donnell, who resides in Kokomo with his wife, Meagan.

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

On Thursday, July 16th at 7:00PM, Cook & Belle will be performing at the Cass County 4-H Fair. Seth Cook will be performing with them as well. Bret Cook & Michelle Belle are natives of Muncie. Their music mixes passion, soul, and a gospel influence that creates a unique country sound. Make sure to stop by the Cass County Fair: You don't want to miss this event! Admission is free, courtesy of First Farmers Bank & Trust!

IT'S BACK! Find a Friend at the Howard County Fair and WIN $1000!!

Come join First Farmers Bank & Trust at the Howard County 4-H Fair from July 13-18. If you can find a friend from First Farmers Bank & Trust (hint: They will be wearing an FFBT shirt), go up to them and say "I Found a Friend!", and you will be entered into a drawing to win $1000 CASH at the end of the fair as well as other great prizes that will be given away each night of the fair. You will be able to find your friends Mon-Fri from 5:00-9:00pm and on Saturday from 3:00-8:00pm. All you have to do is say "I FOUND A FRIEND!". Each friend will be carrying a limited number of tickets, so come early!! After the fair is over, we will post the winning ticket number for the $1000 CASH on our website at http://www.ffbt.com. If you are the winner, stop by any of our 18 branch locations to redeem your prize. Be sure to bring your winning ticket with you!

As usual, we will be providing shade and water at our hospitality tent. We look forward to seeing you there!

Immediate family members of FFBT employees not eligible.
Need not be present to win $1000 cash prize.
Results will be posted online at www.ffbt.com.
No purchase necessary.
Eligibility not dependent on purchase.
Proceeds subject to all applicable reporting agencies.

FFBT Welcomes New Employees

Deborah Key will be working at our Amboy branch as a part-time card processor. She has worked as a receptionist and legal secretary in the Marion area for many years. Deborah is anxious to learn more about FFBT.

 

 

 

Melissa Scales has worked for FFBT previously through our school to work program. She is currently attending Ball State University. Melissa will be working at Converse temporarily doing scanning on a part-time basis. We are glad to have her back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela Lindley joins FFBT from Central Bank. She has been in bookkeeping and proof operations at Central Bank for 12 years. Pam is familiar with the Kokomo community and will be working at our Kokomo South branch as a teller and back-up CSR on a full time basis.

 

 

 

Kortni Beachy recently returned to Swayzee after working in management and sales in Florida. She previously worked as a substitute teacher at Oak Hill Schools and will be working as a teller at First Farmers’ Greentown location. Kortni enjoys one on one client relationships and looks forward to growing her career in the financial industry.

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Garvin is a native of Miami County and recently joined FFBT as a receptionist at the Converse location. Previous employment includes Director of Inside Sales with FDL/OFG Kokomo and Receptionist/Sales Secretary with Kofabco in Peru. She looks forward to learning more about banking operations.

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Dietrich is a native of the North Judson region and recently joined FFBT as a part time teller at the North Judson location. Nancy has several years of experience in the financial industry, most recently with Bank of Indiana. She hopes to have the opportunity to provide old fashioned customer service to FFBT customers.

 

 

 

 

 

Melody Scalf is a native of Howard County and recently joined First Farmers as Consumer Lender/Mortgage Loan Underwriter in the mortgage department at Converse. She has spent the previous nine years as the office manager/mortgage processor at Mortgage City, Inc in Kokomo and is looking forward to learning more about consumer loans and the banking aspects of mortgages.

 

 

Cody Reaves is participating in the bank's School-to-Work Program. He is currently a senior at Oak Hill High School and will be working at our Converse office as a part time teller.

 

 

 

 

Jill Armstrong will be working out of our Converse office as a commercial loan processor. She has 15 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industries, acting as a mortgage processor for 9 of those years. She is eager to learn more about FFBT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teri Butler was also was previously employeed by FFBT as a teller at our Peru River branch, and has recently been working in the accounting department at Ace Hardware in Peru. After realizing that she missed the customers and atmosphere at FFBT, she decided to come back, working as a full time teller at the Peru River branch.

FFBT Welcomes Several Summer Interns

Every summer, First Farmers provides internships for college students and recent high school graduates in the various departments of the bank.  This year, we are happy to welcome four new interns and four returning interns. 

Jacqueline Collins joined First Farmers Bank & Trust this summer as a receptionist and clerical assistant in the loan department at the Peru Square location. She is a recent Lewis Cass graduate and plans to attend Northern Kentucky University in the fall.

 

 

 

 

 

Courtney Comer joined First Farmers Bank & Trust’s operations department as a teller in the South Central area. She is from the Tipton area and is attending Indiana Wesleyan University. She plans to graduate in 2012 and is studying Accounting and Finance.

 

 

Molly Naphew joined First Farmers Bank & Trust at the Peru River location, where she will serve as a teller. She is from the Walton area and is attending Indiana University in Bloomington. She plans to graduate in 2012 and is studying business.

 

 

Katie Smock joined First Farmers Bank & Trust’s newest branch location in Marion where she will work as a teller. She is from the Marion area and is attending Indiana Wesleyan University. She plans to graduate in 2010 with a degree in Finance.

Amy McKinney returned after working as a teller last summer and over school breaks. This year, she will be located at the Sheridan location. She is from Tipton and is attending Purdue University. Amy plans to graduate in 2011 and is majoring in selling and sales management and minoring in organizational leadership and supervision.

 

 

Daniel Wyant returned after working as a teller last summer. This year, he will be located in the North Central branches, including Converse, Amboy, and Peru. He is from Bunker Hill and is attending Manchester College. He plans to graduate in 2011 and is studying Accounting.

James Norris returned after working as a teller last summer. This year, he will be located at our newest branch location in Marion. He is from Swayzee and is attending Purdue University. He plans to graduate in 2011 and is majoring in accounting and management and minoring in finance.

 

Andrew Norris returned after working as a teller last summer. This year, he is located at our Greentown location. He is from Swayzee and is attending Purdue University. He plans to graduate in Winter 2010 majoring in Actuarial Science and minoring in management and statistics.

New Marion Branch Holds Grand Opening Celebration

On Friday, June 19th, First Farmers Bank & Trust held an open house to celebrate the grand opening of their newest branch location at 830 N Baldwin in Marion, Indiana. This marks the 18th branch location for FFBT. The open house began at noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce. Remote radio broadcasts were held by WXXC and WCJC and a light lunch was provided for those in attendance.

 

The turnout for the event was great, and FFBT appreciates everyone who came out to support the branch opening. “I am incredibly pleased with the strong turnout. I think it speaks volumes for the reputation of the organization and the aesthetics of the new facility,” states Tade Powell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Michael Belcher, who joined First Farmers last summer, will serve as Branch Manager of the location. He is from the Grant County area and is excited to bring community based banking back to his Marion clients. Lanita Ferre, who has served as a teller and CSR in other branch locations, has become Assistant Branch Manager. Tade Powell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, has relocated to this branch and is a resident of Grant County. Alicia Transier has moved from the Converse location to become the Customer Service Representative for the Marion location. For the summer, FFBT also has employed two summer interns, James Norris and Katie Smock. James has worked in the summer intern program previously and is attending Purdue University. Katie Smock is a Marion resident and is attending Indiana Wesleyan University.

Greentown Holds 3rd Annual Ride for Relay

 

On Saturday, May 30th, approximately 18 bikes participated in the Greentown branch’s 3rd annual Ride for Relay to benefit Relay for Life. The ride started at the Greentown branch at 10:15, and then proceeded to Kokomo’s Harley-Davidson store, our FFBT Elwood branch, Wabash branch, and Peru branch before stopping at our headquarters in Converse for lunch and prize drawings. The 1st place prize went to Alan Wyant and 2nd place went to Cameron Keck. The event helped raise over $400 for Relay for Life, contributing to the Greentown branch’s total contribution of $3859. Greentown has sold cookbooks, held rides and walks, and has participated in many other activities to help the Relay for Life’s cause.