OUTSTANDING CORPORATION/BUSINESS
This award recognizes a corporation or business that has created a culture of philanthropy within their organization and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy through its: 1) financial support of one or more nonprofit organizations, 2) leadership involvement and 3) volunteer participation and commitment of its workforce in establishing a role model for other businesses in our community. This award does not recognize a single individual representing a corporation or business, but rather the work of the entire corporation or business.
2017 Recipient: First Farmers & Merchants Bank
First Farmers & Merchants Bank of Luverne is this year’s Outstanding Corporation or Business. This award is given to a business that has created a culture of philanthropy within their organization. Leaders of FF&M share that “we are grateful to live in a community that recognizes the needs of our community.” Needs in a community cannot be met without the financial and volunteer support of businesses and community members. FF&M Bank financially supports youth programs, community fundraisers and events, educational needs, programs for senior citizens, agricultural projects and organizations, nutrition causes, health and wellness programs and preservation programs – 28 different organizations if they were all to be named. Bank employees are encouraged and supported to be involved on local boards, civic organizations and volunteer based causes. When roll call is complete their staff serves on 34 local committees and organizations. The bank cosponsors the free monthly family movie night and has served the Relay for Life and Backpack program from their beginnings. When a community need presents itslef, FF&M reacts often leading the charge with financial commitment. In house fundraising through bake sales and cash for jeans day on Fridays is used for charitable programs. Choosing to give gifts to those in need during the holiday over gifts shared with each other is another example of how FF&M bank staff put others before self. Giving of self is a family affair. Current Vice President/Branch Manager Ryan Wynia states, “Our employees are like family to us.” This environment was nurtured by former bank President Mike Engesser and we look forward to watching Ryan and his staff continue this culture. At FF&M Bank they take care of each other but together they take care of others. Congratulations to all of the employees at FF&M.
2016 Recipient: Mainstreet Financial, Nancy Van De Berg
Main Street Financial Services is this year’s Outstanding Corporation or Business. This award is given to a business that has created a culture of philanthropy within their organization. The generosity of charitable gifts given by Main Street Financial team members is not something they do because they are asked but rather they do because they believe it is the right thing to do. This philosophy comes with a strong belief that God is an awesome God and we are blessed to be a blessing to others and required to care for each other. The culture of philanthropy that has been created within the Mainstreet team started with a vision from Mike Cox and has continued to be nurtured by Nancy Van De Berg. Some of the many gifts that are so willingly shared are 5 paid hours for volunteer work, monetary gifts in honor of team members to local charities chosen by the team member, adopting a family or facility during the holidays in lieu of personal gifts and a favorite $2 Friday donation to wear blue jeans to work with quarterly proceeds being gifted to local needs. Congratulations to the team members of Main Street Financial for their generous hearts and their widespread community impact.
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