The Farmers and Merchants Bank in Eatonton honored its outgoing and incoming Junior Board of Directors on May 10, 2017 with a cookout at the Plaza Arts Center.  Several civic leaders, bank employees and board members, and members of the student’s family were in attendance.  The event was the opportunity for the bank to say, “thank you,” for their commitment to the program which began in 2009.

Participation certificates were presented to each board member and three Farmers and Merchants Bank scholarships were presented Cate Crowe, Gatewood; Ansley Wallace, Gatewood; and TJ Silva.  The bank forwards applications received to the Community Bankers’ Association and Silva was one of five recipients across the state of Georgia to receive their scholarship. 

This year’s Junior Board consisted of Ansley Wallace, Brenyln Morris, Caroline Bottchen, Cate Crowe, Charlie Farmer, Christopher Kauffman, Cody Little, Erica Mullis, Haylee Hawkins, Jared Coronado, Khayla Wilson, Matthew Dent, Matthew Weeks, Melony Mead, Mitch Fuller, Ross Cheshire, Seth Wicker, Taylor Hyatt, and Timothy Silva.  Junior Board Coordinator, asked Ansley Wallace and TJ Silvia what was the favorite memory from serving on the board and Ansley, a member of the senior class at Gatewood,  replied, “Although it is difficult to choose, my favorite activity had to be visiting the Federal Reserve in Atlanta. It was incredible to be able to learn about monetary policy, the history of bills, and the various US banking systems in a place that manufactured millions of dollars every day.”  TJ, a member of Putnam County’s Class of 2017 stated, “Just being able to interact and get closer to some of the kids from Gatewood. It was cool to see how over the year we all got more comfortable with each other.”

Recently selected members of the Class of 2018 and the bank’s eighth board included Baker Stickley, Brandon Belans, Brianna Dorsey, Caroline Griffith, Destiny Kieu, Drew Haley, Jack Harty, Jacob McMillian, Jada Burke, Jake Turner, Jeremiah Skinner, Jessica Collins, Jordan Harless, Maggie Doster, Raymond Ewing, Sean Dugan, Tanner Fuller and Will Schneider.  Brandon Belans commented, “I would have to say I plan to learn what it takes to be a good leader and a person people can look up to. I want to accomplish this for myself as I finish out my senior year at Gatewood, on the field or in the classroom. I hope to take many lessons with me from The Farmers and Merchants Bank program as I journey into college.”

         The primary goal of the program is to expose the future leaders to the banking industry, financial responsibility, and leadership training.  The monthly classes begin in September and carry on through May.  Several activities and field trips include Rock Eagle’s 4-H Center’s team high and low ropes course; visit the Federal Reserve in Atlanta; take a personality test to understand themselves better and how to work well with others; visit local businesses; how to fully market themselves for future college and job interviews.

         Bank President Chip Benton has been very pleased with the results of the board’s progress being provided by the bank.  He enjoyed the opportunities to meet with the members at various times during the year and encouraging the young adults to stay involved in their communities and how proud he was for them to have this opportunity.

One can follow the Junior Board’s activities by joining their Facebook page or visit the bank’s website ibankfmb.com.  FMB, Putnam County’s oldest and largest financial institution can be contacted at 706-485-9941 or at either of their conveniently located locations in Downtown Eatonton and the Harmony Crossing shopping center in Lake Oconee.