F&M Bank Monticello Celebrates 10 Years

In 2023, F&M Bank employees established the F&M Bank Employee Charitable Organization Match Program, a program in which F&M Bank employees voluntarily donate an amount of their choice with each paycheck. F&M Bank then matches the funds collected dollar for dollar, up to $5,000.

F&M Bank was honored to receive the 2023 Keith Warner Standard of Excellence Award at the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation's Annual Dinner & Award Event, held on November 9th.
The award is given to a member business that has shown a singular degree of excellence in the areas of business success, philanthropy, and community service.

2023 VHEDC Keith Warner Standard of Excellence Award - F&M Bank from Goldenrod Media on Vimeo.

F&M Bank Manchester team members recently assembled and delivered over 100 personal hygiene packages for West Delaware High School. These care packages will be distributed to students in need during the upcoming school year. Katie Hubbard (AVP at F&M) Bank shared, “We are proud to partner with our local school districts on projects that aid in overall student health and well-being. We’d also like to mention a special thank you to Dental Associates of Manchester for donating the dental hygiene products

On Wednesday, June 14, the American Legion Post 45, in partnership with F&M Bank, hosted an Honor Float on Lake Delhi for local veterans and their guests. Over 80 Veterans, Legion Members, City Representatives and F&M Employees were in attendance. Veterans were treated to a catered lunch by Smokey’s Lost Bar & Grill, Delhi. Following a flag raising, they boarded 9 flag adorned pontoons — provided by local Lake Delhi boat owners —and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon float.

“We used Flag Day to thank and celebrate our communities’ Veterans,” said Keith Kramer, F&M Bank. “It was a fun day and hopefully these men and women got a chance to relax and enjoy their day at Lake Delhi.”  

A special thank you to Smokey’s, Hartwick Marina, American Legion Post 45 and Pontoon Owners.

Students from Anamosa and Monticello High Schools are preparing for the ACT college exam. On Monday, February 7th, 12 high school students spent an evening learning unique study tips on how to better their ACT score. “The goal of the seminar was to assist students in achieving their highest possible score. Bettering an ACT score by one or two points can make the difference between receiving a scholarship and being accepted into a student’s college of choice,” states Deann McDonald, F&M Bank. Diane Temple of Maquoketa Valley High School says, “I have been assisting with the ACT Prep for the past number of years and have witnessed thru my students that the ZAP method is a wonderful tool to use in the ACT as well as on other standardized tests.” Monticello High School student Kinzi Schlarmann stated, “The most beneficial part of the class was seeing example questions and learning how to eliminate incorrect answers. It’s nice knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the test.”

F&M Bank proudly sponsored the event partnering with Kirkwood Community College. F&M Bank takes pride in supporting our communities’ students and their educational aspirations and wishes these students the best of luck on their upcoming ACT exams!

F&M Bank team members in Cedar Rapids recently held a bedding drive to supply a local program that helps children in need sleep better. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. F&M Bank was honored to donate a surplus of new twin bedding to local youth through the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Linn County Chapter. Katherine Beck, Loan Processor at F&M Bank, organized the bedding drive and delivered the donations. She stated, “I was honored to deliver the bedding to Mark at their Cedar Rapids warehouse. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is such a worthy program, and F&M is proud to be a part of their mission.

F&M Bank is a long time and loyal supporter of Camp Courageous.  Madeline Borrett, volunteer for Camp Courageous reflects on the continued commitment of F&M Bank, noting, “It has become an annual tradition for F&M Bank to treat the Manchester Garage Sale volunteers to the Pineapple Gala.” The Manchester Garage Sale is the Camp’s largest fundraiser, so its success is huge in making Camp Courageous successful for the campers. “For decades F&M Bank has appreciated the role Camp Courageous plays in their communities, as well as the role the volunteers at the Garage Sale play in its success,” said Charlie Becker, CEO of Camp Courageous. “Camp is indebted to F&M bank for their decades of support!”

The 2022 Pineapple Gala was held on Friday, August 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. Event proceeds will benefit Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with special needs. The camp serves nearly 10,000 campers annually.

Tirzah Wedewer, F&M Bank CFO stated, “Every little bit helps, and F&M Bank is proud to partner with Camp Courageous and do what we can to support the Camp.

F&M Bank is proud to support the City of Monticello in their application with Main Street Iowa, a program that works with a select group of communities to guide revitalization and local development strategies. F&M has pledged $8000 over a period of 3 years to support the program.