A Season of Generosity: F&M Employees Join Together for Collective Impact

Embracing the season’s generosity, F&M employees have once more showcased their dedication to community and compassion. In the current year, employees took part in a survey to recommend non-profit organizations for a unique surprise donation to celebrate the Giving Season. We are thrilled to announce this year’s #GivingTuesday recipients: EAUS, Camp LIGHT, and Response. Each organization receives a $2,500 contribution to support their admirable missions.

Empowering Dreams with EAUS

Elkton Area United Services (EAUS) is a comprehensive social service agency serving eastern Rockingham County since 1972, that provides assistance with housing, electricity, heat, food, GED classes, school supplies, books, aid to stranded travelers, senior citizen activities, and a joyful holiday season to those in need. Visit this link to see how you can help https://elktonatheart.org/how-you-can-help-eaus

Board members and F&M bank employees hold a donation check in front of EAUS building sign

Illuminating Lives with Camp LIGHT

Camp LIGHT began with a simple notion that ‘every kid deserves the chance to experience the joys of summer camp.’ Fun, it turns out, helps children to reach beyond their challenges to discover new strength, hope and resilience. Programs help families release the emotional, physical, and financial burdens caused by serious childhood diagnoses and provide a peer network that reaches far beyond the LIGHT of a summer campfire. Support Camp LIGHT here https://www.creativeworksfarm.org/ and be sure to check out Christmas Wonderland this holiday season!

Rapid Relief with Response

Response is Shenandoah County’s only agency dedicated to assisting those affected by sexual and domestic violence. Begun in 1980 as a grassroots effort to fill a need in its community, Response has grown over the years to now have an 18-bed shelter for women and children and extensive supportive services for survivors, both in- and out-of-shelter. Response advocates serve men, women, and children who are survivors of intimate partner and domestic violence; this includes victims of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Show support for Response by visiting their donation page: https://www.responseva.org/make-a-donation

Response board members and F&M Bank employees hold a donation check in celebration of Giving Tuesday

Why Give on Giving Tuesday? Incredible things happen when we unite for the greater good.

Falling right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a meaningful counterbalance to the material gift-driven days preceding it. It’s a reminder that the holiday season is not just about shopping but also about giving and making a positive impact. In the true spirit of Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in celebrating compassion, community, and collective impact. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a powerful testament to the impact we can create when we come together.

A Driving Force in Agriculture’s Future

Agriculture stands as a cornerstone of the Valley’s economy, contributing significantly to its growth and prosperity. An essential aspect of sustaining this vital industry is fostering the involvement of the younger generation. Friday, August 18, F&M Bank had the privilege of participating in the Market Animal Show & Sale at the 75th Annual Rockingham County Fair, making a resounding statement of support for individual exhibitors and the broader agricultural community. The event was not only a celebration of hard work and dedication but also a reminder of the critical role youth play in shaping the future of agriculture.

A Driving Force in Agriculture’s Future

The Market Animal Show & Sale was a testament to the immense value that youth participation brings to the world of agriculture. Eight exceptional individuals – Jamie Humes, Nolan Driver, Kenley Rhodes, Aden Bazzle, Kolton Hoover, Sawyer Wilkins, Allison Rhodes, and Kaley Runion – showcased their commitment and expertise by presenting animals that represented months of hard work, dedication, and learning. We were proud to support these individuals by purchasing their animals. The active involvement of these young exhibitors demonstrates how the agricultural industry can be rejuvenated and fortified through their passion and enthusiasm.

 

Collaborative Efforts

We would like to thank Integrity Insurance (Brian Showalter – Ag Board), G&M Sales of Virginia, Inc. (Rick Reeves – Ag Board) and Kim Showalter (Ag Board) for their partnership this year in purchasing animals.  We would also like to thank Matt Robinson – F&M Investments for contributing to our efforts as well! The support extended by these organizations showcases a collective commitment to nurturing the Valley’s agricultural legacy.

 

A Testament to Youth’s Dedication

The heartening results of the Market Animal Show & Sale speak volumes about the dedication of the youth exhibitors and the community’s willingness to support them. With a total of 267 young exhibitors and a staggering 655 animals marketed, the event raised over $1,080,000 in funds. These numbers underscore the resilience of the agricultural industry and the potential for growth when individuals, businesses, and the youth unite for a common cause.

Looking into the Future

The Market Animal Show & Sale at the 75th Annual Rockingham County Fair encapsulates the spirit of unity, dedication, and collaboration needed to secure the Valley’s agricultural future. The Bank’s participation, alongside the support of organizations and individuals, sends a powerful message: youth involvement is the bedrock on which a thriving agricultural community is built. By recognizing and nurturing the potential within our young exhibitors, we collectively sow the seeds of prosperity that will sustain the Valley’s economy for generations to come.

F&M Celebrates 115 Years

Locally Grown Since 1908

In a world where institutions come and go, reaching a milestone of 115 years is a testament to unwavering trust and exceptional service. F&M Bank celebrated its 115th birthday with celebrations at each of our 14 branches throughout the valley. This event not only honored the bank’s legacy but also extends its gratitude to the loyal customers who have been an integral part of this journey. These celebrations reflect the values that have guided the bank for over a century – trust, excellence, and a genuine commitment to its customers and community.

 

Branch Celebrations

On August 24, all F&M branches hosted customer appreciation events. These events provided an opportunity to personally thank each customer for their loyalty and trust, fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond mere transactions. While each branch hosted a slightly different gathering, they all had sweet treats from local bakers and giveaways available for clients to take part in.

See all of our branch celebrations here!

115 Winners

It never hurts to earn a little extra cash, right? 115 lucky checking account customers were randomly selected to win $115! Why? As our way of saying thanks. As part of our customer appreciation celebrations, 115 names of customers with checking accounts opened prior to May 17, 2023, were chosen at random to win this prize. Branch managers have been calling these customers to let them know of their good fortune.

One of our lucky winners pictured with Assistant Branch Manager, Katie Robertson and F&M Mascot, Sammie the Squirrel

Looking Ahead

While we will continue celebrating for the rest of the year, we look forward to serving you for many years to come. We are dedicated to serving our loyal clients and strive to provide the best banking experience for our neighbors and community members.

 

F&M Bank, Wealth Management, Ag & Mortgage Named Shenandoah Valley’s Best

On June 1, several F&M Bank associates spent a beautiful afternoon at Bluestone Vineyard celebrating with several hundred other businesses nominated for Shenandoah Valley’s Best, an annual contest organized by Harrisonburg Radio Group. The program showcases and celebrates the businesses, people, and places the Shenandoah Valley loves most — as voted by listeners.

We wish to thank our incredible community for voting for us in the 2023 Shenandoah Valley Best contest. We’re honored to have brought home Gold for Best Bank and Best Wealth Management Firm, and Silver for Best Ag Lender and Best #Mortgage Lender.

Check out this year’s contest and prior year’s winners at https://www.shenandoahvalleybest.com/categories/2023

Pictured above (left to right): Terri Bradley, Barton Black, Kevin Russell, Katherine Preston, Charles Driest, Kate Bray, Mike Wilkerson, Lista Campbell, Holly Thorne, Matt Robinson.

 

F&M Bank Named “Best of Virginia”

BOV2023_WinnerBadge

Virginia Living Magazine has released its annual 176-page statewide guide listing the more than 1,500 winners from its January readers’ survey. Nearly half a million votes were cast in 104 categories, covering the best in Food & Drink, Living & Recreation, Services, and Shopping across the Commonwealth’s five regions.

“We are delighted to be among the top three financial institutions named Best of Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley region. Since 1908, our team has been grateful to play a part in the growth of the Shenandoah Valley economy and today remains more committed than ever to the success of our neighbors, the agricultural industry, small business ventures, and the nonprofit sector,” said Holly Thorne, F&M Bank’s director of marketing.

The twelfth annual Best of Virginia issue is available by subscription and at newsstands, including select Barnes & Noble, Kroger, Wegmans, Publix, Harris Teeter, Books-A-Million, and Target stores. Learn more at VirginiaLiving.com. View the digital edition here https://issuu.com/capefear/docs/2023_bov_issuu

Press release content courtesy of Virginia Living Magazine. CONTACT: Vayda Tarleton, Associate Editor, Special Projects, VaydaTarleton@CapeFear.com, 804-343-0778

F&M Bank’s 2023 Community Shred Day Events

One in 14 will become a victim of identity theft. Protect your identity by safely disposing of personal documents at our Community Shred Days at a location near you.

Please note: This event may end early if the Shred-It truck reaches full capacity. Limit of five “banker boxes”/bags per customer.

Crossroads (Harrisonburg)
Friday, April 21st, 2:00 PM -5:00 PM

Stuarts Draft
Friday, May 12th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Edinburg 
Saturday, May 20th, 9:00 AM – 12:00PM

Staunton (Myers Corner)
Friday, May 26th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bridgewater
Friday, June 2nd, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Staunton (N. Augusta St.)
Friday, September 1st, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Crossroads (Harrisonburg)
Friday, September 8th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Woodstock
Friday, October 13th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Winchester (Amherst Street)
Saturday, October 21st, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Broadway
Friday, October 27th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Find a location near you

Learn more about F&M Bank’s Identity Theft Protection Service, provided free with Cash Back and Cash Back Plus Checking

“Fraud Department” Text Scam

We have been made aware of an unsolicited text and phone call scam circulating through our area. In this reported case, a customer received a text message that appears to be from the F&M Bank fraud department. The text message asks for a simple reply – YES, if you initiated a transaction, or NO, if the charge is fraudulent. Two sample images are below for your convenience.
Text Fraud

When the customer responded “NO” and denied the charge, the criminal fraudster followed up with a phone call. The caller ID also appears to be from F&M Bank, Timberville. The caller claimed to from the F&M Bank “fraud department” and asked the customer for more information. The customer became suspicious and began asking questions of the fraudster leading to the fraudster ending the call.

Unfortunately, fraudsters can configure a text message or phone call to appear to come from any source. This scam is extremely dangerous because it seems legitimate. To best protect yourself, never give out your confidential information over the phone or via text.

Our fraud detection services will text, email, or call clients if a transaction is suspicious; however, our platform will not place a follow-up call after a transaction has been confirmed valid/fraudulent or ask for you to provide sensitive information. 

If you receive such a call or text message, do not respond. Contact your local F&M Branch using a number you know to be valid. Do not use numbers contained in the caller ID on your mobile phone.

Here are our tips on how to recognize text scams.

 

Positioning Your Farm Business for Successful Transition

F&M Bank actively supports local farmers throughout Virginia and we are forever hoping to connect our communities with resources that make a difference.  Virginia Cooperative Extension is hosting an informative workshop to help local farmers seeking to transition ownership to the next generation.  See registration details in their press release below.

Positioning Your Farm Business for Successful Transition

With most farms in Virginia being family owned and operated, it is very important to take the time to discuss the future. Please mark your calendars to join us at one of four locations across the state for an interactive workshop the week of February 20-23, 2023 to join Dick Wittman of Wittman Consulting. Dick has worked for Farm Credit Administration, successfully managed and transitioned his family’s multi-generation farm/ranch, helped family farm businesses as a consultant for three decades, and authored a guidebook titled Building Effective Farm Management Systems.

This workshop will be of interest for folks who are facing many different scenarios when it comes to transition. Some farms hope to transition ownership and management to next generation successors. But what if the successors have limited or no capital and want to work on the farm, hoping to assume ownership later. How do you as owners get “out of the way” but “not go away?”. What if your successors don’t want to work on the farm, but they don’t want you to sell their heritage? Come prepared to look at transition strategies that can be adapted to a multitude of scenarios. A case study workshop will immerse participants in real-world transition scenarios that will provide take home experience and build confidence in how to move forward.

Taking the time to discuss your wishes and plans for the future of your land can be hard but is very important and we hope you will take the time to join us with your family/business partners. Registration is open for the following dates and locations, register here: https://tinyurl.com/2023vafarmtransition. Cost for one attendee is $35 and additional family/business partners are $10/person. This full day workshop will start with registration at 8am and run until 3pm.

Farm Transition Event Flyer

Monday, February 20, 2023 – Culpeper County, Brandy Station VFD, Brandy Station, VA

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Wythe County, APEX, Wytheville, VA

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 – Augusta County, Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA

Thursday, February 23, 2023 – Dinwiddie County, Eastside Community Enhancement Center, Petersburg, VA

If you have any questions please contact Crysti Hopkins 540-967-3422 hcrysti2@vt.edu or Rachel Henley 804-598-5640 rachelhenley@vt.edu.

Press release shared by Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension 1/4/2023. 

The 20th Annual SWAT Competition Returns to Harrisonburg 

Following a two-year pandemic pause, Harrisonburg Police Department’s SWAT Competition returns to the Valley on October 14. The competition kicks off at 7:30am with an opening ceremony, followed by teams of Virginia-based uniformed officers participating in a full day of scored events. The heats include shooting scenarios, obstacle courses, found officer rescues, and a mystery event requiring officers to think and react quickly, as they would in the line of duty. At the conclusion of the competition, an awards ceremony recognizes top scoring individuals and teams.

This mental and physical challenge helps SWAT officers keep their edge. Placing officers in the most realistic scenarios – making decisions under stress – gives individuals and teams a realistic perspective of their strengths and weaknesses.

Lieutenant Chris Monahan – Division Commander of HPD’s Special Operations Division – is organizing the competition, which already has 17 teams registered, significantly more than prior years. Monahan stated, “We see this as a good opportunity to build camaraderie and relationships with other SWAT agencies in the state. In the event of a crisis in our area, we know our neighboring agencies can provide the skills and resources required.”

F&M proudly supports this competition because we know that better trained officers better serve our communities, and the value of knowing one’s colleagues and building relationships is integral to success in any organization.

The event is held at Harper-Presgraves Training Grounds and is open to the public.