Meet Our Advisors: Kate Bray

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Kate Bray joined our team in the first quarter of 2021 and quickly became a client favorite. She is currently an Investment Relationship Specialist working closely with Matt Robinson.  Her positive energy and eagerness to assist clients helped her obtain all her securities licensing within one year of joining our team.  We recently sat down with Kate to reflect on her first year with F&M and learn more about what makes her shine.

 

What makes Kate, Kate?  

I grew up here in Harrisonburg and graduated from Turner Ashby (04).  I graduated from George Mason (08) and lived outside of DC for a few years after college working as an executive assistant at a large consulting firm.  At 25 I decided to move back to town to purchase and run Cinnamon Bear Bakery & Deli, a small local restaurant and did that for 6 years.   After that, I worked for two years as a paralegal and have now landed in my true destined field of financial services.   I have a husband, Greg, and an energetic, sweet, and wonderful 6-year-old son, Luke.  In my spare time, I love to go to local restaurants & wineries, watch Bravo, go to OrangeTheory, play roller derby, and take my son around to his miscellaneous activities.  I like food, wine, tv, and laughing, and I find it very difficult to take anything in life too seriously.

Where are you from?

Harrisonburg, VA

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

Positive thinking and adaptability to work with different personalities and understand where people are coming from to accomplish collective goals.

How do you start your day?

Coffee

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?

I am proud of accomplishing all my securities licensing within a year of coming to F&M Financial Services.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I love the Real Housewives franchise on Bravo.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?

I love to cater parties.

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

Fiji

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

Telepathy

Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.

  • Don’t apologize when an apology is not needed or apologize for someone else’s mistake. Take accountability to correct any mistakes you’ve made.
  • Manifest Destiny.

What activities do you participate in over the weekend?

  • Roller Derby
  • Exercise / Kickboxing
  • Get together with friends at fun local places

List three items on your bucket list

  • Visit every continent
  • See a bioluminescent bay
  • Attend Food & Wine classic in Aspen

If you could quickly and easily learn any new skill, what would it be?

Divination

 

 

Kate Bray is a Registered Representative, Infinex Investments, Inc.

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Infinex and the bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Infinex are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.

NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK. MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE.

F&M Bank Opens Old Town Winchester Banking Center 

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A second branch location will follow in late 2022

TIMBERVILLE, Va. (April 25, 2022) – On Monday, April 18, F&M Bank continued its growth in Winchester with a new banking center located in historic Old Town Winchester. This is F&M Bank’s 13th branch in Virginia. Later in 2022, a second Winchester branch location is slated to open west of Old Town on Amherst Street.

F&M Bank identified Winchester as a strategic growth opportunity due to its thriving local economy, prospering businesses, robust non-profit network, and a community that’s committed to preserving its history while at the same time looking to the future.

“As a bank with more than 100 years of history we look to do business with people and communities that align with our values – and for us, Winchester is a perfect match,” said Mike Wilkerson, Chief Lending Officer and Winchester Market Executive. “The ‘Top of Virginia’ is thriving and our sweet spots of agriculture, non-profit and business banking reflect the needs of our community. In a world of bank consolidation and branch closures, F&M is committed to organic growth and market expansion. When we expand our ability to serve our customers, everybody wins.”

In January 2021, F&M Bank opened a commercial banking and loan production office in the Winchester market with an experienced banking team who has a 20-year history of working together. This northern Shenandoah Valley market has accrued over $36 million in deposits and $21 million in loans. Mr. Wilkerson leads the team which consists of John Sargent, SVP and Jonathan Reimer, SVP who are Commercial Relationship Managers, Gail Pryde and Ronda Gross, Business Relationship Specialists, and Bill Steele, VP, Senior Credit Analyst.

Today, with the announcement of its Old Town location opening, this team is excited to leverage their 150 years of combined banking experience to deliver customized loan, deposit, and cash management solutions to business and personal customers.

Lauren Fravel has been named as Banking Center Specialist for the Old Town Winchester location. Lauren brings over 25 years of experience to the team and is eager to welcome new customers. The banking center will also employ associates for F&M Mortgage and VS Title in the coming months.

The branch is located at 3 South Cameron Street, at the corner of Boscawen and Cameron Streets. Hours are 8:30am am to 5:00 pm with extensive digital offerings available online and on the F&M Bank mobile app.

National Ag Day with F&M Bank

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National Ag Day

 

National Ag Day is March 22, 2022!  Virginia’s agricultural production is one of the most diverse in the nation. Many Virginia commodities and products rank in the top 10 among all U.S. states.  Our local farmers, and other agriculture experts, represent a leading group of industry movers and shakers that support our economy and sustain life for our region, and beyond.

 

 

Virginia is home to over 43,000 farms that cover nearly 8 million acres across the Commonwealth.  98% of all farms in the United States are family-owned and operated.  These families sacrifice a lot to feed our communities and sustain life throughout our region.  F&M strives to thank farmers throughout the year and we encourage our community to take a moment next week to thank a local farmer as we celebrate our farming community!

 

Farming is the biggest private industry in Virginia

 

F&M has been supporting local farmers for over 100 years.  We’ve helped farmers navigate several economic cycles from recessions and droughts to boom periods with flourishing production.  These experiences and partnerships have helped us develop tailored products that include equipment financing, land expansion, cattle purchases, waste management funding, and lines of credit.

 

Learn More about our line of Ag products, or contact one of our Agri-Business specialists at agribusiness@fmbankva.com.

 

 

 

F&M Bank Receives Greater Augusta County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Award

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Augusta Regional Chamber Announces 2022 Business Excellence Awards Winners

Reprinted with permission from the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce

Fishersville, February 16, 2021– As the premier business organization serving Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro, the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce represents over 550 diverse businesses that work together to stimulate the economy for this outstanding community. Through the annual Business Excellence Awards, the Chamber is able to recognize the outstanding success of exemplary businesses and individual leaders. Courtney Thompson, President & CEO of the Chamber said, “We are so excited to announce our Business Excellence award winners. We had numerous excellent businesses, organizations and individuals nominated this year and these winners really represent the best of the best.”

The Chamber is very proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Business Excellence Awards:

● New Business of the Year: RX Coffee & More
● Small Business of the Year: Staunton Innovation Hub
● Large Business of the Year: F & M Bank
● Woman Owned Business of the Year: SweetNanaCakes
● Nonprofit of the Year: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
● Young Professional of the Year: Debbie Irwin, Shenandoah Community Capital Fund
● Citizen of the Year: Dan Layman, Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Chamber will honor each of these winners and deliver its year in review at the Business Excellence Awards on March 10 at Hotel 24 South. For more information about the winners or the event, contact Courtney Thompson at (540) 324-1133 or courtney@augustava.com.

F&M Bank’s 2022 Community Shred Day Events

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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 8th, 2:00-5:00pm

Bridgewater
Friday, April 29th, 2:00-5:00pm

Woodstock
Saturday, May 7th, 9:00-12:00pm

Waynesboro
Friday, May 13th, 2:00-5:00pm

Broadway
Friday, May 20th, 2:00-5:00pm

Winchester (Blue Ridge Hospice, 160 Wincrest Drive)
Saturday, August 13th, 9:00-12:00pm
E-recycling provided!

Crossroads (Harrisonburg)
Friday, September 9th, 2:00-5:00pm

Staunton (N. Augusta St.)
Friday, September 23rd, 2:00-5:00pm

Edinburg – CANCELED
Saturday, October 1st, 9:00-12:00pm
E-recycling provided!

Broadway
Friday, October 14th, 2:00-5:00pm

Find a location near you

A special ‘thank you’ to Blue Ridge Hospice for providing E-Recycling Services at our Woodstock and Winchester events.

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

F&M Bank to Participate in the 2022 VBA Bank Day Scholarship Program

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VBA Bank Day Scholarship Program

The third Tuesday in March was declared Bank Day by the Virginia General Assembly in 1991 and F&M Bank has been proud to host students for this important program.  Each year this scholarship program awards local Virginia high school rising seniors the opportunity to spend time learning about the banking industry. F&M Bank members will educate these students on their job roles and the various bank departments; including the loan process, the importance of good credit, the profile of a qualified borrower, and how F&M Bank is involved in the community.

From their experience, participating students will write an essay for the chance to win a scholarship. Six regional scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded, and from those six winners an overall statewide winner will be chosen. The statewide winner will receive an additional $5,000 scholarship – $7,500 in total. There will also be six honorable mention scholarships of $1,000 each. In all, twelve students will receive scholarships totaling $26,000.

If interested in signing up for the program, click here.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Nicole Davis, Marketing Specialist, at ndavis@fmbankva.com or 540-437-3471.

F&M Bank Welcomes Director of Digital Banking, Charles Driest, to its Growing Team

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F&M Bank’s leadership team welcomes Charles Driest as Senior Vice President & Director of Digital Banking. Mr. Driest joins F&M Bank most recently from Essex Bank and brings with him over 13 years of digital banking experience.

Mr. Driest commented, “I’m excited to contribute my experience and expertise to a talented banking team; we will deliver robust digital capabilities that provide our customers with a rich customer experience however they choose to engage with F&M Bank.”

In this role, Charles will support the company’s strategic growth initiatives, technology infrastructure, and digital banking services. F&M Bank’s President and CEO, Mark Hanna commented, “We are thrilled Charles has joined the F&M Bank family as we continue to grow and develop our digital banking offerings and technology infrastructures. He brings a wealth of experience to this position and will be integral to our growth moving forward.”
Charles earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from St. John’s University, Peter J Tobin College of Business. Charles is currently entering his final year of Virginia Bankers’ School of Bank Management held in Charlottesville, VA.

About F&M Bank

F&M Bank (FMBM) proudly remains the only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, VA, and serves the Shenandoah Valley with 13 full-service branches and a wide variety of financial services including home loans through F&M Mortgage and real estate settlement services and title insurance through VSTitle. F&M Bank has grown to $1.2 billion in assets and employs over 200 employees across the organization. Its conservative approach to finances and sound investments, along with excellent customer service, has made F&M Bank profitable and continues to pave the way for a bright future.

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F&M Bank & Old Dominion Realty Announce Collaboration and Community Challenge to Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

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TIMBERVILLE, VA., December 8, 2021 — F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX:FMBM), holding company for F&M Bank, and Old Dominion Realty are excited to collaborate on supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL).  DPIL is a monthly book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children, ages 5 and under, currently residing in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. This new initiative set forth locally by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County intends to create excitement about reading and build literacy for local youth.

Old Dominion Realty and F&M Bank are donating $2,500 each and are challenging local businesses and community members to also contribute to the cause. F&M Bank has also committed to double its contribution if community businesses collectively raise $20,000 by year-end 2021.

“We are thrilled to support the advancement of education among tomorrow’s leaders within our own community. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library will provide an early love for reading and we hope other local businesses will step forward in support,” said Mark Hanna, CEO F&M Bank. Harvard University Center on the Developing Child states that 85% of a child’s intellect, social skills, and personality develop during the first five years of life. Communities with the Imagination Library have documented a 70% increase in families reading to their children, as reported by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

To donate and learn more about the benefits of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library visit https://cfhr.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list

Mr. Hanna is available for further comment. Please contact Jacob Mowry at marketing@fmbankva.com or Jessica Herring at Jessica Herring Jessica@odrva.com.

 

Pet Costume Contest

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Happy Halloween!

Let’s have a little fun this spooky season with a Halloween Pet Costume Contest! Prizes will be awarded to the pet who has the most “likes” on their photo.

How It Works:

  • Voting is now taking place on our F&M Bank Facebook page thru October 28th. Simply give a photo a like/thumbs up to vote. The photos that have the most “likes” win! Voting will end at 11:59pm on Thursday, October 28th.
  • Winners will be announced on our Facebook page on October 29th.

Prizes:

The top 3 winners will receive a goodie bag filled with special treats, including but not limited to dog/cat treats, F&M Bank swag, and gift cards!

 

F&M Bank Participates in United Way’s Day of Action

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By JILLIAN LYNCH Daily News-Record

For nonprofits, anything that can save money to channel it more effectively toward the cause is a go.

Small improvements, like painting a wall in the office, landscaping or donating old equipment are jobs that take up time for nonprofit workers themselves or money to hire labor to complete them, which can take away from their mission.

During United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s annual Day of Action on Wednesday, volunteers took to local nonprofit organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to complete acts of service for the organizations, so they can focus their resources on serving the community.

“United Way is a macro-level organization that works with a lot of community issues from a 30,000-foot view, if you will,” said Laura Toni-Holsinger, executive director of the local United Way. “During the pandemic … we’ve seen firsthand how human service organizations have had an increase in the need for their services. That sort of thing takes a toll when you’re in that for 15 months plus.”

The annual event, which has been going on for more than 45 years, is organized by United Way, whose vision is “strategically convening community partners to create measurable social change.”

“This day is a nice reminder to [the nonprofits] that there’s a lot of people in their corner … supporting them,” Toni-Holsinger said. “Even if it’s moving some furniture today or painting a bunch of walls … I think anything that we can do to spread some joy and light and encouragement is important.”

United Way changed the name of the event, formerly known as the Day of Caring, this year to better reflect its impact, according to Toni-Holsinger.

She said the day often results in a compound effect: first volunteers help improve the nonprofits, but the service opportunity also connects the volunteers with the mission behind the group they’re helping.

That often leads to greater connections between the community and nonprofits.

“We changed the name of Day of Action for people … as a call to action. So not just for people to learn and serve today but to … get involved in the community all year-round. And that’s what we’re already seeing,” Toni-Holsinger said. “[Through Day of Action] people are volunteering at a nonprofit and learning about an issue and later get involved as maybe a volunteer or a donor or a board member.”

The Day of Action, which saw over 600 volunteers in 2019, was hosted virtually this year and featured a virtual opening ceremony with guest speakers Odicci Alexander, former James Madison University softball pitcher, and Robert Anthony, an amputee, athlete and motivational speaker.

Heather Denman, executive director of The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, an organization that promotes inclusion and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guided a group of volunteers through a list of tasks that assisted in condensing administrative space into former programming space to cut costs as more services take place in clients’ homes and less often in the programming space.

“Most people think of United Way as a funding agency, but they do so much more,” Denman said. “[Day of Action is] a really important day to connect with volunteers from the community, have more folks learn about [the Arc’s] mission and what we do, and basically make new friends.”

Holly Thorne, director of marketing for F&M Bank, came along with a team of co-workers to volunteer at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office, painting and refurbishing the newly christened conference room. Thorne said she’s worked with F&M Bank in Harrisonburg for nine years and has been involved with United Way’s day of service each year.

“There’s so much need in the community,” Thorne said. “And that’s one thing about [F&M Bank] — it’s a community bank so it’s part of our big focus: helping where we can, when we can. Our team is really committed to doing this sort of thing and volunteering on boards, and being members of civic organizations is very important to us.”

This year, the day also included virtual workshops with topics including “What the Heck is Happening in Our Community for Affordable Housing?” hosted by Our Community Place, “Value of a School Garden Program,” hosted by James Madison University, and a presentation by the Valley Program for Aging Services on being a part of the “Dementia Friends” program.

More service projects were planned for the day, but outdoor projects were rescheduled for later due to the rain.

Lindsey Douglas, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, said the Day of Action provides much value to the nonprofits.

“It is always helpful,” Douglas said. “When you’re a nonprofit, you’re trying to make the most of every dollar and really put it back into the community and for us, put it back into the impact of one-to-one mentoring. And so when staff or paid helpers don’t have to do jobs like painting or organizing, then they can put more of their energy towards actually implementing services. It helps every dollar donated to the organization go further.”

The Day of Action also kicks off United Way’s annual fundraising effort.

Toni-Holsinger said money donated goes to United Way’s work to support the ALICE population in Harrisonburg — people who are working, but struggling to make ends meet — and to the nonprofit’s mission of connecting community groups in meaningful ways.

Courtesy of Daily News Record