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

F&M Bank Corp. Announces Appointment of Three Board Members

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Timberville, VA (September 2, 2021) – F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX:FMBM), parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank, announces the appointment of three new corporate members as of the July 2021 meeting of the board of directors. The new members are Daphyne Saunders Thomas with James Madison University; John Willingham with Stoneridge Companies; and Hannah Hutman with Hoover Penrod, PLC.

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to providing strength, stability and longevity to the businesses and communities of the Shenandoah Valley,” said Mark Hanna, President and CEO of F&M Bank Corp. “We are excited to channel Hannah, Daphyne and John’s talent, expertise and energy into furthering our mission and vision.”

Daphyne ThomasDaphyne Saunders Thomas served as the endowed Adolph Coors Professor of Business Administration chair until her retirement and is currently a professor emerita at James Madison University.  A graduate of The Washington and Lee University School of Law, she joined the College of Business faculty in 1981, and completed her MBA at JMU.  Thomas earned her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech. She currently teaches graduate classes for James Madison University for the Executive Leadership MBA and for the Master of Accounting programs. She was a co-founder and co-director of the CyberCity Summer Program, a nationally award-winning summer technology program for middle and high school students from underrepresented populations. Thomas also previously chaired the Harrisonburg Electric Commission and is a former chair of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Community Services Board. She currently serves on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations, including Sunnyside Communities, The Explore More Children’s Museum, The Community Services Board Halfway House, The JMU College of Visual and Performing Arts Advisory Board, The Harrisonburg/Rockingham Child Daycare Center and The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg/Rockingham Grants and Scholarship committee. Previous gubernatorial appointments include service on the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation, the Outstanding Virginian Day, and the Selective Service System Board.  She serves on the audit and ORC committees of the F & M Corporate Board.

 

John Willingham


John Willingham, CPA, is President of Stoneridge Companies, a multi-faceted real estate development, construction and realty company based in Winchester, VA. Additionally, he is the President of Total Remodeling, a regional sunroom and outdoor living contractor. Previously, John was a business banking manager and senior commercial lender for Wells Fargo, CFO of a publicly traded community bank, and was in public accounting with Yount, Hyde and Barbour, P.C. and PricewaterhouseCoopers.  He currently serves as Chairman for the Frederick Winchester Service Authority and is a member of the board for Grafton Integrated Health Network. Previously, he served 12 years as a City Councilor for the City of Winchester and was President of Council for 5 years.

 

 

 

Hannah HutmanHannah Hutman is a partner at the law firm of Hoover Penrod, PLC, in Harrisonburg. Her practice includes representing creditors, trustees, and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings and insolvency related matters. Hannah has represented national and regional banks in all aspects of commercial loan transactions and collections, including restructuring obligations, asset liquidations and dispositions, and foreclosure. Hannah is a member of the panel of Chapter 7 trustees for the Western District of Virginia.  In addition, Hannah provides legal counsel and services in entity formation and governance matters, financing transactions, contracts, and business asset transfers.  She is a former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Bankruptcy Law Section for the Virginia State Bar. Hannah is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell, has routinely been listed in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, selected as a member of Virginia’s “Legal Elite,” and included in the American Bankruptcy Institute’s 2018 class of “40 under 40.”  She received her J.D. from the Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and her B.A, summa cum laude, from Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland.  Hannah lives in Harrisonburg with her husband Matt and two sons.

F&M Bank Announces Third Annual Local Business You Love Contest

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F&M Bank is excited to announce the return of its “Local Business You Love” contest for a third year, kicking off on September 1st. Throughout September, F&M Bank will ask Shenandoah Valley residents to nominate their favorite local business to win $10,000. First round nominations will be accepted September 1 – 17, 2021 on the  F&M Bank website.

As a community bank dedicated to the Shenandoah Valley, we consistently look for ways to support small business and Virginia-based organizations. Encouraging public participation in the contest has proven to be a fun way for our bank to boost awareness and publicity for locally owned businesses.

Mark Hanna, President and CEO, states, “In 2019, a group of F&M Bank employees created the ‘Local Business You Love’ contest to celebrate and recognize the positive impact local businesses have made in our footprint. The contest has proven to be a tremendous success evident from the community support shown by Shenandoah Valley residents. We are thrilled to host the contest again this year to help amplify the small businesses who continue to persevere through extremely difficult seasons.”

First round nominations will be accepted online through September 17thst at 5pm. A panel of F&M Bank employees will then determine the Top 10 based on nomination relevance. On September 30th, the Top 10 will be announced, a round of public voting will begin, and the $10,000 winner will be announced later in the fall at a reception honoring the Top 10 contestants.

More information regarding the Local Business You Love Contest, including the nomination form and a complete list of rules and regulations, can be found at www.fmbankva.com/bizyoulove.

For more information, please contact Holly Thorne, marketing@fmbankva.com.

F&M Bank Announces New Office in Winchester

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TIMBERVILLE, VA., July 16, 2021 — F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX:FMBM), holding company for F&M Bank, announced today the opening of a new commercial office in downtown Winchester. The office is located on the third floor of the historic Odd Fellows building at 45 E. Boscawen Street. Earlier in 2021, F&M Bank welcomed a local commercial team with 141 years of combined experience to spearhead the Company’s move into the northern Shenandoah Valley market. Led by Chief Strategy Officer & Northern Market Executive, Mike Wilkerson, the team consists of commercial relationship managers John Sargent and Jon Reimer; and business relationship specialist Gail Pryde.

“We are thrilled to grow into the vibrant City of Winchester and surrounding Frederick County,” said Mike Wilkerson. The “’Top of Virginia’ is a thriving, local economy and is contiguous to F&M’s existing Shenandoah Valley footprint. We look forward to contributing to the continued success of the region and supporting the needs of the agricultural industry, commercial and small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Mr. Wilkerson is available for further comment. Please contact Holly Thorne at marketing@fmbankva.com.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX: FMBM) proudly remains the only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, VA, and since 1908, has served the Shenandoah Valley through its banking subsidiary F&M Bank, with 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. Both individuals and businesses find the organization’s local decision-making, and up-to-date technology provide the kind of responsive, knowledgeable, and reliable service that only a progressive community bank can. F&M Bank has grown to $1 billion in assets with more than 175 full and part-time employees. 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.

F&M Bank Voted Among “Shenandoah Valley’s Best”

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How to Protect Seniors Against Cybercrimes and Scams

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Many of the crimes that occur in real life happen on the internet too. Credit card fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, and more, all can be and are being done online. Seniors and the elderly are often targeted for these cybercrimes. They tend to be more trusting than younger people and usually have better credit, and more wealth. This makes them more attractive to scammers. Seniors are considered easy targets by criminals because they might not know how to report cybercrimes against them. In some cases, seniors can experience shame and guilt over the scam. They may also fear that their families will lose trust in their ability to continue to manage their own finances.
Cybercrimes Targeting Seniors
 Here are some common cyber scams used against senior citizens and how to avoid them:

Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers can gain remote access to victims’ devices and their stored sensitive information.

Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide payments.

Financial scam: Criminals target potential victims using illegitimate credentials from legitimate services, such as reverse mortgages or credit repair.

Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites, particularly targeting women and those who are recently widowed.

A new twist is to use the romance scam to recruit victims for other illegal activity. This could include using the victim’s bank account to launder illegally obtained money or apply for benefits in another person’s name. Institutions may become suspicious, especially if these transactions are out of character. They may close the victim’s account, or even refer the account for prosecution, putting the senior citizen at risk for legal action.
Tips to Protect Seniors Against Cybercrimes
 Here are some tips on how to protect yourself or someone you love from cybercrimes:

If you use social media, limit the amount of personal information you post and only add people that you know.

Resist the scammer’s urge for you to act quickly. Scammers are very skilled at manipulating emotions and will fabricate an emergency to persuade a victim to act without thinking.

Search for information about the proposed offer and any contact information given by the scammer. There are people and agencies online or in your community who can tell you if an individual or business is a scam. Never be afraid to ask other people for help.

Never send money or personally identifiable information to unverified people or businesses. Be suspicious about anyone who demands gift cards as payment.

Use reputable antivirus software and firewalls and make sure you regularly update them. If possible, configure your device to automatically download and install updates.

Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see unusual pop-ups or get a locked screen. Pop-ups are often used by criminals to spread malicious software.

Be cautious what you download. Never open email attachments from someone you don’t know.
What to Do if You’re Targeted by a Scammer
 If you think you are being targeted by a scammer:

Never share financial account information, and do not allow anyone access to your accounts.

Monitor your accounts and credit for unusual activity, such as large sums of money that you did not deposit or loans that you did not apply for.

Contact your local law enforcement agency to file a report and notify your financial institutions.
Sources https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/
elder-fraudhttps://www.cisa.gov/publication/stopthinkconnect-older-american-resourceshttps://cybersecurityventures.com/3-cyber-fraud-tactics-targeting-seniors-and-why-theyre-so-effective/

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