FCS Financial: One Hundred Years July 2016 | Page 10

Foreword
Welcome to the FCS Financial centennial history. FCS Financial, and its sister
organizations in the Farm Credit System, have reached a milestone achieved by
very few organizations—one hundred years serving American agriculture. Just
as the farmers and ranchers from 1916 could not have imagined the changes
that would occur in agriculture over the next one hundred years, those that
created the cooperative in 1916 could not have anticipated how the Farm Credit
System would need to evolve to meet the needs of agriculture in 2016. However,
by creating a cooperative structure, governed by those who use the services,
the Farm Credit System has been able to remain a reliable source of credit and
financial services to agriculture and rural communities.
FCS Financial has grown to meet the needs of Missouri agriculture as well.
At one time, multiple associations served Missouri, each covering just a few
counties. Today, FCS Financial serves agriculture and rural communities in
102 counties in Missouri. Throughout our history the goal has never changed:
to provide support to Missouri rural communities and agriculture with reliable,
consistent credit and financial services. Fulfilling this mission has not always been
easy. We, like our customers, have had to triumph through many struggles,
survive drought and floods, prosper during both up and down ag cycles, and
change to meet the evolving needs of the marketplace. Through it all, FCS
Financial has emerged stronger and more resilient.
This book and our celebration throughout 2016 are not just about the past one
hundred years; it’s also about looking forward to the next one hundred years . My
hope for those with a long history with FCS Financial is they will read this book
with pride and say, “I was a part of making FCS Financial what it is today.” For
those newer to FCS Financial, perhaps they will understand our proud history,
the challenges that were faced, and the victories won. And with this knowledge,
take us into the future and create a stronger and even more vibrant organization
while staying focused on our mission to serve agriculture and communities
throughout rural Missouri.
As you read the book you will see this association has much to be proud of.
Thanks to everyone who has been a part of our history: current and former
directors, employees, and stockholders, as well as our valued business partners.
I especially want to thank the FCS Financial Board of Directors for supporting
this effort to tell the history of FCS Financial. I also want to thank everyone who
volunteered to be interviewed and recorded, those who provided material, and
all who contributed, large or small, to this endeavor. This book would not have
been possible without your contributions. And finally thanks to Scott Gardner
and Amy Wieberg, for leading, organizing, and managing this undertaking. They
took broad concepts and direction and made them a reality.
Sincerely,

David D. Janish, CEO
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Selected References