FCS Financial: One Hundred Years July 2016 | Page 15

In December 2012, Daryl Oldvader retired after forty years of service, and in August 2013 David Janish took the helm. With his vast experience in the agricultural lending industry, Janish understands FCS Financial’s most valuable asset is its people. “Getting the right people doing the right things is the key,” he said. “As a leader, selecting the right talent, providing them with opportunities to grow, and helping them get over the hurdles they’re confronted with are my key responsibilities.” As a democratically governed cooperative, as of March 2016 FCS Financial has returned more than $60 million in patronage payments to its member/owners since the first checks were issued in 2006. Just as patronage payments set FCS Financial apart from other lenders, an equally important distinguishing factor is the role the organization plays in promoting and supporting Harrisonville celebrates their grand opening the agricultural community in non-financial areas. on September 1, 2015, after moving to their new office in June 2015. The Harrisonville FCS Financial has taken a proactive role, working FFA Chapter was on hand to help with with and supporting organizations whose purpose decorating, serving, and gift registration. it is to help consumers understand modern farming practices, helping the farmers themselves develop best practices, and keeping an eye on the legislative issues that impact them. Realizing education is an invaluable step in shaping the next generation of American farmers, FCS Financial promotes agricultural education and education in general in a number of ways. They established a scholarship program in 2003 to encourage and support higher education for dependents of its members. The first year, thirty students were chosen from among more than ninety applicants to receive the $1,000 Front row (L-R): Tyler Cron, Mitchell Martinez, Brandon Edney, Colton Guthrie, Kaitlin Arnold. Back row: Andy Homfeld, FCS scholarships. After twelve years, more than 390 Financial Harrisonville; Aerin O’Dell, superintendent of Orrick scholarships totaling nearly $412,000 have been High School; Patrick Jones; Don Honeycutt, FFA advisor at Orrick High School; Dave Janish, CEO at FCS Financial; awarded to young Missourians. Stephanie Tyler, FCS Financial Harrisonville. Front row (L to R): Elizabeth Grisham, West Plains Schools board member; Cindy Tyree, West Plains Schools board vice president; Tonya Jedicka, West Plains Schools ag instructor; Lindsey Hicks, FFA officer; Jaden Hicks, FFA officer; Randy Pace, FCS Financial vice president; Audie Russell, FFA officer; Scott Schaumburg, FCS Financial vice president; McKenzie Burtrum, FFA officer; Cameron Gray, FFA officer; McKenzie Barker, FFA officer. Back row: Brian Mitchell, West Plains Schools board member; Lee Freeman, West Plains Schools board member; Jim Thompson, West Plains Schools board president; David Christopher, Raising the Barn Committee member; Jim Laughary, SCCC director; Ron Gould, Raising the Barn Committee member; John Mulford, West Plains Schools superintendent. The West Plains School District recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Agriculture Science facility, a 10,500-square-foot space that supports current trends in agriculture. Funds for the project were done through the “Raising the Barn” fundraising campaign. FCS Financial, a large contributor to the campaign, has also contributed $5,000 to the West Plains High School FFA greenhouse, which is under construction and will be next to the new facility. 13