DAVE ’ S VIEW
Greetings : Less than 15 percent of the U . S . population lives in rural America , but nearly 40 percent of our military service members come from rural communities . Many of our service men and women want to return to their roots after they
David Janish , CEO have completed their military service , yet many find it hard to obtain financing to get their start in agriculture or to return to the rural lifestyle .
FCS Financial has always supported organizations and programs that benefited our veterans , and we have been a dependable source of financing for those veterans who wish to return to their family ’ s operation , start their own operation or live in rural Missouri . However , earlier this year we asked our Stockholder Advisory Committee if we could , and should , do more to support our veterans who want to return to rural Missouri . The answer was a resounding “ YES ,” we need to do more to support those men and women who defended our country and want to come back to rural Missouri .
In early November , FCS Financial launched our Heartland Heroes program . Heartland Heroes is modeled after our successful FCS Financial Connect young and beginning farmer program , but is specifically designed for veterans . Heartland Heroes includes credit underwriting , communication , and knowledge sharing components specifically designed with the needs of veterans in mind . In addition , some of our current FCS Financial member-owners are volunteering their time and expertise to mentor and serve as a resource for veterans in the Heartland Heroes program
Ultimately , the Heartland Heroes program strives to serve veterans who are aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs , those returning to a family farm or those who want to live a rural lifestyle . The program is new , so the success of the program is still unknown , but I
believe this is another example of how FCS Financial helps agriculture and our rural communities be successful .
Director Elections We are once again entering into the time of year that our Nominating Committee begins the process of identifying and selecting potential candidates for Board of Director positions . The Nominating Committee held their organizational meeting in early December and will review applications and identify potential candidates in early 2018 . Elected board members will be seated at the June 2018 Board meeting .
Individuals who are interested in being considered for one of the Board positions ( assuming you reside in an area with an open position ) can self-nominate by going to our website at www . myfcsfinancial . com and completing the application . If you know someone who you believe would be a good candidate , you may also nominate that person through the same process . At their March meeting the Nominating Committee will review the applications that have been received and other sources of nominations to select the final slate of candidates .
I encourage everyone to consider becoming involved in the governance opportunities at FCS Financial . FCS Financial is a better organization with a qualified and engaged Board that represents the diversity of our membership . Through your participation , you ensure your voice is heard and that FCS Financial continues to meet the needs of Missouri agriculture and rural communities .
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018 .
Best regards ,
4 HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2017