BUSINESS NEWS
through community service. As the bank expanded to new Southern California lo- cations, so did its service to local commu- nities. The bank is now actively involved in all 22 locations where it operates branches. In no city is this more evident than San
Clemente. F&M and its employees are ac- tively involved in such organizations as the Boys & Girls Club, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, Casa Romantica and the Exchange Club. Intertwined with F&M’s tireless com-
mitment to community service is a person- alized approach to customer service that you aren’t likely to find at a large, national bank. This has helped F&M forge relation- ships that have spanned generations. And
The Bank has also set itself apart
from its large, multinational competi- tors in the controversial arena of debit fees. When Bank of America recently an- nounced that it would be charging its customers a monthly fee for the use of debit cards, F&M assured its customers that they would not be charged these fees and their checking would continue to be free. This critical combination of loyalty
and service stems from the fact that F&M treats each of its customers like members of its extended family. It would only be natural that F&M’s em- ployees are also part of the family tree. F&M boasts one of the strongest em- ployee retention rates of any organiza- tion in the region. More than 100 employees have worked for the bank for at least 15 years, with an additional 65 eclipsing the 20-year mark. Even the sight of a 30-year veteran is not un- common. As for Baker who man-
Rocio Vargas, Nancy Cook, Ada Baker, Kevin Middleton, Beau Poteet, Daniella McCormick, Melanee Hunn and Tuya Napoleoni.
lationships with the staff outside of the bank through schools, service projects, community events and neighborhood ties. “To properly serve the residents of San
ages the San Clemente of- fice this is her 13th year. “As soon as I began work- ing here,” she says, “it was apparent that this was a place of unbelievable loy- alty and support. And it has been amazing to be part of its growth over the years.” Of course, longevity is
Bank Manager Ada Baker and Operations Manager Kevin Middleton.
these relationships are the nourishment that has fed the bank’s organic growth into one of the region’s most highly regarded community banks. “We see ourselves as more than just
‘bankers’ and if our customers require any special attention, whether it is with a loan, a mortgage or just the day-to-day manage- ment of their account, we are here to meet their needs.”
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SANCLEMENTEJOURNAL 15
only half the equation for a community Bank. F&M also goes to great lengths to ensure that its local branches have local talent.
Meet Kevin Middleton who serves as
operations manager and lives in San Clemente with his wife and 4 children. In addition, more than half of the staff resides locally including Beau Poteet, new ac- counts representative who is a San Clemente native and proud graduate of San Clemente High School class of 2006, having lived in the community his entire life. Many of the bank’s customers have re-
Clemente, we knew that we had to have a staff that understood the many factors that make San Clemente residents unique,” said Baker. “I think the reason we have built such a loyal following here is due to our ability to capture the spirit of San Clemente with every customer we service.
You won’t find a more local bank.” So as you meander along El Camino
Real on one of San Clemente’s trademark sunny days stop in and pay a visit to the new Farmers & Merchants Bank, Member FIDC. Park in one of the extra parking spots, enjoy the additional space inside and check out the local art; but don’t be fooled by appearances. At F&M, it will always be business as usual. It has been for 104 years and counting. b
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