The 103-year old F&M ranks as one of the state’s top 15 independent banks. With assets exceeding $750 million, F&M Bank operates offices in Montgomery, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Putnam, Robertson and Stewart counties.

Sammy Stuard

“Being recognized by BusinessTN as one of the 2009 Hot100 companies in the state is evidence that many businesses and individuals continue to be drawn to F&M’s longstanding tenure in Middle Tennessee, our financial stability and the unique brand of community banking we offer,” remarked Sammy Stuard, F&M president and CEO. “People are finding lots of reasons to migrate back to community banks — trust, accessibility and a feeling that they are more than just an account number,” he continued. “F&M has worked hard to roll-out meaningful new products and keep our banking technology current. Consumers realize that there are negligible benefits associated with the larger banks that have been the subject of so much negative financial news. I am pleased to share this honor with the 220 F&M employees who are crucial to our success.”

The Hot100 list is described by BusinessTN as an annual look at companies who represent the best that Tennessee has to offer in terms of entrepreneurial vision and growth. According to the publication, selection of the Hot 100 is based on numerous factors such as revenue, employee growth, growth over a period of years, growth as compared to industry average and projected growth. In compiling the Hot 100 list, BusinessTN spotlights companies that are enriching local and regional economies, providing jobs, and contributing to Tennessee’s entrepreneurial culture.

F&M has recently opened new full-service banking offices in Cookeville and a new mortgage office in Brentwood. For more information on F&M Bank and F&M Mortgage, visit www.myfmbank.com.

F&M Bank also maintained its number one deposit ranking for the entire Clarksville-Hopkinsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Stewart County, Tenn., and Trigg County, Ky. In 2009, F&M’s deposit market share rose to 13.74%, up from 13.65% in 2008. Planters ranks number two with 11.12% and Regions rose to 10.24%, taking the number three spot away from BB&T. The FDIC issues deposit market share reports on all federally insured institutions annually.

Sammy Stuard

Sammy Stuard, F&M Bank’s president and CEO, credits the bank’s growth to the community’s confidence. “Even with the negative publicity that has surrounded many banks during these tough economic times, F&M’s solid reputation in Montgomery and Stewart County continues to attract new business,” Stuard remarked. “F&M Bank has strong history here and our employees have earned the trust and loyalty of our customers. Luckily for us, word-of-mouth support for F&M has made a huge difference in garnering new personal and business banking clients,” he said.

About F&M Bank

F&M Bank has grown from a small community bank in Bumpus Mills, Tenn., to one of the premier financial institutions in the Middle Tennessee. Since moving their headquarters to Clarksville in 1989, bank assets have grown from $22 to over $760 million, ranking them among the top 15 independent banks in the state. F&M Bank recently expanded their banking network into Cookeville and opened a mortgage office in Brentwood’s Maryland Farms. F&M Bank has 15 full-service banking locations, including their five Clarksville and two Stewart County offices. Additional information regarding F&M Bank can be found at www.myfmbank.com.

On Oct. 17th, a Clarksville area families home will be demolished, rebuilt, furnished and decorated in under 106 hours. The work will be done using local volunteers under the direction of builders Bert Singletary and Don Duncan. It is anticipated that more than 2,000 volunteers from the Montgomery County area will participate in the exciting one-week project.Volunteer sign ups are still being accepted at the build website – www.extremevolunteer.com.  Volunteer guideline information is available on the website.

Conrad Ricketts, Executive Producer of Extreme Makeover Home Edition introduces the builders.

The build will begin with the family being notified at the “Door Knock” between 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Saturday, October 17.  The Braveheart Walk, the traditional kickoff of the build will be at approximately 2:30 that day.  Information about the family and directions to the check-in site for the walk will be posted on the website following the door knock.   The completed home is to be revealed to the family with the “Move that Bus” cheer at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23.

Conrad Ricketts, Executive Producer of Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Executive Producer Conrad Ricketts put it best as he addressed the assembled volunteers and craftsmen at the Extreme Volunteer Pep Rally at First Baptist Church this morning, “This is like no job you’ve ever been on before!” Stressing that safety and producing high quality work are the major goals of this project, Ricketts also pointed out that participants should be having fun while working on the project. “Bring your families with you to cheer you on”.

The average home construction project takes four months to complete, but during this project the time scales are highly compressed. Every hour is roughly equivalent to a day, and every day a month.

More help is needed

The builders Bert Singletary and Don Duncan

This project involves framers, plumbers, painters, roofers, welders, electricians, etc, and every day people volunteering their time.

While many of the trades people have already stepped up there are plenty of jobs and other needs that the production crew still could use your help in filling.


On the construction side

Materials:

• Vinyl Siding
• Roofing Material (Asphalt)
• (20) Sheets of 4×8x3/4 MDF
• (20) Sheets of 4×8x3/4 Birch Plywood
• Vinyl Deck Railing

Skilled tradesmen

Skilled Workers:

• 10 roofers
• 20 painters
• 20 siding installers
• 40 drywall installers
• 4 cabinet installers

On the Design and Decorating side

Items:

• Furniture
• Computers
• Fabric
• Books
• Gift Cards [Amex, Target, TJMaxx]

Design Producer Carrie Drosnes and Veronica Valencia lists some of the design side needs

Experienced Craftsmen:

• Murphy Bed Manufacturer [custom furniture shop]
• Custom Framer
• Seamstress
• Upholsterer
• Florist- Fresh Flowers
• Drapery Installers
• Oversized Sicker Printer
• Wallpaper Hangers
• Custom Mirror Company
• Welder- steel
• Faux Painter
• Muralist
• Autobody/ Powder Coating Shop

Contributors to the project will be listed on ABC.com which receives roughly 6 million daily visits.

No time? Still want to contribute? Make a cash donation!

You can make a cash donation for this project at any of the area F&M Banks. Just go in and let them know you want to make a donation to the Extreme Makeover Home Addition Project account. All donations will be used directly for the project, and to provide additional assistance to  the family that is chosen.

Photogallery

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The program, will feature Riley Darnell, former Tennessee secretary of state. He will speak briefly on the development of the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL), which was implemented during his term of office. TEL, a program of the Tennessee State Library and Archives, is a virtual library that provides free access to thousands of resources for all Tennesseans.

A live demonstration showing how TEL is able to link users to more than 400,000 electronic resources also will be a part of the program.

For more information about The Woodward Library Society’s fall programs, contact Joe Weber, library director, by telephone at (931) 221-7613 or by e-mail at .

Anyone with information can contact Detective Daniel Lane, 931-648-0656, ext 3011, Detective Kevin Rushing, 931-648-0656, ext 3010, or anonymously to the TIPSLINE, 931-645-8477.

Yolanda Stewart

F&M Bank has announced the addition of Yolanda Stewart as a mortgage lender, working in the bank’s St. Bethlehem office at 2601 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Stewart has been a mortgage lender since 2001, following an extensive military career that culminated at Ft. Campbell.  In addition to her F&M lending responsibilities, Stewart continues military service as an Army Reserve officer and assistant professor in the Military Science Department at Austin Peay State University where she trains future officers enrolled in the school’s ROTC program.

Before joining F&M, she was employed as a senior mortgage banker for Elite Home Loans, Inc., in Brentwood. She has also worked as a mortgage originator for Master Lending, LLC of Nashville and Residential Mortgage Company, LLC in Clarksville.

Sammy Stuard, president and CEO of F&M Bank

“Montgomery County continues to enjoy a population and residential boom thanks to Ft. Campbell, new industry and our easy access to Nashville,” remarked Sammy Stuard, president and CEO of F&M Bank.  “The demand for mortgage loans in this community continues to rise and F&M has significantly expanded our mortgage department to meet that demand.  Mortgage interest rates are still at historic lows. Property values in Montgomery County continue to appreciate.  When you add that to a marketplace steeped with motivated sellers, this continues to be a great time and a great place to buy a home.  We are pleased to add a dynamic lender like Yolanda to the F&M team.”

Stewart can be reached at F&M Mortgage by calling 615-809-0115.

About F&M Bank

With over $750 million in assets, F&M Bank is in the top 15 independent banks in Tennessee and has 16 full-service banking facilities in Montgomery, Stewart, Robertson, Rutherford, Wilson, Henderson and Putnam counties. The bank has also opened a mortgage-only office in Spring Hill and Brentwood. For more information on F&M Bank and F&M Mortgage, visit www.myfmbank.com

John Herbert Roe

On May 4, 2009,  JOHN HERBERT ROE (W/M, DOB: 12/8/53, Given Address: 194 Leslie Dr. Clarksville, TN)  was charged with: ROBBERY with a BOND of: $150,000.

At about 12:15 p.m.,  Officers responded to F&M Bank, at 215 Dover Road in reference to a Bank Robbery which had just occurred.They arrived at the scene within minutes and located a black bag, which had been used by the suspect and abandoned, in the roadway near the bank.  Also, almost simultaneously officers released a description of a blue van and tag number and a possible suspect description which may have been involved in the robbery.  Officers flooded the area looking for the vehicle and suspect.  The vehicle was located by Ranger Michael Runyon-Davis, at 12:29 p.m. on Peachers Mill in front of Heritage Park.  When Ranger Runyon-Davis activated his emergency equipment, the suspect pulled over without incident.  The investigation by Detective Gerald Steffen found that the suspect walked into the bank and passed a note to the bank clerk indicating it was a robbery.  The bank clerk gave Roe an undisclosed amount of money.  Roe left in the van and was apprehended shortly thereafter and taken into custody.  A gun was not found in Roe’s possession when he was stopped.  All the money was recovered and returned to the bank.

He was booked into Montgomery County Jail.

Detective Gerald Steffen is the lead investigator, 931-648-0656, ext 1010.

Clarksville’s Downtown District Partnership has developed a loan program coordinated  through six Clarksville banks  that will make loans available to downtown property owners for exterior building improvements. The Facade Improvement Loan Program was announced on January 22 during the Ten Year Tornado Commemoration breakfast hosted by the DDP, however details of the program were still being finalized at that time.

According to DDP Chairman, Scott Giles, “The Downtown District Partnership has been in discussion with local lenders to get this program up and running and we’re delighted to have great support from our banking community.” The intent of the facade improvement program is to encourage businesses or residential property owners to work with the participating bank of their choice. Each of the six banks has committed to making $500,000 in funds available to loan. These funds are offered to borrowers at favorable rates for qualifying improvements.

Giles further stated, “This is not a loan pool, nor is there an approving authority. Each institution will evaluate loan applications on a case-by-case basis and have agreed to accept applicants for these loan funds over the next 24 months.”

Typical projects that would meet the criteria for loans would include exterior building remodeling and improvements:

• masonry repairs
• window and door replacement
• awnings
• paint and trim
• exterior lighting
• ornamental rails, balconies and fire escapes
• hardscape and landscaping

“Of course, any exterior changes to a property within the boundaries of the CBID must be approved by the Design Review Board before a building permit is issued. This is a function of the City of Clarksville Building & Codes Department and applies regardless of participation in this loan program.” Giles added.

Property owners within the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) can directly contact the participating bank of their choice. The participating banks and contacts are:

• F&M Bank – Scott Giles
• Heritage Bank – Keith Bennett
• Legends Bank – Billy Atkins
• Planters Bank – Suzanne Langford
• Regions Bank — Amy Jerles-Orton
• US Bank -Steve Kemmer

For more information on the Downtown District Partnership go to www.ddpclarksville.org

Your bank would never call you to ask for this information. This writer received such a call Monday afternoon and knew right away it must involve some type of scam because I don’t have an account with F&M Bank, yet this alert notice said my F&M Bank account was in jeopardy. If you see this number on your phone’s display, 1-213-596-8982, be wary. This was the number used to contact this writer. This appears to be a phishing scam, an unauthorized attempt to gain bank account, credit card or ATM card account numbers.

Sadly, this type of criminal activity is also a part of the holiday season press. Report any such calls to the police department and your phone service provider. Be careful and cautious, but do enjoy your holiday season. “Gluckliche Festtage!”

F&M president and CEO Sammy Stuard

F&M Bank has been named to the 2008 list of Hot100 companies to watch in Tennessee by BusinessTN magazine. The 102-year old F&M ranks as one of the state’s top 20 independent banks. With assets exceeding $700 million, F&M Bank operates offices in Montgomery, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Robertson and Stewart counties.

“Being recognized by BusinessTN as one of the Hot100 companies in the state is evidence that businesses and individuals in middle Tennessee appreciate F&M’s unique brand of banking,” remarked Sammy Stuard, F&M president and CEO. “I think it also speaks to the fact that today, people are placing greater trust in their local bank rather than the larger financial institutions that are making so much of today’s negative economic news,” he continued. “As F&M continues to expand our market area, roll-out meaningful products and attract new client relationships, our customers have responded positively and our market has grown.  I am pleased to share this honor with the 220 F&M employees who are positively crucial to our success.”

The Hot100 list is described by BusinessTN as an annual look at companies who represent the best that Tennessee has to offer in terms of entrepreneurial vision and growth. According to the publication, selection of the Hot100 is based on numerous factors such as revenue, employee growth, growth over a period of years, growth as compared to industry average and projected growth. In compiling the Hot100 list, BusinessTN spotlights companies that are enriching local and regional economies, providing jobs, and contributing to Tennessee’s entrepreneurial culture.

F&M has recently opened new full-service banking offices in Murfreesboro and White House, and plans to open a banking office in Hendersonville before the end of the year.  In addition, they have opened new mortgage operations in Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Hendersonville and Lebanon, all within in the second half of 2008.  For more information on F&M Bank and F&M Mortgage, visit www.myfmbank.com.

Wild west Chuck wagon Race at Kiwanis Rodeo

This weekend brought two days of rodeo excitement to Clarksville at the Fairgrounds Park. Friday was the opening night and Wendy’s Restaurants sponsored it’s Kids Night at the Rodeo.

Kiwanis Chairman Glenn Childers

Glenn Childers, 2008 Downtown Kiwanis Club Chair, gave a brief rundown of this year’s rodeo, adding that the Kiwanis Club, with its 128 members, are proud that this was their 24th year bringing the rodeo to the Clarksville community. This rodeo was a very family-oriented and family-friendly happening, with the proceeds the Downtown Kiwanis Club raise dedicated to aid children and youth programs.

The pageantry of rodeo is colorful, dramatic, patriotic and exciting. Mark North, rodeo announcer, does an excellent job of informing the crowd of what is going on in the arena and encouraging everyone’s participation and appreciation for the athletes’ performances on display, both human and animal. Livestock takes on an entirely new meaning when 3,000 pounds of bucking steer animal is in your face !

All American: Carrying the colors

There are chuck wagon races, Children’s “Lost Shoe Match Up” competitions, “Gold in the Haystack” searches for the younger set as well as the grown-ups. Trick riding, rodeo clowns, shooting demonstration are all part of the rodeo show.

A Cowboy waits ready at the gate

The rodeo, though, at its most basic, is about the true life western cowboy skills of herding cattle, developed by those early cattle herders. Those men were mostly former Buffalo Soldiers and freed slaves from South seeking to better their lives and put distance between themselves and their past lives of bondage. Popularized in the late 19th century with Wild West shows, these rodeo skills, which now recognize the skills of women as well, have come to be known as calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc roping, bareback roping and bull riding. All of these skill sets are on display and vetted nightly at the Clarksville Rodeo.

Young cowboy gets ready to test his new skills

Food vendors offered cotton candy, funnel cakes, nachos snow cones, popcorn, and hot dogs. Wayne Abrams, barbecue specialist extraordinaire worked his ‘Applewood Magic,’ with Bubba’s Tennessee Smokers creating barbecue sandwiches, and Wendy’s Frosties to cool the fire from all that barbecue. Tastebuds were bound to be sated. Six lanes of inflatable slides and jumping castle in Kids Playland Adrenolin Rush II, sponsored by the F&M Bank, was a real bargain at five dollars per child for unlimited playtime.

Youngsters have a chance to explore tractors, backhoes and other equipment

Business sponsor Joe Heitz Toyata hosted a static display of Tacoma and Tundra V-8 trucks. Thompson Equipment had a static display of CAT machinery on hand, allowing youngsters to have a picture taken in the cab of the big rig. Bikers Who Care conducted ticket sales for their motorbike give-a-way. Raffle tickets were five dollars for the chance to win a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 beauty. During the rodeo, five tickets were only $20.00. Proceeds benefit Camp Rainbow, Buddy Ball and other children charities. Bill Roberts’ Thunder Road had a static display of pleasure boats for viewing.

Other attractions included a petting zoo and pony ride, the livestock pens. Lindsey Haliburton is on hand, signing personal portraits and circles the corral in the Joe Heitz Chuck Wagon. The Clarksville Police Department Mounted Patrol are also to be seen. The local business community support of this event is impressive: local banks, storage operations, construction, veterinary care, certified accountants, auto repair to car sales, pleasure watercraft sales, radio media, web design, printers, lodging, livestock, restaurants of all genre, lawyers and law firms, concrete products,commercial real estate, architectural firms, communications and insurance firms — virtually every sector of the local business community was involved in some way with this rodeo.

Some of the results of Friday night include: Bareback Riding, sponsored by Legends Bank, won by Zach Holston; Saddle Bronc Riding, sponsored by Joe Heitz Toyota, won by Peter Fowlkes; Barrel Racing, sponsored by Budweiser, won by Jessica Moore; and Breakaway Roping, sponsored by Grandpas, won by Julie Ennis.

For the uninitiated, it was a chance to get acquainted with the real living tradition of the American West. Cowboys, Cowgirls, horses and cows — “That’s American!”

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Public Square's new fountain offers a cooling place on a hot summer day

For those who may not have visited Public Square of late, take note! There’s a new addition to ‘The Square’ and it brings added beauty and charm to the vaunted strip of real estate. Plus it has soothing sounds and is well lit at night. Courtesy of Farmers and Merchants Bank, otherwise known as F&M Bank, the City of Clarksville now has a brand new sparkling decorative water fountain gracing Public Square.

These few pictures illustrate the installation and dramatic day and nighttime effect of this new addition to the city’s art real estate inventory. According to a city council representative, this latest acquisition came at no cost to the citizenry. We wish to give F&M Bank, “Three Cheers!” for this demonstration of corporate generosity and community spirit.
These few pictures illustrate the installation and dramatic day and nighttime effect of this new addition to the city’s art real estate inventory. According to a city council representative, this latest acquisition came at no cost to the citizenry. We wish to give F&M Bank, “Three Cheers!” for this demonstration of corporate generosity and community spirit.

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The United States flag properly illuminated

With Memorial Day and Flag Day behind us and July 4th just ahead, the proper display of our national symbol takes center stage. A recent late night driving tour around our city revealed that there are many locations where our national flag is on display after sunset. We commend all who seek to demonstrate this patriotic effort. We found several private residences and business operations which were compliant with the U.S. Flag Code.This means that they have installed spotlighting which, after sunset, clearly illuminates the flag. Above we show an example of proper nighttime illumination of the flag.

There is no shortage of after dark displays of our national flag, which is commendable. However the nighttime drive tour showed that churches, banks, various business outlets, public monuments, even City Hall, the police department, some fire stations, the 911 Center, the County Jail, the EMS Rescue Station and other enterprises, all seem in violation of the official United States Code rules governing the display of the Flag of the United States after sunset.

Our nation is, itself, a living entity and our flag is to be regarded as a living representation of that entity. Thus, it is never to be dipped in submission to another country’s flag, never to be gathered up or bound, never to be allowed to touch the ground or floor beneath it, never to be embossed on any item which has a temporary existence, is meant to receive trash or is meant to be discarded (such as. napkins, paper plates and cups, ashtrays, etc., or worn as clothing).

Title 4 of the U.S. Code, Chapter 1, Section 6 states:

1. It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
   

While there is no declared standard of proper illumination, having direct illumination would seem to be an obvious objective of nighttime display. The following pictures showcase examples of failing or poor flag illumination. These photos were shot time-lapsed to insure sufficient exposure to capture a clear image. No other manipulation was used on any of them. The intent here is not to embarrass anyone, but to point out glaring shortcomings of the flag code objective- during hours of darkness, the U.S. Flag is to be properly illuminated. In most instances, the deficiency can be corrected with minimal effort.

A gallery of Clarksville’s darkened National Flags: [place pointer on image to reveal location.]