The Farmers and Merchants Bank’s Junior Board of Directors program began with the 2009-2010 school year and continues to grow in popularity each year.  The Junior Board is made up of high school seniors from Putnam and surrounding counties that are chosen by a selection committee (none of which are employed or directly affiliated with FMB).  Through this youth leadership program students are able to experience the interview process, gain leadership and teamwork skills, take a personality test and learn personal finance tips and tools that will serve them for years to come.  The Junior Board also gives students an opportunity to engage with students from other schools, bankers and other local business people as they participate in the monthly board meetings.  Plus, each Junior Board member gets paid for every meeting they attend!!!

Not all the fun and learning is done within FMB’s board room, we try and get the students out and about as much as possible.  The Chick-Fil-A Home Office Backstage Tour is a perfect example.  This is a walking, guided cultural tour of all things Chick-Fil-A with the central focus being S. Truett Cathy, his beliefs and his work ethic.  The Junior Board had the opportunity to see first hand how an American start up and family owned company became an international known and celebrated icon.  Along with the background on the Truett family and the Chick-Fil-A history the tour covers where they want to take the business in the future with their Test Kitchen and Innovation Center.

 For more information on FMB’s Jr. Board of Director’s or to find out how to apply, please call Maria Baltazar at (706) 485-9941.