Pub. 1 2012 Issue 6

18 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s Banking Milestones Robert Oleen Celebrates 75 Years at Farmers State Bank in Dwight B ob Oleen greeted guests who gathered at the Farmers State Bank in Dwight on August 10, 2012 to celebrate his 75 years in banking. Reflecting on how it all started, Bob recalls starting at the bank when he was 19 years old. He told the Bank President, Elmer Beck, that he would work for a month and then they could decide what they should pay him. Bob ran the postage machine, kept the books and filled out customers’ taxes to make sure he did his share. He explains with a smile that banks closed early back then, so at the end of the day he would go out and help farmers in the field when they were having a hard time. By the age of 22, Bob found himself running the bank after Elmer Beck became the State Treasurer. Bob is well-respected in his community as three generations of customers made sure to stop in and thank him for what he has offered the community. One customer was overheard saying, “You have been good to us and helped a lot of people.” Bob helped establish the modern phone system as an upgrade from an old crank system when he served on the TriCounty Telephone Cooperative and he served on the Morris county Hospital Board for many years as well. Robert Oleen (front) is joined by staff of Farmers State Bank, Dwight (starting left) Brenda Picolet, Jan Oleen (President) , Debra Brown, Lori Parker, Amy Oleen, Meg Oleen. Robert Oleen enjoyed many visitors and a cake to celebrate 75 years in banking. Bank of Palmer Celebrates 125 Years of Service B ankof Palmer recently helda community celebration commemorating its 125th anniversary. Bruce Meyer, President &CEO, stated “We’ve been blessed with dedicated staff that our customers know and trust. Many of them worked for our fathers before Don Heitman, VP and I started working here. ” The celebration included a picnic for bank customers followed by a fabulous fireworks display at dusk. The Bank was open for business on July 4th 1887. With sustained growth they have provided financial services to the community ever since. A branch bank was opened in Barnes, Kansas in 1996 in an effort to serve that population as well. With nine employees over two locations the Bank of Palmer is proud to offer dedicated and personal- ized service that you can’t get in many places. Bruce Meyer, President & CEO Bank of Palmer, welcomes Herb and Becky Iams, KBA Insurance, to the 125th anniversary celebration.