For a century, F&M Bank has been a steadfast presence in the communities it serves, known not just for its financial strength but for its deeply personal approach to banking. As the bank celebrates its 100-year milestone, its leadership, values, and commitment to community remain stronger than ever.

A Legacy of Leadership

At the heart of F&M Bank’s culture is its longstanding family leadership under the Dunn family. From Chairman of the Board Mike Dunn’s emphasis on the “personal touch” to President and CEO Nate Dunn’s forward-thinking “One Team, One Culture, One Vision” initiative introduced in 2021, the bank’s core mission of “exceeding expectations” has consistently shaped how team members interact with each other and serve their clients.

These values: trust, integrity, respect, and self-accountability, aren’t just buzzwords. They’re part of the daily culture that defines F&M’s relationships inside the bank and throughout the communities it serves.

“F&M has a culture of helping others succeed whether that’s our clients, our communities, or each other,” says Nate. It’s a sentiment echoed by Dr. Gordon Goettsch, who served on the board for 40 years. Dr. Gordon commented, “Everyone felt free to voice their opinion. Today, we have a more cognitively diverse group of board members, all who bring their own strengths to the table.”

F&M’s commitment to long-term relationships is rooted in its family-owned identity. “We’re not just a bank; we’re part of the community’s story generation after generation,” says Tirzah Wedewer, EVP & CFO.

These relationships have grown through decades of connection with families, business owners, farmers, and local leaders. “These connections have led to so many opportunities to help our clients live out their personal and professional dreams,” she adds.

Positioned for the Future

F&M’s centennial isn’t just a time to reflect. It’s also a launchpad for the next 100 years. Strategic succession planning, a strong capital position, and a next-generation team of bankers are all setting the course for continued success.

Just as past generations embraced innovation, today F&M looks ahead with an eye on technology and talent. Technology plays a vital role in this future, but never at the expense of personal service. “The most valuable piece of technology is how it’s applied,” explains Nate. “Even as digital tools expand, our personal touch remains our differentiator. When clients walk into an F&M location, they’re greeted by name. They feel noticed, appreciated, and treated like family.”

Leading Through Service

Community service isn’t a department at F&M. It’s woven into the fabric of the bank. Employees have logged over 4,000 volunteer hours in the last year alone, and since 2000, the F&M Cares Program has donated over $200,000 to local individuals and families facing hardship. Their Employee Charitable Match Program, launched in 2023, has already contributed over $53,000 to local causes.

From raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, F&M’s team members embody their mission of collective community impact. The “Leaders Who Lunch” mentoring program, founded by VP Deb Worm, now operates in four markets, helping middle school students learn life and leadership skills over lunch with local professional women.

F&M Bank is marking its 100-year milestone with a full year of celebrations. In June, more than 2,000 people gathered in Manchester for a block party filled with music, food trucks, and festivities. The celebration continues with events like “Have Lunch with Us,” a Cedar Rapids Biz Mix this month, and legacy business succession planning events throughout the fall.

The centennial is a moment of pride for the entire F&M family. “It’s exciting to see how we’ve grown and remained resilient over 100 years,” says Nate Dunn. “While some things will change, the tried-and-true service our clients count on will remain our focus. The future of F&M Bank is indeed a very bright one.”