Chamber News by Artis Stoebener, Executive Director
This week's veteran member, Farmers State Bank, is one of the oldest established businesses in Cameron. Since 1878, Farmers State has stood the test of time by keeping up with the time while maintaining sound management.  The Bank remains located at the corner of Third and Main Streets.  Three of their founders still maintain a presence in Cameron history:  Former Missouri Governor George Smith as well as Soloman Musser's mansion which still stands at 4th and Chestnut and the nearby (423 N. Chestnut) Goodrich school named after N. S Goodrich.  Farmers State Bank has always kept up with the times.  A new building erected at the same location in 1890. Then following WW I, a new structure was erected at the same location in 1919. During the banking holiday of 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, the Bank was reorganized as Farmers State Bank.  The main bank was extensively remodeled in 1976 and again in 2000.  Deposits as well as facilities have always shown growth at FSB.  On August 12, 1878 -their assets totaled$925.40.  Total assets at the close of business on December 31, 1878, were $8,085.00!  In 2007, assets were of approximately $180,000,000.00!
A drive-up facility was built at 416 N. Walnut Street in 1964.  This building was razed and replaced with a new drive-up facility in July, 2003.  Farmers State Bank continues to maintain and expand services FSB purchased the Farmers and Valley Bank in Tarkio in 1996, the Trenton, Mo. branch of Roosevelt Savings Bank in 1998, and the Mound City and Maitland, Mo. branches of UMB Bank in 2005.  A mortgage division, known as FSB Mortgage, was created in 2005, with offices at the main bank in Cameron and in St. Joseph. Information about the Bank and its services can be found on the internet at www.fscbank.com.
Farmers State Bank is an independent community bank wholly owned by FSC Bancshares, Inc., a one-bank holding company.  The Bank employs 65 full-time employees and 11 part-time employees.  Bank employees own 5.60% of FSC Bancshares, Inc., through the Bank's employee stock ownership plan.  President Mike Poland has many of the same historic claims as his bank as his family has been here for at least four generations.  It clearly is a good place to work as many of FSB's 65 employees have spent their entire careers as part of the FSB team and that's reflected by their friendly, professional manner in all your banking business.  They value both your time and your money.  FSB even coordinates their Christmas Open House w/State Farm & Edward Jones for everyone's convenience.  Their leadership in Cameron remains outstanding.  They've always been active Chamber members.  FSB was named Business of the Year in 1989 and Mike Poland was the first recipient of the prestigious Craig Watkins Citizenship Award.  They participate in and sponsor many of the Chamber's activities, including outstanding floats in the Christmas parade, taking first place in 2006!
Get ready for a new Chamber event Nov. 17 - Chamber "Holiday Hustle" 5K which precedes the 2:00 Holiday Parade by 10 minutes.  Plan to attend and see both great events.  Of course, there's the Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Window Walk the night before on Nov. 16.  Please welcome our newest member, Orscheln Farm & Home LLC on north Walnut by attending their Grand Opening this weekend Oct. 26-28.  Lots of events for kids on Sunday.  Cameron is truly blessed to have so much effort & support from so many folks.  Please continue to patronize all 160+ Chamber businesses that have made a dedicated effort to help Cameron be all it can be.  They appreciate your business