Saturday, January 28, 2012

Fillmore County Development Corp Update: Brown Bag Workshop



Water Cooler ‘Talk’- Keys to Effective Teamwork and Customer Service” was the topic at the Brown Bag Workshop held on January 24th with Carmen Schwab of Lincoln as the presenter.

Over 90 people attended the one-hour Brown Bag Workshop during the three sessions that was held at the community room at Heritage Crossings. The Fillmore County Development Corporation Leadership Development Committee sponsored the workshop. Partial funding was provided by the Fillmore County Foundation.

Schwab offered the participants an opportunity for personal and professional growth using an entertaining and interactive style. She reminded participants that the true writer of their paycheck is the customer and that everyone in a business has a role to play to give the customer a great experience. She also encouraged participants to make it personal, make it an experience, and pay attention to their body language when they work with customers and colleagues. In the end, how do we create that “distilled” water cooler talk both internally and externally that shows we’ve given great customer service and been effective team members.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Fillmore County Foundation Grant applications available


Applications now available

for Fillmore County Foundation Grants

FILLMORE COUNTY – Groups, organizations, or communities seeking funding for projects may find a source of assistance through the Fillmore County Foundation.
Grant applications will be accepted through Wednesday, February 22, 2012 by 4:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered at the Fillmore County Foundation semi-annual meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
Grant awards are made each March and September. After the last application period approximately $3,000 was awarded. Application forms are available at the Fillmore County Development Corporation office, 1032 G Street, Geneva, during regular office hours or you may request an application by email lentfer.fcdc@genevamail.com by telephone at 402-759-4910 or go the website www.fillmorecountydevelopment.org/News.html
Current application forms with the February 22, 2012 deadline date must be used. Persons with questions about the grant program may contact the Fillmore County Development Office at 759-4910 or Evelyn Volkmer at 759-3114 or Scott Oliva at 629-4446.


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

First National Insurance Acquires Dinneen Agency

First National Insurance Agency CEO Alan Emshoff with longtime Dinneen Agency owners J.J. and Judy Dinneen.

First National Insurance Agency Purchases Dinneen Agency



Ed Mark, President of First National Insurance Agency, Inc. (FNIA) announced that the agency has purchased the Dinneen Insurance Agency of Exeter effective December 13, 2011.

The Dinneen Insurance Agency began operation in 1936 when J.J. Dinneen’s grandfather became licensed to sell insurance for Farmers Mutual Hail of Iowa. Dinneen’s father J.W. took over the business in 1951 until a car accident limited his involvement in the business. J.J. became an agent of the Dinneen Insurance Agency in 1985.

J.J. stated “I am happy to sell our agency to First National Insurance Agency. We have found Ed Mark and his staff to be very knowledgeable and helpful.” Dinneen remarked, “I have enjoyed my years representing Farmers Mutual Hail.”

FNIA President Ed Mark praised the Dinneen family for their longevity in the insurance business. Mark also commented “With this acquisition, we will strive to provide the same quality service that J.J. provided to his customers.”

Established in 1964, FNIA is a locally owned and operated "Trusted Choice" Independent Insurance Agency. In addition to now offering crop coverage with Farmers Mutual Hail of Iowa, they also offer RCIS, John Deere and Rain Hail companies.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Exeter-Milligan Update: American Government class

Mr. Jordan Marr’s junior American Government class at Exeter-Milligan is currently studying the presidency. To gain insight on the role of president, the students are in the process of researching past presidents to see the impact these men had on the world. Part of the process requires each student to pick a president of their choosing and present to the class information pertaining to various aspects of that person’s life. Along with presenting the information, they are to create a poster for their president. Ashley Miller is seen here working diligently on her poster of Dwight D. Eisenhower.