Mississippi Land Bank

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1 Part of the Farm Credit System Mississippi Land Bank mslandbank.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Abbott Myers, Chairman Alan Blaine, Vice Chairman Morgan Gulledge Jan Hill Lawson McClellan Keith Morton Calvin Ozier James G. Robison Travis Satterfield Holiday Schedule Mississippi Land Bank offices will be closed on the following days: Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27 Christmas Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24 and 25 For payments to be credited for 2015, they will need to be received in the office by noon on Thursday, Dec. 31. Serving Those Who Serve the Nation Farm Credit has been serving veterans for as long as we ve been around. Nearly a century ago, the United States entered World War I, sending more than 2 million troops to Europe over 19 months. Many of those soldiers and sailors were young farm people, and when they came home, some turned to their local Farm Credit cooperatives, established during the war, for financing to purchase land. Since then, millions more young people from rural areas have fought to protect our nation s freedom. Even today, over 40 percent of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military come from rural communities, although just 16 percent of the American population lives in rural areas. Coming home and building a new career can be difficult, and rural America is one place where they can start. As a cooperative lending organization that is owned by farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit has always worked hard to meet the financing needs of returning veterans. Veterans Day was just a few weeks ago, but appreciating veterans service and providing service to them is not limited to one day a year at Mississippi Land Bank. If you, or someone you know, is a veteran or current member of the U.S. military, please let us know. We ll be happy to offer guidance in making a home or a career in rural America. Thank you to all of our vets and best wishes to our customers and our friends for a very happy holiday season. Sincerely, Gary L. Gaines Chief Executive Officer ASSOCIATION SUPPLEMENT WINTER 2015

2 Culture in the Country Couple Brings the Arts to Rural Schoolchildren Gerald Thomas Sitting down and talking with Mississippi Land Bank customers Howard and Jamie Thompson, one can t help but feel the enthusiasm and love they share not only for the arts but for the children of rural North Mississippi. As career educators, the now-retired Tate County couple long recognized that many local schoolchildren needed more exposure to the arts, and created the Independence Art Conservatory to fill that need. The Independence Arts Conservatory offers what schools aren t funded for, says Jamie. It is so important that children in rural areas are given an opportunity to shine, and just because they don t live in a big city doesn t mean they can t experience the arts. The mission of the conservatory is to provide a place for boys, girls, young men and young women to refine their God-given gifts and talents in the performing, literary, visual and culinary arts. A Conservatory Is Born After much thought and prayer, the project took flight in The plan was to offer opportunities to students in Tate, Desoto, Marshall and Panola counties. The Thompsons launched their first program in 2010, when they held a summer camp during which the children studied their first play, 101 Dalmations, and then performed it for the general public. Independence Arts Conservatory students, with founders Howard and Jamie Thompson, center Later, the Thompsons added a Saturday Scene program designed to include theater and visual arts classes. The program included half-day performing arts classes on the first and third Saturdays of each month for students in grades 3 through 12, or ages 8 through 17. As interest in the conservatory grew, the couple added choral music to the Saturday Scene program in Four new choirs were formed the All American Children s Choir, the All American Girls Choir, the All American Boys Choir and the All American Choir, which is a combination of all the choirs. Students from more than 30 schools both public and private in the fourcounty area have participated in programs since the conservatory began. Children Show Off Their Art In addition to 101 Dalmations, some of the plays, musicals, concerts and celebrations that have been presented at the conservatory include Hamlet for Kids, The Ever After, Honk, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Midsummer Night s Dream for Kids, a Christmas choral music concert, July 4 patriotic programs and jamborees. The visual arts students have presented their work at various art shows and exhibits. Many of these are held simultaneously with performing arts activities. This allows the students from both groups to work together. Many times, the students in the visual arts department create the stage scenery. Because they don t use a stage curtain as do many theaters, the audience actually gets to see the students change out the scenes and observe the hard work that s involved in a theater production. Behind the Scenes The Thompsons, who finance rural property with Mississippi Land Bank, are not alone in their dedication to the arts and to children there are many others who contribute behind the scenes to the success

3 of the conservatory. All teachers and administrators are volunteers and do not receive any salary or benefits for their time. They all have undergraduate or even graduate degrees in the areas where they serve. Other dedicated volunteers help prepare meals and snacks for the students, mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, paint and clean. Jamie says it takes the dedication of many to make the program a success. They all share a desire to help the conservatory students enjoy a quality of life which includes the arts, says Jamie. Meeting Funding Challenges The Thompsons discovered their current facility in 2009 in a former church that had sat vacant for years. There was and still is a lot of work to be done to get it in good shape, including a new roof and some exterior repairs. And then there s always the ordinary cost of doing business, such as utilities, insurance and standard upkeep. It takes roughly $30,000 to $40,000 annually to operate the place, says Howard. We are always seeking support and looking for ways to raise funds for the programs. While we do collect a small admission fee when the programs are presented to the public, it s not enough to cover all the costs. Tuition for the students is minimal, but even at that, notes Jamie, roughly 75 percent cannot afford to pay it. If they truly have a love of the arts and have a God-given talent, however, they are not turned away, says Jamie. The couple would love to expand the program to include a dinner theater, and hopes to someday have the funds to add this to the conservatory s repertoire. For more information about the programs and upcoming performances offered by the Independence Arts Conservatory, check out their website at Donations can be sent to the Independence Arts Conservatory and Conference Center, P.O. Box 122, Independence, Mississippi Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Future Excitement is building at Mississippi Land Bank in anticipation of the Farm Credit System s 100th anniversary in We are eager to celebrate the day when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Farm Credit Act on July 17, 1916, creating the Farm Credit System. On that day, farmers and ranchers across the country gained a new source of financing that would support agriculture in good times and bad. The System s longevity has much to do with how Farm Credit was structured by Congress nearly a century ago. Congressional lawmakers chose a cooperative structure, wherein members would have a say in how their lending institution is run and would share in its benefits. Mississippi Land Bank is proud to be a part of this System and to have been able to help agricultural producers, decade after decade. Be on the lookout for future communications regarding our centennial plans. We hope you will help us celebrate the Farm Credit centennial in 2016, and we look forward to working with you and future generations for another 100 years!

4 2015 mississippi Land Bank - THE ONLY INVESTMENT MORE VALUABLE THAN LAND University of Mississippi SHELBY BICKES Shelby Bickes of Saltillo graduated from Saltillo High School in 2015, where she participated in many extracurricular activities such as the student council and Anchor Club. She was on the soccer and tennis teams, and during her senior year was vice president of the student body and treasurer of the student council. Shelby also taught swimming at a local aquatic center, and in 2014 devoted 1,000 community service hours to Camp Lake Stephens. Shelby graduated with special distinction, and is a Mississippi Scholars Initiative participant. She attends the University of Mississippi. Coahoma Community College CANTRELL DAVIS Cantrell Davis is a native of Quitman County, and resides in Sledge with his parents, Gregory and Tinnie Davis. He is member of Mount Zion M.B. Church of Lambert. Cantrell graduated seventh in his class from Madison Palmer High School, where he was a member of the marching band and the track and powerlifting teams. He is an honor student at Coahoma Community College, pursuing an associate of arts degree in accounting. He is president of the Accounting Society and a member of the band. Rust College LE KESHA DEBERRY Le Kesha DeBerry is a senior at Rust College, where her focus is English literature. She is a resident of Holly Springs, and is the mother of a beautiful daughter. She is striving to develop a youth program in Holly Springs that focuses on English literacy to help our youth explore the art of writing. She is happy to receive the Mississippi Land Bank scholarship, as it will help her on her way to fulfilling her career dreams. Mississippi State University JO BETH DODDS Jo Beth Dodds of Starkville is a graduate of Starkville Christian School and is an incoming freshman at Mississippi State University. Her plans are to major in food science and nutrition. She is proud to have been selected for this scholarship and is confident that she will live up to the honor. Northwest MS Community College LUCY FYFE Lucy Fyfe of Oxford is a 2015 graduate of Oxford High School, where she was a member of Young Life, varsity choir, art club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was part of the backstage crew in several theater productions, and participated in show horse dressage and jumping at Cedar Wind Farms. She helped in several community service projects and was active in her church. A student at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Lucy intends to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and plans to work locally with large farm animals such as horses and cows. For more information on scholarships, including how to apply, visit our website at MSLandBank.com, or call your local branch office.

5 Scholarship Recipients IS IN THE EDUCATION OF OUR FUTURE LEADERS - Mississippi University for Women KAREN HUTSON Karen Hutson lives in Guntown and is a grandmother of two. In 2011, she graduated with honors from Itawamba Community College, where she earned an associate of applied science degree in both microcomputer technology and office systems technology. She was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa. She currently is pursuing a bachelor of technology degree in professional studies with a concentration in general business at the Mississippi University for Women. She feels blessed and honored to receive the Mississippi Land Bank scholarship for this year. East Central Community College ALEXANDRIA LEE Alexandria Lee is the daughter of Richard and Sandra Lee of Louisville. She has two siblings, a sister and a brother. A graduate of Louisville High School, Alexandria is delighted and grateful to be a scholarship recipient. Her plan after graduation from East Central Community College is to attend Mississippi State University and earn a degree in veterinary medicine. Northeast MS Community College ZACKERY MARCINEK Zackery Marcinek is from Corinth and has a 1-year-old daughter, Ava Claire. After Zackery graduates from Northeast Mississippi Community College, he plans to become a certified financial planner. Zackery is honored to receive the Mississippi Land Bank scholarship and he intends to give back to all who have helped him along life s highway. Zackery knows that dreams can be accomplished with hard work and persistence, and often uses this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Itawamba Community College JACK ROGERS Jack Rogers of Tupelo is a graduate of Tupelo High School and an incoming freshman at Itawamba Community College. Jack s parents are Jeff and Jayna Rogers of Tupelo. He is very pleased to have received the Mississippi Land Bank scholarship. Jack is an ACT Scholarship recipient and is a member of the cross-country team. He currently works part time at Juva, a juice and smoothie bar in Tupelo. Delta State University SHUJUAN SMITH Shujuan Smith of Sallis is the son of Peggy Williams and stepson of James Williams. He is a senior at Delta State University, majoring in business management. This year at Delta State he achieved the Student Excellence Award. Shujuan is proud to have been chosen for the Mississippi Land Bank scholarship, and has a clear focus on his future plans. After he obtains his bachelor s degree, he plans to enroll in the master s degree program at Delta State University majoring in business administration with a human resource emphasis. Mississippi Valley State University K YANA WILLIAMS K yana Monique Williams is a junior at Mississippi Valley State University, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, majoring in accounting. K yana attended Eastside High School in Cleveland, where she was in the choir and was elected Miss Homecoming. She is the daughter of Marcus L. and Stacie M. Williams. K yana has always had a great affinity and aptitude for numbers and money matters, so it was natural for her to choose a career in accounting.

6 IN THE NEWS: UPDATE ON LAND BANK PERSONNEL Promotions Mississippi Land Bank is proud to announce the following promotions that were effective July 1: Bill Cook was promoted to vice president of business development and public relations. Bill will remain working at the Starkville branch office location. Bart Harris was promoted to vice president and branch manager of the Starkville branch office. Honorable Mentions A helicopter was dedicated at Camp Shelby in honor of state Rep. Mac Huddleston, father of Meghan Foley. Meghan s husband, Will Foley, is assistant vice president in the Tupelo branch. Caleb Ratcliffe, son of Cindy Lubiani, graduated from Bartlett High School and plans to attend Southwest Tennessee Community College in the fall. Cindy is senior loan administrator in the Senatobia branch. Cody Mitchell, grandson of Linda O Neal, finished with the highest average for the fourth-grade class at Delta Academy in Marks. Linda is senior loan administrator in the Clarksdale branch. Michael Neal, nephew of Stella Perez, senior loan administrator in the Cleveland branch office, received several awards at Bayou Academy at the completion of his junior year including Daughters of the American Revolution outstanding work in American history; American history award; Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society; and Bausch & Lomb company science award. Michael also placed first at the district and state science fairs. Jackson Spinks, son of Michelle and Bobby Spinks, graduated valedictorian of the sixth-grade class at Presbyterian Day School in Clarksdale. Bobby is vice president and branch manager in the Clarksdale branch. In Memoriam Mississippi Land Bank would like to extend our condolences for the following: Gracie Gaines, mother of Chief Executive Officer Gary Gaines, passed away on May 31. Alberta Johnston, retired employee, passed away on Aug. 9. Retired employee Rex Parker passed away on Aug. 7. Noland Edward Biglane, grandfather of assistant vice president Hunter Taylor, passed away in April. Summer Interns Mississippi Land Bank was proud to host the following two summer interns this year, and wishes them the best in the future. Ashlee Rogers joined the administrative staff and worked under Chelsi Smith, credit analyst/capital markets, as a credit analyst intern. Ashlee has an associate s degree in business administration from Northwest Mississippi Community College and is currently pursuing a BBA from Mississippi State University. At Northwest, she was a member of the women s soccer team, and received All-State and Academic All-State awards from the National Junior College Athletic Association. Ashlee is vice president of communications for Omicron Delta Kappa, and is a member of Gamma Beta Phi, Phi Theta Kappa, the Society for Human Resource Management and the International Business Society. Jay Slater interned at the Starkville branch. He grew up on a small cattle farm and enjoyed being part of a small community where he was able to play sports and show livestock. Jay attended Jones County Community College, majoring in agribusiness. After graduating with honors, he transferred to Mississippi State University to pursue a bachelor s degree with a concentration in agribusiness production and a minor in animal and dairy science. Jay is currently a senior and plans to graduate in May Both interns had the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, to participate in the Introduction to Farm Credit class hosted by the Farm Credit Bank of Texas, which expanded their knowledge of the Farm Credit System. The interns also attended a Mississippi Land Bank board meeting in June, and gave a presentation to senior management at the end of their internship.

7 BORROWER BRAGGIN BOARD Mississippi Land Bank congratulates borrowers and friends on awards and accomplishments announced in North Mississippi area newspapers. Some of those found in recent newspapers include the following: Buddy Allen was named Outstanding Rice Producer for 2015 as reported in the Delta Council Review. Matthew Brignac was featured in an article in Catfish Alley in July. Melissa Stanford Hardy received her bachelor s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in May. Callie Windham, daughter of Deana French, received a Farm Bureau Scholarship Award and was included in an article in the Winston County Journal. Julie White was featured in an article in the Delta Farm Press in April. She was named the first-ever Mississippi participant in the American Farm Bureau Federation s prestigious two-year Partners in Agricultural Leadership class. The Flow of Farm Credit Funds Matt Walden, Chief Operating Officer, Participates in Farm Credit Leadership Program The funds that Mississippi Land Bank lends to farmers follow a unique path. This past summer, Matt Walden, chief operating officer, met some of the bond dealers, financial experts and policymakers responsible for the smooth and continuous flow of funds from Wall Street to your farm, when he participated in the Farm Credit Association Leadership Program. Hosted by the Farm Credit Bank of Texas, the annual program takes Farm Credit employees to financial and policy organizations in the New York City area and Washington, D.C., for four days, including the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (Funding Corp.) and the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). Seeing firsthand where and how money is secured on Wall Street and ends up on the many farms across the nation was one of the highlights of the trip, said Walden. He also enjoyed taking part in the legislative/lobbying process with the men and women who represent Mississippi. Visiting the Funding Corp. and the FCA revealed the many different viewpoints and responsibilities at the various levels within the Farm Credit System, said Walden. [We also saw] the effort involved in making them all work together to bring the most competitive products to the market, as well as maintaining a safe and sound Farm Credit System. From left to right are Matt Walden, chief operating officer, Mississippi Land Bank; U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper; and Andrew Ritter, loan officer, Southern AgCredit. While in Washington, Walden had the opportunity to meet with several representatives of Mississippi, including U.S. Reps. Trent Kelly and Gregg Harper and Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker.

8 Mississippi Land Bank Staff Toll Free (866) mslandbank.com Clarksdale 2653 North State St. Clarksdale, MS (662) Cleveland 3598A Hwy. 61 N. Cleveland, MS (662) Corinth 2101 Hwy. 72 E. Corinth, MS (662) Indianola 100 Court Avenue Indianola, MS (662) Part of the Farm Credit System Administrative Office 5509 Hwy. 51 N. Senatobia, MS (662) New Albany 206 State Hwy. 15 New Albany, MS (662) Senatobia 5509 Hwy. 51 N. Senatobia, MS (662) Starkville P.O. Box 2470 Starkville, MS (662) Tupelo 3517 Tom Watson Drive Saltillo, MS (662) Gary L. Gaines, President and CEO Craig B. Shideler, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Ronnie Sellers, Vice President, Capital Markets Matt Walden, Chief Operating Officer David Loftin, Vice President, PCA Operations Claire Pegram, Chief Financial Officer Jessica Stanford, Vice President, Administration Chelsi Smith, Credit Analyst Tyler Mullins, Senior Appraiser Jennifer Rhodes, Assistant Controller Stephanie Wilkie, Loan Operations Manager/Compliance Officer Melissa Dunn, Collateral Custodian Bill Cook, Vice President of Business Development and Public Relations Matthew Raff, Vice President, Senatobia Branch Bobby Spinks, Vice President, Clarksdale Branch Rob Taylor, Vice President, Cleveland Branch Bart Harris, Vice President, Starkville Branch Ben Beavers, Vice President, Tupelo Branch Brett Marlar, Vice President, Corinth Branch Hunter Taylor, Assistant Vice President, Senatobia Branch Scott Crockett, Assistant Vice President, Senatobia Branch Jeff Smith, Assistant Vice President, Clarksdale Branch Tyler Anderson, Assistant Vice President, Starkville Branch Matthew Kimbrough, Assistant Vice President, Tupelo Branch Will Foley, Assistant Vice President, Tupelo Branch Lee Tucker, Assistant Vice President, Corinth Branch Chris Williams, Loan Officer, Cleveland Branch Cindy Lubiani, Senior Loan Administrator, Senatobia Branch Sally McGarrity, Loan Administrator, Senatobia Branch Linda O Neal, Senior Loan Administrator, Clarksdale Branch Stella Perez, Senior Loan Administrator, Cleveland Branch Sandra Russell, Senior Loan Administrator, Tupelo Branch Lauren Bell, Loan Administrator Associate, Tupelo Branch Misty Lewis, Senior Loan Administrator, Starkville Branch Vicki Collins, Loan Administrator, Starkville Branch Mary Pogue, Senior Loan Administrator, Corinth Branch Colleen Eljuri, Director of Loan Operations (Austin) Louisville 110 S. Columbus Ave. Louisville, MS (662) tanderson@farmcreditbank.com