Message from our Board Chair
“Are we there yet?” This is normally heard traveling with children, but more and more it is hoping we have arrived in 2021! For a year that flew by quickly, it has been a long year! With the holidays fast approaching, we have a new appreciation for things we took for granted. Things as simple as toilet paper (who knew?) or a hug, sitting side by side in church, or seeing someone smile. I pray this all returns and we can get back to living our lives, but not without a newfound appreciation.
I would like to let you all know that after five years as Heritage Club Director (almost eight years with the bank), I have resigned from my position. My last day is Saturday, November 14th. I have accepted a position with a dentist office here in town. Although I am looking forward to the change, this was not a quick decision. There was too much to lose.
My appreciation for HCI runs deep. Coming into my position as a director, not knowing a thing about travel, they took me in and have helped me grow. The relationships I have made along the way will be remembered and cherished. To be your Board Chair this last year has been fun and educational; I am a better person for it. I will miss working with Cindy Blaine. She is the Laverne to my Shirley. The Bert to my Ernie. The Laurel to my Hardy. My partner in crime but most important, my friend. (Stop crying Cindy). Please take care of her. She will need someone to hold her hand (inside joke).
Smile often, laugh more. Life is too short to be serious. There is something funny in every situation. When you find it, think of me; I would probably be laughing too.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying Goodbye so hard.” - Winnie the Pooh
Melanie
Melanie Davis, CBCD
Farmers Savings Bank & Trust
Vinton, IA
Note from the Executive Director - November 4, 2020:
I have had the pleasure of working with many HCI Chair people over the past 20 years. I am always amazed at how our bank club directors always seem to elect just the right person for the time they are serving. Melanie has had the most unusual time in which to serve - during the time of Covid-19! Her wonderful spirit towards every member, her sense of humor during some difficult days, and the wisdom and graciousness with which she has led HCI has been remarkable. We have held more board meetings than normal years and have asked more of our Chair as a result. She has stepped forward whenever we have asked for her assistance and helped us serve our members well in a tough year for everyone. Tina and I are very proud to call her our friend, and we only wish the very best for her in her new career. Imagine....she is going from a place I love dearly (HCI) to a place I dislike more than nearly anything (the dentist!). I am sure she will be responsible for making at least one dentist office less painful to visit!
Today, November 4th is her final board meeting, at which time we have invited Amber Thomas to act as the Interim Board Chair. Amber was very kind to agree to hold this position until the Peer Group Conference in February, when we will be electing our new board. So, please send Melanie all the best wishes possible on her new endeavor, and let Amber know you are there to support her.
Ted Nelson
Executive Director
