Farmers & Merchants Bank Honors Local Leaders, Hosts Second Annual ‘People You Can Bank On’ Awards Breakfast

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and community service, Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) honored Long Beach and South Bay residents who exemplify these ideals at its second annual People You Can Bank On breakfast on June 21. The exclusive event honored local leaders from various walks of life who have had a longstanding impact on both their community and industry.

“The People You Can Bank On honorees represent the very core of our community, and their tireless efforts and sincere devotion to goodwill and hard work have hugely contributed to a thriving, enriched Long Beach”

“We are privileged to serve a diverse community of dedicated civic leaders and philanthropists every day at F&M,” said Daniel K. Walker, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of F&M. “It is truly an honor to recognize these inspirational individuals and pay tribute to their personal commitments to bettering our community.”

F&M branch managers selected individuals who have demonstrated influential leadership and a passion for serving the communities in which they live and work. The 2012 honorees included:

Rusty Deeble (Bixby Knolls), the vibrant, young fourth-generation Long Beach entrepreneur and philanthropist behind one of the city’s foremost audio/visual design and installation companies.
Ted Porter (Torrance), a 37-year employee of Southern California Edison and civic leader who has tirelessly dedicated himself to community service for nearly four decades.
Justin Rudd (Belmont Shore), the founder of local nonprofit Community Action Team, an organization that implements fun events dedicated to promoting youth, education, environment and animal welfare. Founder of Rosie’s Dog Beach, LA County’s only off-leash dog beach.
Ginny Baxter (Lakewood), the executive director leading Long Beach City College Foundation to be one of the top community college foundations in the U.S. for funds raised to help local students afford higher education.
Bill and Virgie Barnes (Los Altos), a Long Beach duo who have dedicated themselves to scholarship, service and volunteerism for more than 50 years.
Donald Chung (Memorial), a Korean War veteran, distinguished physician, published author and dedicated philanthropist who has led an extraordinary life—so extraordinary, in fact, that it was turned into a 50-episode drama for Korean television.
Ken Buck (East Long Beach), Owner of Joe Jost’s Tavern, where he carries on a 90-year family tradition of serving up cold brews, warm atmosphere and community stewardship.
Daryl Phillips (Long Beach), the visionary third-generation leader of Phillips Steel Company, a company that has forged a century-long legacy in Long Beach with the values of family, entrepreneurship and service.
George and Barbara Mayer (Rolling Hills Estates), surviving the Holocaust, George flourished as a businessman and together with his wife Barbara, they are dedicated philanthropists and community leaders.

“The People You Can Bank On honorees represent the very core of our community, and their tireless efforts and sincere devotion to goodwill and hard work have hugely contributed to a thriving, enriched Long Beach,” said Walker.

The exclusive event, held at the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, was attended by the F&M executive team, branch managers from the Long Beach and South Bay region, the honorees and their special guests.

About Farmers & Merchants Bank

Founded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank has 21 branches in L.A. and Orange counties. The Bank specializes in commercial and small business banking along with business loan programs. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is a California state chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Member FDIC) and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information about F&M, please call the media contacts listed or visit the website, www.fmb.com.