Bank of Stronghurst

Bank of Stronghurst's Annual Meeting

By Mindy Jones, Secretary of the Stockholders Meeting

The Bank of Stronghurst held its Annual Stockholders Meeting Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Patrick Community Center, near Raritan. Approximately 72 stockholders and guests attended the 12:30 P.M. luncheon buffet and meeting.

Charles E Neff, Chairman, extended greetings to all stockholders and guests. Sandra Ford, Vice President, led the stockholders and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Stacie Newberry. At approximately 1:29 P.M. the meeting was opened by Charles E. Neff, Chairman.    David Knutstrom, Chad Scott and Jerame Cokel served as Judges.  Mindy Jones was Secretary.

Chairman Neff called on Stacie Newberry, President/CEO for her opening remarks.  President Newberry recognized George Hennenfent for his years of service as Board Chairman and Cheryl Waddill for her years of service as Director.  Mrs. Newberry announced the addition of Donna Lant as Director. President Newberry shared regulatory updates and also discussed various fraud schemes and how to protect yourself.  In closing, President Newberry stated that the bank will be celebrating their 80th anniversary throughout 2026.  

Chairman Neff then called on Jacob Thompson, Vice President/ Cashier/Farm Loan Officer for his financial report.  Mr. Thompson reported that the Bank enjoyed a profitable year. Mr. Thompson ended the report stating that with the Bank’s excellent capital position, strong management team and loyal customers and shareholders, the Bank of Stronghurst looks forward to another year of profitability and growth.

Wyatt Logan, Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer was called upon to provide the report of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Mr. Logan stated we had solid loan growth during 2025. 

 Mr. Logan then shared a breakdown of the loan categories and indicated that with our competitive rates, we look forward to additional loan growth in 2026. Each stockholder was given a copy of the minutes of last year’s meeting.  Chairman Neff asked for a motion to approve the minutes.  A motion was made by Frank Doyle and seconded by Norm Menzenberg to accept the 2025 stockholder minutes as presented.  The motion was unanimously carried.

Judges for the meeting, David Knutstrom, Chad Scott and Jerame Cokel reported 1,883 shares of stock represented in person and 1,801 shares represented by proxy, making a total of 3,684 shares represented.  Chairman Neff then declared a quorum present for the transaction of business. Chairman Neff called for the Election of Directors for the coming year.  A motion was made by David Knutstrom and seconded by Cheryl Waddill that the present Directors be nominated for the coming year, close the nominations and that a unanimous ballot be cast to elect the nominees.  

The motion was unanimously carried. The Directors for the coming year will be: Charles Neff, George Hennenfent, Jerry Keimig, Donna Lant, Rodney Brake, Byron Burg and Stacie Newberry. Chairman Neff called on Mindy Jones and Sandra Ford, to conduct a drawing for door prizes.  Winners of the drawing were as follows: Fresh floral centerpieces- Terri Goble, Alan Larsen, Bonnie Hensley: Gift basket of specialty items Carolyn Fry; Glass Light- Pam Rusanowski; Chickadee Chicks Metal Birds- Norm Menzenberg.

Chairman Neff then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  A motion was made by Jerame Cokel to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Gary Armstrong and unanimously passed.

Following the Annual Stockholders Meeting, Tuesday, March 10, the newly elected Board of Directors of the Bank of Stronghurst met at the banking house for the Organizational Meeting.  The Officers for 2026 were appointed as follows: Charles E. Neff, Chairman of the Board; Stacie Newberry, President and CEO; Sandra Ford, Vice President; Jacob Thompson, VP/Cashier/Farm Loan Officer; Shelley Morrison, BSA Officer; Wyatt Logan, AVP/ Loan Officer.