2008-11-20 23:09:06 -

www.fmb.com - Farmers & Merchants Bank (cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww ..) was presented the Longevity Award at the 2008 Family Owned Business Awards Luncheon on Nov. 19, hosted by the Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) and California State University, Fullerton"s Family Business Council.
The 101-year-old bank, recognized in the business community

for its ultra-safe banking environment and its commitment to community involvement, was lauded for its many achievements spanning five generations of Walkers and called "an icon among family-owned businesses" during the presentation luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Accepting the award were F&M Bank CEO Henry Walker and his father, Kenneth Walker, now serving as president of the main office. Nearly 50 outstanding businesses had been nominated, with one winner selected for each of the five categories: Small Business, Medium Business, Large Business, Up and Coming Business and Longevity.
"These are trying times, especially for the financial industry," said Henry Walker. "To be a bank during the current economic conditions, and to be honored with the Longevity Award, means a great deal to the Walker family and to our extended family at Farmers & Merchants."
He paid special tribute to the dedication and commitment of his father, Kenneth Walker, noting, "My father is celebrating his 60th anniversary working with the bank this year." He also recognized his brother, Daniel K. Walker, Chairman of the Board, for his guiding leadership and 35-year commitment to the Bank.
Of Farmers & Merchants Bank"s 22 branches, 12 are located in Orange County, and a new Customer Care Center just opened in Seal Beach. Managed and operated by the Walker family, the Bank was founded by Henry Walker"s great-grandfather, C.J. Walker, in 1907. Farmers & Merchants has thrived and weathered the financial storms of the past century and today is rated the strongest bank in California. Family members working alongside Henry and Kenneth are Daniel K. Walker, Chairman of the Board, (Kenneth"s son); Christine Walker, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer (Daniel"s daughter); and Matthew Walker, Vice President and Manager of the Laguna Hills office (Daniel"s son).
The award was presented to F&M by J.P. Gough, CEO of Orange County Business Bank, who outlined Farmers & Merchants Bank"s achievements including their commitment to community-enhancing activities and the family-style environment they create for their employees, calling them "an icon among family-owned businesses."
About Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach
Founded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach has 22 branches in L.A. and Orange counties. The Bank specializes in commercial and small business banking along with business loan programs up to $35 million. The Bank is one of the strongest banks in the country measured by a variety of industry measurements. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is a California state chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").
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