Crossroads Bank Launches Jr. Board of Directors

Earlier this year, Crossroads Bank invited juniors and seniors from Manchester, Northfield, Southwood and Wabash High Schools to apply for the 16 spots on the board. Two juniors and two seniors were chosen from each school based on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and overall leadership skills. Other selection criteria included an outgoing and energetic personality as well as a proven interest in a business-related career.

Beginning in August, the Junior Board of Directors will participate in monthly meetings at Crossroads Bank, 1205 N Cass St, Wabash, Ind.—meetings that will last until May of each school year. Here, they’ll gain hands-on experience in conducting business meetings. In addition, they’ll also be exposed to the wide range of employment opportunities in Wabash County through high-profile speakers from various professions and The Chamber of Commerce.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. To develop a greater community consciousness, representatives from local nonprofit organizations will introduce students to service opportunities within the Wabash community.

Students will apply their learning by completing two community service projects. The first is a fundraising event; the second, a hands-on endeavor. For each, students will work with community leaders to plan and execute every detail, from developing ideas and budgeting expenses to reporting progress.

"One of the primary reasons we started this program," said Roger K. Cromer, president and CEO of Crossroads Bank, "was to give financial literacy training and provide an avenue for these young leaders to contribute to our community. By extending the learning experience beyond the classroom and the boardroom, we’re doing just that."

Future potential
"One of our long-term goals for the Junior Board of Directors is to entice students to return to Wabash County," said Cromer, who learned of a similar program in Texas and knew it was just what Wabash County needed. "These young leaders will create a talented new workforce and hopefully attract new businesses to our community."

It’s an idea that’s drawing attention from business leaders and educators alike. “The Junior Board of Directors is a shining example of how the business community is working with the school systems in our county to prepare students for the future,” said Celia Shand, superintendent, Wabash City Schools. “By creating such an innovative, community-based service position for students, Crossroads Bank is blazing a trail that many more businesses will want to follow.”

Group photo: Seated, left – right: Heather Davenport, Katie Underwood, Marissa Stouffel, Jentri Cripe, Shelby Minnix. Standing, left – right: Ron Kerby, senior vice president, commercial loan administration and retail lending; Roger Cromer, president and CEO; Amy Ou; Luke Vrooman; Haleigh Mann; Collin Buzzard; Alex Hentgen; Devin Dale; Ryan Richman; Cory Metzger; Heather Slee; Jared Stouffer; Mallory Harnish; Jennifer Southers, senior vice president of branch administration; Emily Boardman, assistant vice president and controller.