Security State Bank of Wanamingo has been busy this spring, gifting non-profit organizations in our area. With help from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa, two large donations were recently gifted locally. I met with Heather and Angie at the bank to get the scoop on where the funds went.
Security State Bank of Wanamingo is a member of Federal Home Loan Bank, one of 11 regional banks that make up the FHLB System. SSB Wanamingo is one of 1200 member financial institutions that support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. This membership includes community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and commercial development financial institutions. FHLB is wholly owned by its members, and receives no taxpayer funding. For more info on FHLB Des Moines, visit www.fhlbdm.com.
Recipients of this year's grants were selected based on the needs of the community. Applications were submitted in May of 2025, and the Member Impact Fund provided $3.00 for every $1.00 donated by SSB Wanamingo, making a huge donation possible. SSB Wanamingo has a Donation account that accrues money all year to be distributed to non-profit organizations in need that serve our local communities.
The first recipient was All Seasons Community Services in Kenyon. You know, that store that has all the things you never knew you needed? All Seasons supplies 5 local communities with a Thrift Shop, a Senior Center, and a Food Shelf. The five communities served are Wanamingo, Kenyon, Dennison, Nerstrand and West Concord. Security State Bank of Wanamingo and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines gifted All Seasons with $10,000.00 to help with stocking the food shelf, maintaining operations, and food delivery services throughout 2025.
"We are overwhelmed with emotion and cannot express enough what this grant means for the community we serve," said Mary Fruitiger, President and CEO of All Seasons."With the loss of state funding earlier this year, this opportunity truly feels like one door closing and another one opening".
Scott Peterson, President and CEO of SSB Wanamingo said, "We are proud to support All Seasons, an organization that consistently shows up to help our local communities." He added, "Through the Member Impact Fund, we're able to enhance their dedication to the community with meaningful financial support."
The second recipient of the grant is the Goodhue County Fair Board. They have been constructing new, much needed facilities to house the animals at the fair. The board has been working diligently to upgrade the fairgrounds and $10,000.00 will go a long way to complete this project.
Bob Gonsior, who is in his 4th year as president of the Goodhue County Fair, took members of the SSBW team on a tour of the fairgrounds. It was hard to miss the new swine and cattle buildings which were nearing completion. The funds provided by SSBW and FHLB will support the installation of a spacious wash rack between the buildings to keep the animals clean for showing.
“With so many animals coming to the fair each year, we needed newer, larger buildings,” Bob explained. “We have quite a number of 4-H participants, who typically go on to have one of the largest 4-H presences at the Minnesota State Fair.”
"The Member Impact Fund enables our members to directly support local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a profound impact in their own communities," said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB of Des Moines. "The commitment of SSB Wanamingo to champion these organizations inspires us all."
With over 100 years of providing financial services, Security State Bank of Wanamingo is a full service commercial bank providing its expertise to the communities of southeast Minnesota. SSB Wanamingo has a long history of supporting local communities and continues to provide creative financial solutions to its clients. The company has 13 employees, and assets of $105 million in 2025. Please visit https://www.ssbwanamingo.com for more information on the services they provide.
So, this year when heading to the Goodhue County Fair on August 5th through the 9th at 44279 County 6 Blvd, Zumbrota, be sure to admire the new buildings housing an incredible array of animals. And while visiting Kenyon, stop in at All Seasons Thrift Store at 530 Second Street, and see what delightful treasures are to be found. All proceeds go to support the food shelf to keep our community fed.
And a great big thanks to SSB Wanamingo for their part in securing the donations to help our community thrive!
