community bank that chose to invest in the person, not just an asset. In the 1990s, Kirk’s mother, Carolyn, was very involved in the YMCA in a neighboring community and really wanted to have a local one. She rallied the community, and through many small donations and a number of large donors — including one from The Seymour Bank — Seymour opened its own YMCA. The facility has exercise equipment, a large indoor swimming pool, outdoor activities and much more. “I think we’re the smallest town that YMCA has done something of this magnitude in,” said Kirk. “We believe in our community, and we give back to multiple areas.” The Seymour Bank also donated $50,000 in seed money to build a local library. A local resident was offering a donation match program, and the bank jumped at the chance to invest back into the community. The library just celebrated 25 years of enriching and educating the community. The same can be said for the bank’s investment in a downtown project. When the Seymour Area Arts Council decided to renovate and reopen the historic Owen Theatre on the city square, it was The Seymour Bank that donated the first $20,000 to get the endeavor under way. Today, the Owen Theatre, built in 1941, is a landmark building in Seymour that plays host to more than 5,000 people. Giving back to the community in so many ways is possible because of the strength of The Seymour Bank, and membership in MIBA helps the bank stay strong. “We have been a member for as long as I can remember. The benefits MIBA provides are invaluable. There are a lot of really good education opportunities for our employees and staff that run the gamut. In our business, you’ve got to continue education at all times because rules and regulations are constantly changing,” Kirk continued. “In my opinion, education is the top benefit followed closely by the united voice that MIBA brings to the legislature in Missouri and at to the to the federal level.” When Kirk isn’t working, he is giving back to the community in a very special way. He is a Shriner and has played trombone in the Temple Band for the past 25 years. “We play every year in the memorial ceremony at the Springfield at the National Cemetery. We have also played for numerous Honor Flights.” Kirk explained, “Honor Flights are when veterans are escorted to Washington, D.C., free of charge, and visit the war monuments. When they come back, their friends and family gather prior to their arrival, and as they come off the plane, everybody cheers for them while the Temple Band plays their service tunes — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard. It’s been a really good experience for me. I love doing it!” Kirk and his wife, Terry, have been married for 33 years and have two daughters. Tammy recently retired from the City of Seymour as their business development director. While she was working there, she helped create a video highlighting the community of Seymour that was entered into the Missouri Small Town Showcase. The video won, and Seymour was featured in the annual Missouri Humanities “Featured Five.” To watch the video and learn more about this unique and fascinating small town, scan the QR code. https://www.facebook.com/ mohumanities/ videos/283339334231661 The Show-Me Banker Magazine | 23
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