By Susan Shinn Turner
For the Salisbury Post

CHINA GROVE — F&M Bank has been a community partner with Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place since the nonprofit organization’s early years.

That’s why the bank is hosting an open house and dedication from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at Main Street Marketplace, 308 S. Main St. in China Grove.

“We love organizations like this,” said Janet Haynes, F&M’s administrative officer. “They have the ability to help those in need — by not only providing for immediate needs but by teaching our neighbors to become self-sufficient through programs they offer.

“This is a wonderful way to showcase F&M’s values, who we are, and give back to our community.”

“F&M has been partnering with local nonprofits for more than 100 years,” said Steven Fisher, president and CEO. “We take our role as a community partner to heart. With Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place, we not only made campaign donations, we created a unique loan structure to fund the construction.”

Paul Fisher, the bank’s chairman emeritus, provided campaign advice and support.

“What a wonderful gift Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place is to southern Rowan County,” Paul Fisher said. “We are proud to have played a small part of their success.”

Because F&M has a branch in China Grove, Haynes says it was a perfect fit that the bank provide financing for the 2,600-square-foot expansion that now houses Main Street Marketplace — a grocery market serving neighbors in need — and Main Street Threads — which provides clothing in a retail atmosphere.

Both areas use credits or “tabs” based on family size for neighbors to come in and shop.

Tom Smith, a native of China Grove, retired from the F&M board in May. He was theh lead donor for the capital campaign, and F&M decided to make an additional gift in his name to finish the campaign.

The bank also provided funding for Tom’s Table, a farmhouse-style table that will be placed in the marketplace in his honor.

“I love everything about Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place,” Haynes said. “We’ve been side by side with this organization through this entire process, and we’ve got to celebrate with them.”