When I joined the INB team a little over three months ago, I never imagined I would be throwing dried cow manure.  But there I was in late July, standing in the middle of an open field with a group of new colleagues, throwing dried cow poop.

INB Team Finds Fun Throwing Cow Chips

While I had been to the Sweet Corn Festival in previous years, it was not until joining the team at INB that I learned about the best part: the Corporate Cow Chip Throw Competition!  When my colleague, Rory Keylon, asked me if I wanted to be a part of it, I thought she was totally joking!  Although INB has been a sponsor of the event for several years, this was the bank’s first year having a team in the Cow Chip Throw. 

I had a blast in this competition and enjoyed spending time outside of the office with my colleagues.  Something I found interesting about the competition was how many teams there were and how well-practiced some of the folks were!

The INB team made an appearance in their Barnaby-inspired t-shirts (refer to the photo)!  Although we did not make the podium this year, we will be back next year to take the title (just kidding…maybe)!  I asked Rory if she’d make the podium if they had Cow Chip Olympics and she hilariously replied, “Not a chance! But I’d tune in for that over break dancing.”  So maybe we didn’t throw it the furthest, but I for one would certainly argue that we had a lot of team spirit.  That must count for something, right?!

Some took it more seriously than others, though.  My colleague, Lindsay Van Zele, says, “I was totally pumped to participate in my first ever cow chip throwing contest. I did some YouTube research and found an old PBS episode from an Iowa State Fair. A handful of cow chip throwing folks were interviewed and asked for their throwing strategies. My throwing strategy was to throw like you’re throwing a softball and get a good running start.”  I must testify that Lindsay had pretty good form!

Shout out to the INB crew that made the dream team of the Cow Chip Throw:

Andi Whalen, AVP, Branch Manager

Kenzie Trees, Communications Manager

Lanna Bartko, Branch Operations Supervisor

Lindsay Van Zele, Communications Officer

Rory Keylon, Marketing Consultant

Tory Parker, E-Banking Specialist

As we look forward to the 2025 festival, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the community. Whether you come to chuck some chips, enjoy delicious food, or simply connect with friends, we look forward to another year of community fun.

See you at the Chatham Sweet Corn Festival next year!