Fairmount Branch Manager Angie Zindars can sum up Lenora Jones’s legacy in one simple sentence: “Everyone knows her and she knows everyone!”
That’s no surprise after a remarkable 33-year career in the close-knit community of Fairmount.
And it all started with a routine errand: Lenora stopped by the local bank to make a deposit.
“It was late April of 1992, and the manager at the time asked me if I would be interested in working at the bank,” Lenora recalls. “At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom. I told him I would love to.”
That moment marked the start of a dedicated career built on relationships and reliability. And saying goodbye won’t be easy, but we’re happy for Lenora as she nears the next chapter of her life: retirement!
Becoming the Heart of Fairmount
Although she’s worked in the same building for so long, Lenora hasn’t worked for the same bank.
In 1999, First National Bank of Fairmount – which originally hired Lenora – was acquired to Illinois National Bank, now INB.
“We saw a lot of change, but this by far was the best thing that could have happened,” Lenora says. INB not only brought technology to the bank but new services like certificates of deposit and debit cards. “Our staff used to work out of drawers! We didn’t have any type of computer system,” she explains.
After so many years, Lenora has become the heart of the Fairmount branch, serving as a constant source of encouragement and positive energy for our staff and customers alike.
“I have so many great memories from over the years, but one that’s always stuck with me is when I was heading to the hospital to have my daughter Brooklynn,” recalls Megan Kepling, assistant branch manager.
Lenora went all out decorating the front window of our branch with pink balloons, “It’s a Girl” signs, streamers (“the whole nine yards!” Megan says) because she knew Megan would be driving by. She was also one of the first from the branch to visit Megan and her new arrival in the hospital.
“That’s just who she is—she’s always had the biggest heart and truly was like the mom of our branch. I’m really going to miss her when she retires,” Megan shares.
Lenora’s experience has been invaluable, especially when guiding newer team members.
“I think it helps that she has been around long enough to know some of the new and a lot of the old ways of doing things which has come in handy many times especially on the rare occasion when the systems went down,” says Dalton Toppe. “Lenora has been a great asset to INB over the years and has created a long-term relationship between the families and INB.”
What’s Next?
Lenora says her longtime career has “been a good ride, and I am now counting the days down until June 20th.”
“I am looking forward to going to New Jersey. I have two grandkids there and can’t wait to give lots of hugs and kisses,” she says. “I will also be able to spend more time with my two grandkids that are here.”
Although she’s looking forward to seeing family more, there’s no doubt she’ll miss the many people who have become like family, both the INB team and customers. In a small town, the bank is also the place to socialize and get coffee – which means Lenora has seen multiple generations grow up.
“I have so many customers that I’ve known since they were babies. They are now parents of their own children,” she shares. “I will miss joking around with all the customers and, of course, my work gang!! We’ve laughed, and we’ve cried. But I’m very thankful for all my work people. Many happy memories!!”
Congratulations on your retirement, Lenora!