Farmers & Merchants Bank Receives Prestigious National Philanthropy Day Award

Garden Grove, CA, November 21, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) was the recipient of the National Philanthropy Day Orange County Award in the Outstanding Mid-size Corporation or Business category at a special celebration held at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Well-known in Southern California for its focus on service above self and dedication to enriching the communities it serves, F&M was selected by the judging committee of National Philanthropy Day Orange County for this honor.

With more than 800 guests in attendance, F&M president W. Henry Walker highlighted the foundation of service that was laid by his great grandfather and grandmother during his acceptance speech. “Our close ties to the communities we serve is in direct correlation to the selfless giving and sacrifice my great-grandparents provided when they founded the bank in 1907,” said Walker. “The blessings we have received and given back throughout our 105-year history are attributed to them.” Walker represents the fourth generation in his family to hold an executive role with the Bank. His brother, Daniel K. Walker is F&M’s chairman and CEO.

F&M extends support to a range of Orange County organizations, donating more than $1 million annually to support the arts, children’s services, employment, community development and many other worthy causes.

The organizations nominating F&M for the award included:

· Orange County Pacific Symphony Orchestra
· Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Orange County
· Orange Catholic Foundation
· Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA)
· Women Helping Women/Men to Work
· National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-OC)
· YWCA – North Orange County
· Huntington Beach Kiwanis

National Philanthropy Day Orange County honors those who have demonstrated philanthropy and enhanced their communities and the world. This is a special day set aside for the purpose of recognizing the great contribution philanthropy makes to society – and to honor individuals, businesses, and support organizations that are active in the philanthropic community. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day.

About Farmers & Merchants Bank

Founded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank has 21 branches in L.A. and Orange counties. The Bank specializes in commercial and small business banking along with business loan programs. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is a California state chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Member FDIC) and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information about F&M, please call the media contacts listed or visit the website, www.fmb.com.

Member FDIC