Kevin Jones

Over 200 business and community leaders gathered this week for the OhioSE Economic Development Annual Meeting. President and CEO, Matt Abbott, shared that 2025 was a year of significant expansion across the region, highlighting the continued momentum and collaboration driving growth in Southeast Ohio. Keynote speaker, JobsOhio President and CEO, JP Nauseef, noted that the 25-county region has experienced nearly a 150% increase in economic development projects over the past six years — a testament to the strength of regional partnerships and long-term strategy!

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RICHMOND MUTUAL AND THE FARMERS BANCORP ANNOUNCE TRANSFORMATIONAL STRATEGIC MERGER Highlights of the Announced Transaction: ◾ Creates a premier $2.6 billion asset community bank with a network of 24 branches across key markets in Central and East Central Indiana as well as Western and Central Ohio ◾ Combines two culturally-aligned banks committed to customers, employees, and communities ◾ Unlocks higher lending limits and broader product offerings for both companies’ customers ◾ Improves trading liquidity for both companies and increases dividends for Farmers Bancorp shareholders ◾ Delivers significant EPS accretion for Richmond Mutual and positions the combined company for long-term growth and shareholder value creation RICHMOND, IN. and FRANKFORT, IN, November 12, 2025 – Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBI) (“Richmond Mutual”), the holding company of First Bank Richmond, and The Farmers Bancorp, Frankfort, Indiana (OTCPK: FABP) (“Farmers Bancorp”), the holding company of The Farmers Bank, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Farmers Bancorp will merge with and into Richmond Mutual in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $82 million, or $44.71 per share of Farmers Bancorp common stock, based on a closing price for Richmond Mutual’s common stock of $13.15 as of November 10, 2025. “This combination marks the beginning of a strong and promising future for our newly unified organization,” said Garry Kleer, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Richmond Mutual. “We are bringing together two well-established community banks, both dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences and helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. By joining forces, we gain the scale to offer higher lending limits, invest in technology, and deliver an even better experience for our customers. Our shared culture and commitment to community banking make this a natural fit. I look forward to working with Chris Cook and our combined team to drive growth and create long-term value for our shareholders.” Christopher (“Chris”) D. Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Bancorp, commented, “Together, Richmond Mutual and Farmers Bancorp will have the resources to compete more effectively, expand our product offerings, and invest in technology & innovation. This partnership enhances opportunities for our employees and deepens our ability to serve customers and communities. We are excited about the future and confident this combination will deliver meaningful benefits for all stakeholders.” To continue reading the press release, please click here: https://lnkd.in/gf-BtuW5

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Seven regional partners working as one to propel the #Ohio economy forward under the JobsOhio #2030strategy Lake to River Ohio Dayton Development Coalition Team NEO Regional Growth Partnership One Columbus OhioSE REDI Cincinnati #TeamOhio

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We are so proud of the impact CHIF is already having — three deals closed in just six months. This fund is doing exactly what it was designed to do: providing critical gap financing to help projects get over the hump and into communities that need them most.

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The new KeyBank Produce Arcade at Cleveland's iconic West Side Market will enhance access to fresh produce for Cleveland families while creating new opportunities for small businesses that call the Market home. We are honored to play a role in ensuring this historic landmark continues to serve as a vital resource for decades to come. #iamkey https://lnkd.in/enGkY5yG. 

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Please review the case study below of a recent successful $76,655,000 Sole Managed GO Refunding Bonds (Two Series) underwriting for the Twin Rivers Unified School District. Baird Fixed Income Capital Markets Anne (Mongoven) Sample Alexander Boutyrski #municipalbonds #k12schools #ACSA #CAAASA #CALSA #CASBO #CSBA #CSEA #CASH #SSDA #leadership #schools #bairdpublicfinance #thebondbuyer #k12education #investmentbanking #californiaconstruction #california #education #retail #finance #financeandeconomy #schoolimprovement #schooladministrators

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AgCredit awards $135,900 in Mission Fund grants to 10 local organizations AgCredit, one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders for farmers, rural homeowners and agribusiness, has awarded $135,900 in Mission Fund grants to 14 community organizations in support of their efforts to improve the quality of life in communities primarily within the cooperative’s 18-county service territory.  Now in its eighth year, the Mission Fund supports AgCredit’s commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and positively impacting the quality of life in rural Ohio. Recipients were selected based on their proposals to meet criteria in one or more of four key areas: Education, environment, technology and quality of rural life. Following are AgCredit’s 2025 Mission Fund grant recipients: Bellevue Fire Department, Huron County, $10,000 Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District, Lorain County, $10,000 Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $8,000 Lucas County Ag Society, Lucas County, $15,000 Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $2,026.76 Paulding FFA, Paulding County, $12,600 Payne Fire Association, Paulding County,... https://lnkd.in/ggfjzGCF

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Strengthening communities through meaningful investment The KeyBank Foundation is proud to invest $240,000 in the YWCA of North Central Indiana through its Strengthening Communities Initiative—an investment that will fully fund critical programming for the next three years. This support empowers abuse survivors and others who are disenfranchised by providing: ✅ Financial literacy education ✅ Economic empowerment resources ✅ Job training and workforce development As YWCA leadership shared, this funding allows their team to focus less on fundraising and more on what matters most—investing in client success and long‑term stability. At KeyBank, we believe strong communities are built by expanding opportunity, advancing equity, and supporting organizations that create lasting impact. #KeyBankFoundation #StrengtheningCommunities #YWCA #EconomicEmpowerment #FinancialLiteracy #JobTraining #CommunityImpact #PurposeDriven

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If you told me a year ago that our team would be talking about AI every day... I’m not sure I would’ve believed you! But here we are at BBB Cleveland, and the shift has been incredible. We have an incredible resource right here in our backyard with #TechCredOhio from the Ohio Department of Development. Whether you’re a small shop or a non-profit, this is the opportunity to get your team high-tech training with the state’s support. Thank you to our Accredited Businesses, SkillSpout, for announcing that more funding is coming this Spring! As a leader, watching our team’s confidence grow with this training has been the highlight of my year. If we can do it at BBB Cleveland, you can do it too. Don't let the "tech" part intimidate you. Let’s make sure Ohio stays at the forefront of this innovation. If you haven't looked into TechCred Ohio yet, consider this your sign to start. #AI #Leadership #Training #Innovation #smallbusiness #nonprofit

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American Bankers Association Chair Kenneth Kelly expects to leverage his leadership experience in banking and the electrical sector to grow the industry from within. Rob Nichols Jeff Sigmund #banking #advocacy #leadership https://lnkd.in/gTBfSbF6

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Nearly two years after its launch, CDFI Friendly Evansville Region is still helping connect underserved individuals and projects in their community to the capital they need. #CDFI loans have been helping small businesses and nonprofits make remarkable strides across the region. A recent piece from Inside INdiana Business featured Executive Director Taylor Price, who has been partnering with several CDFIs like IFF (CDFI) to expand opportunities. As Amandula Anderson from IFF said, “We want to help [people] unlock their goals and their missions.” The CDFI Friendly model continues to strengthen local economies, creating efficient pathways for #CDFIs to reach more borrowers! 🔗 Read the full article https://lnkd.in/gWtfi-Bh

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Cleveland Development Advisors' Community Reinvestment Fund is honored to receive a $200,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation as part of its national bicentennial initiative.   More than $5 million was awarded to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across KeyBank’s 27 markets to support affordable housing, economic opportunity, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.   “We are incredibly grateful to the KeyBank Foundation for being a forward-thinking investors and recognizing the importance of community-driven development,” said Yvette Ittu, President of Cleveland Development Advisors. “This support allows us to continue unlocking catalytic projects that create lasting value for Cleveland’s neighborhoods and residents. It’s an investment not just in real estate—but in people, places, and the future of our city.”   Thank you to the KeyBank Foundation for believing in the power of community centered growth and local partnerships.   More: https://lnkd.in/gXedB8jU #CommunityDevelopment #CDFI #Cleveland #AffordableHousing #EquitableGrowth #KeyBank200

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Team Ohio joined Fifth Third Bank in Lima to announce the first location for their “Small Towns & Small Cities Initiative”, a program supporting business corridor revitalization, small business growth, workforce development, and more. Since our inception, JobsOhio has worked hand in hand with state partners and our seven regional economic development partners to help companies navigate Ohio’s workforce ecosystem to attract, develop, and retain top talent. It’s just one pillar in our strategy to build sustainable economic growth in communities outside Ohio’s major metropolitan areas. Mayor Sharetta Smith Kala Gibson Tara Campbell Allen Economic Development Group Enterprise Community Partners Dean Monske Regional Growth Partnership Terry Slaybaugh

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