Doug Koopman, President of Midwest Bank's York location, has announced that Barry Redfern, a banker in York for nearly 25 years, has been named Senior Vice President of the company's York branch.   Commercial lending, marketing and business development will be among his duties in his new position.
"Barry will be a great asset to our team at Midwest Bank," said Koopman.  "His many years of experience in banking paired with his involvement in the community are two of his many qualities that we are especially excited about."
A York native, Redfern graduated from York High School in 1980 and continued his education at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln earning his degree in 1984.  He began his banking career with York State Bank in York and has been there for the past 24 years.  During that time, he obtained a degree from the Colorado School of Banking in 1992.
"It was an hard decision to make after 24 years at one place," said Redfern, "but in the end the opportunity to join Midwest Bank was too good to pass up.  I'm excited to join the Midwest family and to be a part of what they've built in such a short time."
Redfern has been a very active member of the York community for many years, including being a member of the York City Council where he currently serves as President. He has also been active at the York County Club where he also serves as President along with numerous other organizations and committees, which take up a portion of his time.
He and his wife of 15 years, Annie, have a daughter Samantha who is currently in the fourth grade at the York Elementary School.  He has been known to play a little golf here and there...Ok...he plays a lot of golf and can also be found strolling the neighborhood exercising the family's canine members.
"Since Midwest Bank arrived in town, their presence has been felt and they have become an important part of the community.  I look forward to being a part of their success and continuing to grow our customer base in York and the surrounding area," added Redfern.

Midwest Bank adding on
In other news out of the Midwest Bank York location, you may have noticed an addition going up on the north side of the present bank facility.  A 1,400 square foot addition will add six offices to Midwest's facility and hopefully will be ready for occupation around the first week of December.
"It's a decision that came about due to the growth of the bank," said Rob Schardt, former York branch President and currently the Chief Financial Officer for Midwest Banks.  "We probably would have done it right away when we built five years ago had we known how the community would support the bank."
Midwest Bank is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary of doing business in York.

Eakes Office Plus Open House
The public is invited to the Annual Fall Open House at Eakes Office Plus tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Customers will be invited to sample the latest Paula Deen and Wind & Willow foods.  The staff at Eakes will also be showing off the latest in gift ideas.  A registration will also be held for door prizes.
Eakes Office Plus is located at 710 Lincoln Avenue in York.

Mroczek receives
Talent Plus Gold
Standard Award
Former Yorkite Nicole Mroczek received a Talent Plus Gold Standard Award handed out on August 23, 2008.  Talent Plus' Gold Standard Award highlights outstanding individual performance of associates who have gone above and beyond each and every day to meet associate and client expectations according to a company press release.  Thirty-six associates were recipients of this award for the 2008 year.
"Each day Mroczek works endlessly to help others and Talent Plus grow and succeed," said a company official.  "Whether she is asked to write training curriculum with a new TalentBank module, assist a member of the College Development Program with career development questions, or implement a new customer relationship management system, she simply rolls up her sleeves and eagerly embraces the objective and ensures it is completed with perfection."
Talent Plus is a global human resources consulting firm with over 200 clients.

Thought for the week
People that pay for things hardly ever complain.  It's the person you give something to that you can't please.

If you have some Business Beat news or tips to direct my way, call 362-5180 and leave a message or drop an email to news@yorknewstimes.com with the words "business beat" in the subject line.  You can also mail the item to Business Beat, c/o York News-Times, P.O. Box 279, York, NE 68467.  Dave Sjuts photo courtesy of Abbott Studio.