Thomes joins bank Board of Directors

Security State Bank has announced the addition of a new member to its Board of Directors.

Greg Thomes of Maple Lake took the oath of office last week at a meeting of the bank’s board. He joins current members of the board: George Palmer, Doyle Van Dyne, Russ Baker, Don Weismann, Bud Vandergon, Paul McHugh, James McHugh and Peter McHugh. Jack McHugh serves as a counsel to the board. The Board of Directors oversees the conduct of the bank’s business.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be asked to serve on this board,” Thomes said. “I feel that Security State Bank has done a remarkable job of maintaining a strong balance sheet while working with the multi-faceted consumers in the Maple Lake area. The bank works closely with the agricultural community as well as residential and larger commercial accounts. Our insurance agency (Thomes Insurance Agency) and Security State Bank have many mutual customers. It’s nice to see the loyalty of these customers and the service provided by the staff at both of our businesses.”

Bank President Doyle Van Dyne said that Thomes would be an asset to the board.  “We feel that it is very important to have local representation on the board–people who know the communities we serve, know the people, the businesses and the credit needs of our market area,” Van Dyne said. “Greg has these attributes.  “Security State Bank’s highest priority is to be the most respected financial institution in our market area. We feel that Greg’s qualifications will help us meet these goals.”

Greg owns and operates Thomes Insurance Agency of Buffalo, Maple Lake, Kimball and Albertville. He was born and raised in Buffalo and is a 1974 graduate of Buffalo High School. He received his BS degree from St. John’s University and played four years of college ball for the ”Johnny” football team.

Greg and Betty (McBrady) Thomes took residence in Maple Lake in 1982. Betty is a 1974 graduate from Maple Lake. They have three grown children, David, Aaron and Sarah.

Both have trained adults in leadership training programs throughout the USA and in 10 different countries with the US Jaycee organization. Greg was the US Jaycee national president in 1992. They traveled to the White House four times and spent numerous hours on Capitol Hill speaking to Congress on behalf of young people’s issues.

Greg has also served as the chairman of the Crow River Boy Scouts. He is an Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver award. He was president of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce for two years and president of the Maple Lake Property Owner’s Association for four years. He also was chairman of the US Jaycees Foundation from 1998 to 2000.

Betty and Greg have been active in St. Timothy’s parish and have assisted in their CCD programs for over 15 years.

They are now finished with education programs of their own; Greg with his securities licenses through the N.A.S.D. and Betty a Masters degree for school administration.