Missouri FFA Association 2020 Annual Report

Preparing

Success

2020

F O R

M i s s o u ri

Agricultural Education

Annual Report

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Table of Contents 5 A Note from Our Director 6

Preparing for Success

9

Missouri FFA Message

7 Top 10 Accomplishments 10

2020-21 State FFA Officers

Growing Leaders

11 Premier Chapter:

12 Goals for Growth

13 Growing Leaders

14 Building Communities 16

17

Premier Chapter: Building Communities Postsecondary & Adult Ag Education

18 Graduate Placement &

College Enrollment

19 Hands-On Approach 21 Running After Research 22 Premier Chapter:

Strengthening Agriculture

23 Rolling Over Roadblocks 24 TeachAg in Missouri

26 Missouri FFA Leadership Fund Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3544 State Staff: Leon Busdieker, Marie Davis, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins & Jim Spencer Missouri FFA Association Joann Pipkin, Director of Communications Brandelyn Twellman, Social Media Manager Email: info@missouriffa.org Phone: (417) 827-2756 The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 5th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

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A Note from Our Director

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R

oland Tiangco said, “The future belongs to the few of us still willing to get our hands dirty. “ This has been brought home to many of us because of the drastic changes to our lifestyles as a result of Covid-19. The classroom experiences our students have enjoyed in the past may look different in the coming months. “Getting our hands dirty” or hands-on experience in learning may become even more critical as we move into an uncertain future. As Agricultural instructors, we will be called upon to enhance every learning experience our students will encounter. We will need to find ways to ensure that every student gets the most out of their agricultural education experience.

In the upcoming months, we will need to raise the bar of learning. We will need to make every lesson have meaning, be memorable, and be fun.

Nothing does this more than hands-on experiences.

Hands-on learning prepares students for careers.

It promotes teamwork while requiring critical thinking and problem solving. It can benefit both teachers and students and still be fun.

Finding inventive ways to include this in our lessons will be a challenge, especially if those lessons are ones they are doing from home.

My challenge to educators is to step up and think outside of the educational box that we have gotten so used to using. Find that way to challenge your students with lessons they can grasp and get up and do at home. Finds ways to get them out from in front of a computer and “do.” Challenge them to “get their hands dirty” and learn.

Leon Busdieker

Leon Busdieker

Director, Agricultural Education

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Annual Report 2020

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Preparing for Success

27,977

Students enrolled in Missouri agricultural education programs.

Through classroom instruction, agricultural education students use unique problem-solving skills.

Ag education students gain hands-on experience outside the classroom through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

CLASSROOM

SCHOOL BASED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION SAE

Leadership development is a key component of FFA. Activities are designed to promote personal skill development.

FFA

5,629

348

High school agricultural education graduates in 2018. 68% are pursuing agriculture as a career.

Missouri high schools and career centers offering agricultural classes for students.

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$50,150,067 SAE-Generated Student Labor Income

348

CHAPTERS

25,375 MEMBERS

Top 10

Accomplishents

1 2

Achieved the highest number of American FFA Degrees by a state: 520.

Troy FFA named the national winner in the Premier Chapter/Building Communities Division within the National Chapter Award Program.

3

North Shelby FFA received first place in the Agriculture Mechanics career development event at the 2019 National FFA Convention.

4

Amelia Liebhart, Bucklin FFA, named the national winner in Diversified Livestock Production Proficiency.

5 539

TEACHERS

SEVENTH IN NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Kylynn Mallen, Cameron FFA, named the national winner in Nursery Operations Proficiency.

$2,727

SAE-Generated Labor Income Per Student

Missouri’s TOP FIVE SAEs

1. Placement/Agribusiness Systems 2. Placement/Animal Systems 3. Placement/Food Production & Processing 4. Placement/Power Structures & Technology 5. Beef

6

More than 750 FFA members from 73 chapters packed 128,460 meals as part of Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids at the 2019 Missouri State Fair.

7 8 9

Created first-ever virtual award program and state convention.

Record 988 state degrees awarded.

First-ever mini grant program established for food insecurity efforts through 2020 Drive to Feed Kids.

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Launched unified communication plan for ag education and Missouri FFA. Annual Report 2020

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GROWING LEADERS

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“T

o make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education” — that’s the FFA mission! Certainly, I would not be the person I am today without these tangible skills that I learned first through my participation in agricultural education and FFA. Not only have I gained knowledge in animal and plant sciences, but also in public speaking and leadership. Agricultural education and FFA have indeed made a positive difference in my life!

Through participation in Leadership Development and Career Development Events FFA members bring their supervised agricultural experiences to life while realizing their own personal growth outlined in our mission. These experiences, along with quality classroom instruction, propel FFA members to become more effective leaders and prepare them for a lifetime of career success. Take my friend Madison, for example.

Madison found her passion for agriculture in the greenhouse during high school. One day an employer at a local landscaping company called Madison’s advisor asking if she knew of any FFA members looking for a summer job. Because of her experience in the plant science course and what she had learned through FFA, Madison applied for the job. After more than two years with the same employer, Madison says that FFA has not only helped her choose a pathway for her future career, but also has given her the experience and knowledge necessary to pursue her future dreams.

Madison’s example is just one of the many ways agricultural education and FFA help students discover their gifts and passions and reach their potential. I trust you will find this annual report insightful and inspirational as you learn more about the impact of Missouri Agricultural Education and FFA.

Justin Eddy Justin Eddy President

Missouri FFA Association

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2020-21 State FFA

Officers

Front Row: Kiersten Helm, Lexington, vice president; Lauren Gilbert, Chadwick, vice president; Ricanna Spargo, Naylor, vice president; Felicity Cantrell, Seymour, vice president; Rachel Holt, Chillicothe, vice president.

Middle Row: Jenna Perry, Liberal, secretary; Cade Shepherd, Mt. Vernon, vice president; Dakota Pemberton, Richland, vice president; Justin Eddy, Columbia, president; Colin Wilburn, Van-Far, vice president; Kensie Darst, Aurora, state officer mentor.

Back Row: Kaylee Lower, Weaubleau, vice president; Erin Heinecke, Paris, vice president; Lauryn Robnett, Audrain Co., vice president; Anna Milazzo, Grundy Co., vice president; Mackenzie Porter, Archie, first vice president; and Madison Moll, Perryville, vice president.

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Premier Chapter GROWING LEADERS

“E

Missouri Chapter Award Program

stablishing a strong future for each member that comes through our doors and using impactful activities to help them pursue excellence is our main goal.

Cultivating the future is an important part of our chapter, and the future needs great leaders.”

—Carolgene Zvacek, Advisor, Marshall FFA

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S

GOALS for Growth

pecific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time oriented. While agricultural education students learn these components of SMART Goals in the classroom each year, Missouri FFA’s State Star in Agribusiness has seen their effectiveness firsthand. Megan Schneider of the Hermann FFA Chapter started her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) with the decision to keep back her best show gilt and start a breeding operation to produce higher quality show pigs for the county fair.

“One gilt has now turned into roughly 35 sows, 45 laying hens and some beef cattle,” Schneider says. “We started out farrowing sows and selling some of the pigs to local kids to show at county fairs. However, there started to be excess pigs around the farm, so we decided to start selling whole and half pigs for people to butcher themselves.”

Schneider’s operation continued to grow, exposing the need for expansion and diversification.

“The first goal was to raise lean and high-quality pork to sell to our customers. Also, to ensure our pigs have high cutability, but, at the same time, they are able to have a high success rate in the show ring.”

With each goal she reached, Schneider set new, higher goals to encourage additional growth. Other goals set included expanding her number of sows to keep up with product demand and creating new flavors and products to retain current customers and attract new ones.

Star IN

“As my production increased, it started to exceed local demand, and I needed to expand my markets,” she says. “With the help of my family, the decision was made to start selling at farmers markets and other retail outlets. At the markets, I engage with customers and answer any questions they might have about my products.”

AGRI-BUSINESS

As her SAE evolved, so did Schneider’s goals.

“There have been many goals set for this SAE,” she says.

Schneider’s SAE growth has inspired her to pursue a career in the industry. She plans to attend East Central College in Union, Missouri before transferring to the University of Missouri with the goal of earning a masters degree in biochemistry. In addition to beginning a career in agriculture, Schneider hopes to continue the family farm to provide a premium protein product for families to enjoy.

GROWING

Leaders

“For me, the best part of my experience at Public Speaking Academy (PSA) was the opportunity to not only learn how to improve my presentation, but also how to be a better advocate for agriculture.”

—Meagan Forck, Blair Oaks FFA

“Attending HYMAX (Helping Youth Maximize Agricultural eXperience) allowed me to become more knowledgeable and hands-on with ideas such as SAE plans, agricultural advocacy FFA opportunities and leadership progression.”

—Davian Gall, Macon County FFA

“HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence) was one of the most informative and applicable leadership development events I have been honored to participate in. The agricultural industry needs strong advocates, and HYPE provided the tools neeeded to make a difference for our industry.”

—Zane Stone, Centralia FFA

“FFA camp gives members across Missouri the opportunity to engage and interact with state officers and other members while honing in on their leadership skills to better serve their chapters and communities.”

—Kaylee Lower, Weaubleau FFA

“LEAD (Learn, Educate, Advance, Develop) helps new officer teams learn to become family. It’s a great way to exercise leadership skills with your new team.”

—Mason Luebbering, Fatima FFA

“My favorite part of the Greenhand Motivational Conferences was getting to talk with other FFA members from around the area. The experience widened my friend group, and I would go again if I had the opportunity.”

—Benjamin Bucks, Slater FFA

“Area Officer Institute (AOI) provides an excellent opportunity for each area officer team to become equipped and prepared for a successful year of service. My favorite part of the institute was getting to know my fellow officers and develop goals for our area.”

—Anderson Rogers, South Harrison FFA

“Public Speaking Institute (PSI) is the place that helped me gain confidence to speak in front of others. The one-day conference covered both the fundamentals of public speaking and descriptions of each of the speaking events hosted by Missouri FFA. —Promise Cantrell, Seymour FFA

BUILDING COMMUNITIES

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231 adults.

1,418 non-FFA youth.

2,060 FFA members.

15,776 service hours. $365,056 economic impact.

In

2019, Missouri FFA chapters engaged in four focus areas of community service — ­­ Hunger, Health and Nutrition; Community Engagement; Environmental Responsibility; and Community Safety. With the help of National FFA, $47,320 in grant money was provided for chapters statewide to use in these areas.

Learning Doing Earning Living

To Do.

To Learn.

To Live.

To Serve.

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Premier Chapter BUILDING COMMUNITIES Missouri Chapter Award Program

“E

very time we plan an activity we hope to fill a need in our members, chapter and community. We always want to serve others in any way we can.

We all need each other in this journey of life.”

—Scott Stone, Advisor, Centralia FFA

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Missouri Professional Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) Student-led

Fine-tuned skills

Workplace-ready

PAS Chapters

Crowder College

Mineral Area College Missouri State University-West Plains North Central Missouri College Northwest Missouri State University

Adult Ag Education in Missouri 3,650 adults enrolled in 2018-19.

24 schools active Young Farmers/ Young Farm Wives chapters in 2019-20.

State Membership: 331.

Agriculture instructors in 39 schools had part or all of their time scheduled for adult instruction in 2019-20.

More than 175 farm families enrolled in the Farm Business Management Analysis program (FBMA).

Ozarks Technical Community College St. Charles Community College State Fair Community College State Technical College of Missouri Three Rivers Community College

• Class work.

• On-site visits.

• Record Analysis.

Postsecondary Enrollment

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“I

learned a lot about hard work and what it takes to run a small business throughout my SAE. I learned the true value of a dollar and how

it takes hard work to generate a profit and earn income.”

—Kylynn Mallen, Cameron FFA 2019 National Proficiency Winner, Nursery Operations

High School Ag Education Graduate Placement 2018—5,660 high school agricultural education graduates. Of that, 96.1% were placed.

3% in ag-related fields 1% in non-ag-related fields 42% in agriculture 21% in other areas

4% 30%

63%

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21% in agriculture 9% in other areas

Agriculture Enrollment 4-Year Colleges & Universities

Hands-On Approach

D

oing to Learn. These three words make up the second line of the FFA motto, the goal of a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and the definition of Missouri FFA’s State Star in Agricultural Placement’s dedication to growth in his SAE.

Clint Bailey of the Bowling Green FFA Chapter started his placement SAE at Bowling Green Veterinary Clinic walking dogs, cleaning kennels and providing animals with proper food and water. These tasks, while important and necessary to daily operations at the clinic, represent the start of a journey filled with learning and growth.

After gaining experience at the vet clinic, Bailey’s responsibilities began to increase. He started assisting the lead veterinarian at the local sale barn, the Eastern Missouri Commission Company, and assisting on large animal farm calls.

“My roles and responsibilities have changed in the veterinary science placement area,” Bailey says. “After working at the clinic for two months, I was given a promotion to help assist Dr. David Cerven in providing services at the Eastern Missouri Commission Company. My responsibilities include working the cattle chute, tagging calves, giving implants, aging cows, working the hot shot, penning

cattle and holding the tails of bulls for the doctors to castrate.”

Bailey says this increase in responsibility has given him a more accurate glimpse into the life of a large animal veterinarian.

“The responsibilities at the sale barn have introduced me to an environment that is similar to a full time career as a veterinarian, since most veterinarians are called to farms to work livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep and hogs,” he explains.

This time spent “doing to learn” at the Bowling Green Veterinary Clinic has helped shape Bailey’s future career goals. He plans to attend the University of Missouri (MU) to obtain a degree in Animal Science. Upon graduation, he hopes to attend the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Bailey’s goal is to return to his hometown to apply for a position as a large animal veterinarian at the Bowling Green Veterinary Clinic. While working as a veterinarian, he plans on continuing to help operate his family’s commercial beef cattle operation in the future.

Star IN AG

PLACEMENT

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STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE

P

Running After

art of the National FFA Organization’s mission is to prepare students for career success. Whether it’s through participating in public speaking, holding a chapter office or attending a leadership conference, members have a multitude of opportunities to prepare for the future throughout their time in the organization.

Missouri FFA’s State Star in Agriscience has chosen to prepare for her future through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Destinie Tunis of the Eldon FFA Chapter has conducted three agriscience research projects relating to either human or animal health.

Research

“For my sophomore year science research project, I was testing Mus musculus (Mice) to see if certain prenatal diets affect the weight of offspring as they age,” Tunis says. “Last year, for my research project, I tested Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar hissing cockroach) to see if 1550 Borate Glass would reduce scarring and increase the rate of healing time in thermal injuries. For this year’s project, I am testing the antimicrobial effects of various animals’ saliva to see if it can be used as an alternative treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria.”

Like most students, Tunis has experienced challenges throughout her SAE. These roadblocks serve as real-life

Star IN

learning opportunities requiring real-life solutions.

This year, one challenge was access to the saliva she was hoping to test.

“Because of the rules and guidelines that I follow, I

could not obtain the (saliva) samples myself,” she says.

“I contacted Dr. Kathy at the Lake Pet Hospital in Eldon and asked for assistance. She could collect the saliva samples for me during regular and safe procedures performed by her and her staff, but because working with larger animals doesn’t happen very often for her, I was lucky to have been able to get saliva samples from a horse, pig and cow.”

In addition to overcoming challenges, one of the goals Tunis set for her SAE was to turn her research projects into a future career. She is on track to do just that.

AGRI-SCIENCE

Currently in the process of becoming a member of the U.S Army Reserve, Tunis plans to go to Basic Training. She also plans to attend college to major in biomedical sciences and earn her PhD in Science for both health and medicine and STEM. Her career goal is to continue medical research to benefit both humans and animals.

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Premier Chapter STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE Missouri Chapter Award Program

“W

e design chapter activities that will not only teach important life lessons to our members, but also instill a passion for agriculture. We strive to strengthen the industry by creating a new generation of agricultural advocates. We want our students to not only understand the production and business of our food, fiber and fuel, but to

be willing to stand up and teach others.”

—Rebekah Hammett, Advisor, Ashland FFA

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Star

B

reaking into the industry as a young farmer comes with its challenges. Missouri FFA’s State Star Farmer is all too familiar with the hurdles and roadblocks that must be overcome. Jacob Dierking of the Santa Fe FFA Chapter started this journey through his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

FARMER

Rolling Over

Roadblocks

“In 2015, I was given an opportunity by two neighboring landowners to start farming, first with a 10-acre field and then another 19 acres on which I grew corn,” he says. “In 2016, I was able to rent 35 acres to grow corn. I also began a vegetable business growing 9 acres of sweet corn with my parents and brother.”

With his sights set on growth, Dierking had to choose between focusing on the row crop or vegetable production side of his business throughout the years that followed.

“In 2017, we expanded to growing 80 acres of sweet corn and 34 acres of green beans,” he says. “In 2018, a neighbor retired, and I was able to rent his farm to grow 83 acres of corn and 39 acres of soybeans. Since I was able to rent more land, I decided to scale back the vegetable production so I could properly manage my row crops. In 2019, another farmer retired, and I decided

to sell the green bean equipment so I would have the money to invest in crop inputs.”

By 2019, Dierking was farming a total of 195 acres of corn, 111 acres of soybeans and 25 acres of sweet corn.

While his progress is evident, it wasn’t always easy. Dierking had to overcome many challenges, including one of the most prevalent among beginning farmers.

“One major challenge in my SAE was financially being able to purchase enough equipment to farm efficiently,” he says. “When I began my SAE, I was able to exchange my labor with my grandpa for the use of his machinery. Since then, I have been able to purchase many needed pieces of equipment.”

Overcoming roadblocks has empowered Dierking to pursue a career in production agriculture.

After graduating from State Fair Community College, he plans to expand his row crop operation by obtaining more land to rent in the future.

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Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association Teach Ag Ambassadors College of the Ozarks Kala Lafferty Ali Hennigar

Missouri State Kylie LaBelle Jacob Noblitt

Northwest Missouri State Ryan Shurvington Morgan Duenke

Southeast Missouri State Savannah Hinkle

University of Central Missouri

“I

t’s an honor and privilege to be a part of ag education in Missouri. To see students grow into contributing members of society due to their experiences within ag education is very rewarding.

I’m truly blessed to be a part of such a great profession.”

—Matt McCrory, Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor, Troy

Abby Barron Royce Black

University of Missouri Alli Abadir Jacob Blank

State Average Salary: $54,923

Outstanding Early Career Teacher

Ag Education Employability

Justin Mauss, Carthage

Outstanding Program

Elsberry — Jason Vandivort, Sarah Ray

Outstanding Mentor Gary Reichel, Eldon

Jess Clonts Memorial Scholarship Tanner Koenig, Marshfield

Ideas Unlimited

Sarah Ray, Elsberry

Teachers Turn the Key

Breanne Brammer, Salisbury

Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Steve Brown, Jefferson City

Outstanding Service

Dr. John Tummons, University of Missouri

Outstanding Cooperation

Ed Fredrick, State Technical College of Missouri

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Elevate

Success Missouri FFA Leadership Foundation

Invest in the future of agriculture by donating today!

• Support Missouri FFA leadership development programs.

• Minimize student and school costs for FFA members.

• Assist member participation in state and national events.

Securing resources for the future of agricultural education and student leader development.

Missouri FFA Leadership Foundation P.O. Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102 PH: 573.751.8466 Email: info@missouriffa.org

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Sponsor Spotlight: A message from FCS Financial CEO David Janish At FCS Financial we are dedicated to supporting Missouri's youth in agriculture and rural communities.

To us, it is more than just words. We put those words into action through scholarships, internships, grants, volunteer work and more. As a cooperative, giving back is part of our culture because we truly care about our communities. You will find our employees judging FFA contests, speaking at career events, working at county fairs and supporting various charities in their local areas. Plus, FCS Financial provides donations to many organizations who share our value of building agriculture by nurturing leadership skills in Missouri's youth. We know the future of our industry lies in the hands of the next generation.

And, we are committed to helping them find success. Congratulations to all the teachers, students and parents on your tremendous accomplishments over the past year; a year that turned out unlike any other we have witnessed. As you look forward, know that we will be there as you reach each new achievement regardless of the obstacles.

education

$618,000

More than provided in college scholarships since 2006 to 532 children and grandchildren of FCS Financial members.

community betterment

$157,600

More than distributed since 2012 through Shaping Rural Missouri grants to 4-H and FFA for community betterment projects.

life skills

$1.5 million

Nearly provided through the Ag Youth Program emphasizes the value of records, budgeting and obligations to repay.

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Let us help you reach your goals.

Scholarships* Shaping Rural Missouri grants** Interest-free funding for qualifying 4-H and FFA projects** Paid Internships

You are the next generation of agriculturists, and we can't wait to see what you do. You know that just having the desire to reach your goals isn't enough. It takes planning and action to make it happen. We want to help you on that road to success. Give us a call or visit myfcsfinancial.com to learn more about the opportunities available through our youth support programs.

Find an FCS Financial office near you: *Scholarship applicants must meet all qualifications in application to be eligible **Grant and Ag Youth Funding applicants must be a member of a 4-H club or FFA chapter located in one of the 102 Missouri counties served by FCS Financial. Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.

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1.800.444.3276 WWW.MYFCSFINANCIAL.COM