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Mel Foster Insurance holds annual recognition event

Mel Foster Insurance celebrated its 2025 achievements at its annual recognition event, honoring team members for outstanding performance, professionalism, and dedication to client service.

Marc Engels, President of Mel Foster Insurance, along with Rob Fick, President and CEO, recognized individual accomplishments while reflecting on a year marked by continued growth, resilience, and strong client relationships.

•„ 2025 Chairman's Club award recipients: Brody Grothus, Andy Schoonover, Randy Schwanz, Mike Smith, Ben Uker and Lance VanDeest.

„• 2025 Executive Club award recipients: Gene Krismanits, Susie Martens, and Stephanie Milage.

•„ 2025 President's Club award recipients: Sarina Andrae, Deb Carter, Jeanette Holland, Denise Mommsen, Kent Unwin, and Craig White.

„• 2025 Honor Club award recipients: Michelle Heald and Katie Holderness.

"As we close another demanding and rewarding year, I am incredibly proud of our employees. Their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to our clients continue to set our agency apart. I am grateful for their hard work and excited about the opportunities ahead in 2026," Engels said.

Mel Foster Insurance, a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency, provides customized insurance solutions for both business and personal clients throughout the Quad Cities region. In 2025, the insurance industry experienced unprecedented disruption, including carrier exits from lines of business and states, significant rate increases, tighter underwriting standards, and reduced coverage availability across multiple markets.

Vibrant Credit union launches the "be The Good Foundation"

Vibrant Credit Union announced the official launch of the Be The Good Foundation, a philanthropic initiative designed to power more kindness, more opportunity, and more "good stuff" in communities across the Midwest.

"Good doesn't happen by accident," said Tiffany Haedt, President of the Be The Good Foundation. "It happens when people roll up their sleeves, show up for each other, and decide that doing the right thing is worth the effort. This foundation lets us invest in the people and nonprofits already making that kind of magic happen."

The Foundation's focus areas reflect Vibrant's long-standing belief that thriving communities start with strong building blocks:

•„ Financial literacy: Because understanding money is a superpower everyone deserves.

„• Youth development: Preparing the next generation of leaders, creators, helpers, and big thinkers.

•„ Community enrichment: Supporting programs that make our neighborhoods feel safer, healthier, and more connected.

Nonprofits can now submit grant proposals. Application materials, eligibility details, and FAQs are available at vibrantcreditunion.org/bethegood.

Sport Clips Haircuts raises $1.22M for veterans and military service members

Sport Clips Haircuts announced its 2025 Help A Hero Scholarship Campaign raised $1.22 million in support of military service members and veterans pursuing higher education.

In addition, Sport Clips locations across the U.S. provided thousands of free haircuts to active-duty service members and veterans on Veterans Day, a gesture of gratitude for those who serve.

"We are incredibly grateful to our clients, product partners, franchisees, and dedicated stylists whose generosity and commitment made this year's campaign another success," said Gordon Logan, founder and chairman of Sport Clips and a U.S. Air Force veteran. "Their support is making a real impact through funds raised for scholarships and thousands of free haircuts that help honor the men and women who serve our country."

To date, Help A Hero has provided 3,546 total scholarships. The total includes 163 recipients for the upcoming spring 2026 semester. To apply for a fall 2026 scholarship before the April 30 deadline or to find out more, visit SportClips.com/ HERO.

Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO named to 'Who's Who in America'

Wyatt Brieser has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who.

Brieser has dedicated over 15 years to advancing the quality and sustainability of healthcare in western central Illinois. His career is marked by a steady progression through increasingly responsible roles at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, where he currently serves as Chief Executive Officer.

As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected based on current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mike Bawden joins TAG as Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy

TAG, a leading advertising, branding, and digital media agency in Davenport, is welcoming Mike Bawden as its new Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy.

Bawden, the former president of Bawden & Associates, brings decades of experience working with clients nationwide on brand-building and marketing issues.

"I'm excited to be working with the team at TAG," Bawden said. "It's a creative group with diverse interests and specialties who will be able to breathe life into the plans and programs we develop for clients. The sense of energy and enthusiasm is palpable here."

Bawden is expected to bring TAG's marketing research and planning discipline to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of combining research insights with creative inspiration to craft brand messages and campaigns that will captivate and motivate audiences. He has extensive experience producing brand stories and entertainment programming through his production company, Imagination Connoisseurs Unlimited.

IHMVCU insurance services agent earns Safeco insurance award

Lindsey Baxter, Senior Insurance Sales Agent with IHMVCU Insurance Services, has earned the 2025 Safeco Insurance Award of Excellence, one of the highest honors available to Safeco independent agents nationwide.

"As an independent agent, my role is to help people feel confident and informed about their insurance choices," said Baxter. "Having access to multiple carriers and a strong partnership with Safeco allows me to advocate for our members and make sure they're protected in the ways that matter most. I'm incredibly proud to receive this recognition."

The prestigious underwriting award recognizes agents who consistently demonstrate exceptional expertise, accuracy, and customer-focused service. Fewer than 1% of agents who sell Safeco personal lines policies receive this distinction each year, placing Baxter among the top-performing insurance professionals in the country.

CBI Bank & Trust appoints David C. Burdakin to Board of Directors

CBI Bank & Trust announced the appointment of David C. Burdakin to its Board of Directors, effective Jan. 22.

Mr. Burdakin retired in 2024 following a distinguished 45-year career in manufacturing and executive leadership. From 2014 to 2023, he served as Executive Vice President and Division President of JBT AeroTech, a leading global provider of aviation ground support equipment and services. After the sale of JBT AeroTech to Oshkosh Corporation in 2023, he continued to lead the AeroTech division under Oshkosh until his retirement.

"We are honored to welcome David to our Board of Directors," said Daniel Stein, Chairman of the Board. "His extensive manufacturing and executive leadership experience will provide valuable insight and guidance as we continue to serve our clients and communities."