Morris F. Neighbor began his career at Farmers State Bank in 1945 as a teller. In 1968 he and his wife Betty, purchased Farmers State Bank. He received the Fifty Year Banker Honor in 1995 and served as a bank board member until his death in 2019.

Morris F. Neighbor 1918 - 2019

Through Morris' leadership, the Neighbor family has given to countless capital campaigns, community events, and charitable non-profit groups. In addition, volunteerism and dedication to community have remained a priority with the family and amongst staff at the bank.

The Community Impact award nominations will open at the Marion Chamber's Annual Meeting in October. Nominees will include an individual, couple, or organization whose volunteerism and outstanding service and dedication have made a significant impact on the Marion community. The recipient of the award will be recognized and announced by the Mayor of Marion at the Marion State of the City in January.

2026 Recipient

2026 recipient, Paul Rehn, served 12 years on the Marion City Council and was Marion’s Mayor from 2008 to 2011. He dedicated 48 years to the Marion Fire Department, serving as a volunteer firefighter, participating in the honor guard, assisting with community education events and supporting firefighter well-being as a member of the peer support team.
He served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He has been a volunteer with the Hospice of Mercy, a volunteer chaplain with St. Luke’s Hospital, a member of American Legion Post 298 and a member of the Marion Order of the Masons. ​Rehn’s service continues today through his involvement as the chair of Marion’s Civil Service Commission, a position he has held for 10 years, guiding the hiring decisions for dozens of City employees during that time. He also serves on the board of directors for Area Ambulance Service. 

Nominations for the Community Impact Award are open November 1 - January 31, 2027.