Community involvement is a key component to the success of The REES Project and that has been evident throughout this capital campaign as a Regional Cities match was reached this fall and with sights set on attaining the overall goal of $3.46MM in 2019. Two separate star level gifts are being announced today from two well recognized names in the financial market.
The combined offices of Edward Jones came together in support of The REES Project and the entire community with a Star Level gift of $10,000. These local financial advisors are five of now 17,000 who serve the U.S. and Canadian market since Edward D. Jones opened its doors in downtown St. Louis in 1922. Dan Schmelter became the 200th Financial Advisor with the firm and opened his office in Plymouth in 1977, setting the foundation for Marshall County and Plymouth. Dan recruited John Chamberlin in July of 1999, who then opened the office downtown. Edward Jones’ presence continued to grow as Mark Bishopp, who started in Greenfield in 1997, came to Plymouth occupying the 3rd office off Pioneer Drive and U.S. 30. Further expansion occurred in 2010 when Craig Wilson moved into the downtown office. Dan then recruited his son-in-law, Russ Kietzman in 2011 who then assumed responsibility of Dan’s office when he retired in 2014. (Dan and his wife Nancy were also lead supporters of The REES.) The roots of Edward Jones had grown quite deeply but help was still needed to serve all clients, so Todd Clady opened the 5th office on the south side of Plymouth in 2015. Senior advisor John Chamberlin said of the group; “We are all very grateful for the community’s support as our presence has grown over the years. The REES Theatre project is something we can help with to show our support for downtown Plymouth and those who will get to enjoy it over the years to come.”
Key Bank has had a presence in Plymouth since 1994 when it merged with the former Society Bank. The local branch has been managed by Plymouth native Greg Compton since 2007. On hand for the Star Level gift of $25,000 was Michael Lugli, Market President in the South Bend office and Compton. The supportive gift is the result of a KeyBank Foundation grant application submitted by the REES Project Committee earlier this year. Key makes philanthropic investments in organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through its three funding priorities – Neighbors, Education, Workforce –in Community Service. “In keeping with KeyCorp’s fundamental support of education and community service, this gift is given to honor the memory and commitment of longtime Plymouth music educator Bob Pickell.” said Compton. Co-chair Randy Danielson responded; “These gifts arecontinuing examples of the community’s overall support in this effort to save a beloved landmark that has become a catalyst for even greater downtown investment.”
l-r Todd Clady, Mark Bishopp, Craig Wilson, Donna Pontius, co-chair, John Chamberlin, Russ Kietzman and co-chair, Randy Danielson
l-r Greg Compton, Plymouth Branch Manager, Michael Lugli, Market President, co-chairs; Randy Danielson, Donna Pontius
