You immediately feel welcomed when you first meet Sarah Klausing and Kendra Kuhlman. It's not just part of their roles at First National Bank; it's who they are.  Walking into First National Bank in Ottawa, you are welcomed by the friendly faces along the teller line. They are members of the thriving bank located at 855 N Locust Street. I was fortunate to sit down with Kendra and Sarah to discuss their roles within the bank. Kendra and Sarah both have a passion for working and assisting others. It's not just part of the company mission; it is truly part of who they are. Their motto is always service to the customer so that banking is easier for them. It's  about the customer, first and always. Sarah Klausing is the Branch Manager, Consumer Loan Lender, and Kendra Kuhlman is the Marketing Director. They both truly enjoy their roles within First National Bank and  are ready to help wherever they can.

First National Bank has been an Ottawa Area Chamber Member since 1994. Kendra and Sarah are chamber members and see the  many valuable resources it provides their business. Being a chamber member allows networking with other businesses and building relationships with other companies. It is another way to participate in Ottawa's growing and thriving community.  Kendra is a sitting member of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  It's also wonderful that Sarah and Kendra have become wonderful friends through their work together, finding more than just work as a common bond. Their sons have played sports together and were born only 4 days apart. 

Kendra and Sarah are often found out in the community volunteering their time and energy to service groups, community events, and the schools. Working for a community bank allows them to build lifelong relationships. They get to work alongside people and empower others to achieve their dreams. Their focus is on serving families, small businesses, and local farmers.  Sarah and Kendra are looking forward to growing the First National Bank footprint in Ottawa and the surrounding areas and expanding the FNB team with a new branch opening in Lima.

First National Bank offers a multitude of banking options.  I asked them what they felt was necessary for businesses just starting out. They both believe that finding a bank you can trust to partner with and help you grow is the first step for any new company. Business owners typically borrow money to buy equipment, pay suppliers and employees, and finance their operations. Their  Trusted Advisors would like to partner with you to learn how  they can help you, whether with a loan, a deposit account, or merchant credit card services.

Kendra Kuhlman and Sarah Klausing truly have servants' hearts. They are not just in the community; they are part of the community. Being out in the community allows them to focus on the mission of First National Bank, which is to serve the customers and community. Their team is built with the intent to be part of the bank's mission. From the top to all the branches, it revolves around service to the consumer and community. They work hard to create customers for life, building relationships beyond banking; they become part of the family. Talking with them, I felt genuine care an appreciation for their customers. They know their names,  they talk about their kids and things happening in their daily lives. It truly is part of what makes First National Bank so special to work with. 

If you would like to learn more about banking with First National Bank reach out to Sarah Klausing via phone at 419-523-5500 or email Sarah Klausing at sklausing@e-fnb.com. You can reach Kendra Kuhlman at kkuhlman@e-fnb.com  or via phone at 419-523-5500

Rosemary Buerger

Executive Director, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce