The expansion into business banking services marks another major enhancement of the alliance announced in early 2020 between U.S. Bank and State Farm. It follows the acquisition and conversion of the deposit and credit card portfolios of State Farm’s former federal savings bank subsidiary by U.S. Bank. Now, U.S. Bank’s business banking digital capabilities bring the best of both human relationships and digital to State Farm customers.

The arrangement also marks the first time U.S. Bank will extend a holistic suite of products to small businesses across the country, with offerings historically limited to the bank’s 26-state retail footprint.

“U.S. Bank and State Farm share a commitment to putting our customers at the center of everything we do, and by bringing together our shared values, integrity and purpose to help them achieve their aspirations, along with the strength of our individual offerings, we see an incredible opportunity to empower small businesses of all shapes and sizes,” said Tim Welsh, vice chair, Consumer and Business Banking for U.S. Bank. “When we announced the strategic alliance, we were thrilled by the potential of coming together to better serve more individuals and businesses, and this is an exciting step in that direction.”

State Farm is the largest provider of auto and home insurance in the United States with nearly 19,000 agents serving approximately 84 million policies and accounts. The opportunity to offer U.S. Bank products and services to small business customers will be available to all State Farm agents.

“When we formed the alliance with U.S. Bank, it was about more than finding the right company to acquire the deposit and credit card accounts of State Farm’s former banking subsidiary. Collaborating with U.S. Bank to expand the portfolio of banking products offered to State Farm customers while delivering a best-in-class customer experience aligns perfectly with our mission to serve more people in more ways. And that is where we saw the real potential of our alliance with U.S. Bank,” said Mike Kish, Vice President of Corporate & Business Development at State Farm. “Serving more small business customers is a priority for both organizations and our agents’ ability to offer business banking products and services for the first time is an important next step for our relationship with U.S. Bank.”

Innovative drone technologies allow the company to adapt to the changing needs of customers and communities. Two new State Farm drone pilots are spearheading the effort. The aerial data they gather will gain new insight into risks and how to mitigate them.

“Our data driven approach to understanding risks will help us evaluate environmental changes that could impact our customers,” says Melissa Seloover, Technology Manager for RED Labs.

Dynamic Duo

Tanya Leahy and Ben Clawson are the drone pilots deployed on this new initiative. Already private airplane pilots, they expanded their passion for aviation to also become FAA-certified drone pilots. They also happen to be siblings.

“We are competitive,” says Tanya. “Growing up, we didn’t share toys very well. Our mom thinks it’s hysterical we share a drone now.”

“I’m happy to be able to put our aviation background to use in a different way,” says Ben. “By being drone pilots for State Farm, we can increase our aviation knowledge and have a positive impact on the industry.”

“Ben and Tanya are unique for State Farm as the first, full-time, deployed drone pilots," says Seloover. “They are part of our greater innovation story, helping State Farm explore new opportunities.”

State Farm Drone History

This new effort extends the company’s use of drones. Internal research, as well as collaborative drone projects have resulted in significant progress.

Previous FAA waivers allowed:

• collaborations with Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) and participation in the FAA Integration Pilot Program (IPP)
• drone operations over people (OOP)
• flights beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight (BVLOS) for catastrophe damage
• flights related to claims (originally limited to geographic areas impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael)

“Economically, it was a rough time," said Suzy. "The banking industry plummeted.” Unemployed, with two small children and facing the unknown – she kept the following goals in mind: 1.) Send her kids to college. 2.) Retire, at some point. But how would she achieve this? Her children had a sweet idea: Open an ice cream shop.

“My kids and I LOVE ice cream,” smiled Suzy. “We would travel miles to find great tasting, quality treats. It was our tradition.”

Suzy admits, opening an ice cream shop was far from anything she’d ever imagined, but still decided to go for it. “My kids inspired me,” she said. “After everything I’d been through, I thought, ‘Why not?’” She planned, took small business courses, attended ice cream school, budgeted, created a marketing strategy, found a space for her shop and concocted countless ice cream recipes.

The Big Day

In July 2011, the Azucar Ice Cream Company officially opened its doors. “It was such an exciting time,” said Suzy. “I opened during a downtown festival – and ran out of product! It was a great problem to have, until I realized, ‘What am I going to sell tomorrow?’” It was a long night of ice cream making, and the start of something big.

Located in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, Suzy’s shop pays tribute to her Cuban heritage. While Azucar Ice Cream offers flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry – guests will also find an assortment of Cuban options ranging from Mantecado (French vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon ice cream) to Abuela Maria (vanilla ice cream mixed with guava, cream cheese and crispy cookies).

“The Abuela Maria is a Cuban classic,” smiled Suzy. “It warms my heart to see customers taste the flavors and be reminded of home.”

As business blossomed, Suzy met State Farm Agent Javier Areas. “With so much on the line, I wanted to make sure I had everything protected,” she said.

“I was happy to sit down with Suzy,” said Javier. “Being a small business owner myself, I want to eliminate worry and provide support for success. It’s so rewarding to help people and see their business grow.”

During the meeting, Javier discovered Suzy did not have coverage on her warehouse.

“This is the place where the ice cream is made,” explained Javier. “Suzy’s produce, like guava and pineapple is also stored here. In addition to her equipment, the food alone can cost thousands of dollars. If something happened to her warehouse, the costs associated with the loss would be insurmountable.”

“Can you see why I’m grateful to work with Javier? He’s taught me so much!” said Suzy. “He calls me often to check in, but I’ll never forget when he called in 2017 - shortly before Hurricane Irma arrived.”

Being in the heart of Miami, the store is prone to powerful storms. “Last year, I was terrified Hurricane Irma would not only hurt my shop, it would ruin my exterior sign,” said Suzy. “I love that sign. It’s a 29 foot tall ice cream tower – and really eye catching!”

Javier gave Suzy peace of mind.

“Through a Business Policy, this ensured the sign and Suzy’s shop would be OK in case something happened,” said Javier. “It also covers loss of income in the event the hurricane prevented her store from reopening for an extended period of time.”

Luckily, Suzy’s store suffered little to no damage from the storm, but she says – she’s not taking any chances. “When you dedicate your life to building a small business and making it work – you want to make sure it’s protected.”

As the Azucar Ice Cream Company continues to welcome new and familiar faces, Suzy says she’s looking forward to the future. “I’m truly grateful to be able to do this. To turn this dream into a reality. A big thank you to my kids for believing in me. And a big thank you to my State Farm agent Javier who looks out for this business. We’re better because of him.”

Meet Pam Sandlin, San’s soon-to-be older and wiser friend. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Pam smiled. “Was I nervous? Yes.    But I couldn’t wait to meet her.”

Little did Pam or San know, their after school introduction would be the start of an incredible story…

…one that began after each decided to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Flashback to 2009:

“The organization did a great job matching us,” said Pam. “Early in the relationship, we discovered we had lots in common. We’re both taller than average, love basketball, we’re close to our grandmothers, and love our families.” 

Pam learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through her employer, State Farm.

“I was an empty nester looking for a meaningful way to give back to my community. When State Farm shared the opportunity to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), it was perfect. I love children and thought, ‘this is my chance to be a Big Sister!’”

During their first encounter at San’s elementary school, the pair instantly clicked. Soon, they were meeting every week to laugh, joke, share stories and dreams. “I always looked forward to seeing Pam because I knew we’d have a great time,” said San. “We’d go to the movies, eat at restaurants, watch basketball games – and we even went whitewater rafting! She makes life a happy adventure.”

A Friendship in Full Bloom

San says Pam saw her strengths and encouraged her to be the best person she could be. “My favorite memory is a special camping trip we took together. The theme of the weekend was, Face your Fears. I have a fear of heights. But Pam made sure I didn’t miss out on the fun. With her encouragement, I finished an obstacle course, climbed mountains, walked a tight rope and even zip-lined! Pam is my rock.”

But the Big Sister encouragement didn’t stop there.

“In addition to our fun, I often talked to San about her future,” said Pam. “Wherever we’d go, we’d strike up conversations about the careers of people we came in contact with. I reminded her how important a high school diploma is - and we talked about college a lot.”

A New Journey

As the years passed, Pam watched San grow from an introverted fourth-grader into a confident, strong young woman. Elementary school came and went, then junior high, then the final years of high school arrived.

“Pam toured colleges with my mother and me,” said San. “My favorite journey was our three-day trip to Louisiana State University. It was the longest amount of time we’d spent together and we grew even closer.” 

In May of 2017, San graduated high school. Pam was there to celebrate her success. “Oh my goodness, I’m so proud of her,” said Pam. “She’s such a mature young lady and a leader among her peers. She told me about times when things got tough in school, yet she was the source of comfort for other students. They considered her honest and trustworthy.”

In the fall of 2017 San began her freshman year at Volunteer State Community College, with plans to pursue a career in psychology. “I always wanted to help people the way Pam has helped me,” San explained. “In sixth grade I received high marks on a career test and since then have always wanted to be a doctor, nurse or psychologist.”

While Pam and San’s formal mentoring ended when San graduated high school, their relationship has not stopped. “I’ve enjoyed watching her grow, excel and flourish,” said Pam. "She’s really a strong young woman and I want to continue helping her in any way I can. I’m so grateful to have Pam in my life. She’s encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do and has always been there for me.”

More than friends…

“After almost a decade of friendship, we’re sisters at heart,” smiled San. “We plan to remain in each other’s lives forever,” said Pam.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, or to become a volunteer, click here.

Until then, life ran smoothly for the Phillips family. Their children excelled in school. They were healthy. There was no shortage of food, warmth and love under their roof.

"Then one day, everything changed," said Phillips.

With their two income household now down to one, the family finances began to dwindle. "Mark began rehabilitation therapy - and we have five children to raise," said Phillips. "I did everything I could to keep this household running. I rationed, cut coupons, shopped at thrift stores. Failure was not an option."

But fatigue was.

Frustration, exhaustion, and feelings of hopelessness swept over the Phillips family. They wanted their world to be normal. They wanted their children to thrive. As their worries deepened...a different surprise came along...“This time it was a good surprise,” smiled Stephanie. “We met the Promise Council.”

The Promise Council is a network of caring adults who assist children and families in central Illinois schools. Volunteers donate their time, talents and resources to ensure families have basic essentials like food, clothing and shelter.

“The Promise Council is positioned to meet the unique needs of students,” said volunteer Garry Hendricks. “If a child needs a    winter coat and hat, the Promise Council provides it. If they need a mattress to sleep on, we’ll get one to the family. If there’s a shortage of food for the weekend, – we’ll send them home with a backpack of healthy items.”

“There are so many needs in front of us – it’s eye opening,” added Promise Council volunteer Reg Washington. “We help with clothing, hotel vouchers, transportation – we even purchased a small refrigerator for a family after learning they’d been filling a sink with ice to keep milk cold for their children. At the time, that’s the only solution they had.”

Both Washington and Hendricks have been Promise Council volunteers for nearly a decade. By day they work at State Farm^®. By night they join forces with caring adults across their central Illinois community to help students and families thrive. “Parents and children should not have to face this kind of worry,” said Hendricks. “The Promise Council assists so parents can focus on getting ahead and students can focus on learning.”

A light at the end of the tunnel

As for the Phillips family, the Promise Council gave Stephanie and Mark gas cards to fill up their van. Their children also received food, clothing, classroom supplies and after-school mentoring.

“The generosity helped us immensely,” said Stephanie. “With the gas cards, we could get to doctor appointments, run errands and I could go to work. The clothing and food also eased our strained budget. We started to breathe easier.”

As the weeks went by, Mark began to heal. The kids made honor roll.

As for Stephanie?

“I became a recess supervisor at the school,” she smiled. “It was my second job, and a way to support the place that gave us so much.”

Today, the Phillips family has made it their mission to give back to the Promise Council. They donate food, clothing and are involved in school activities.

“We want to pay it forward to the Promise Council so it can continue lifting families up,” said Stephanie. “Mark and I tell our kids, no matter what obstacles you face…never give up.”

For this family, the spirit of giving is a lifelong promise.

“And we plan to keep that promise,” said Stephanie.

First, let’s rewind:

Paterson, New Jersey, located 15 miles from Manhattan has a deep industrial history. In the late 1700’s it received funding from an investment group created by Alexander Hamilton, which helped launch its manufacturing base. Shortly after, Paterson became an economic powerhouse – producing products like railroad locomotives, textile machinery, cotton and silk. By the late 1800’s, it was dubbed the “Silk City” due to its high production of the elegant fabric.

Changing times:

A century later, life in Paterson took a drastic turn. Economic changes and declines in manufacturing led to layoffs and limited opportunities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ranked Paterson as the most economically distressed city in America.

While jobs, the economy and opportunities have changed…today, a part of Paterson remains the same. In fact, some say it’s become more beautiful over time…

The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

“There’s natural beauty right here in Paterson, said high school senior Jeferson Mendoza. “It gives us something to be proud of.” Mendoza is one of 19 students from the John F. Kennedy STEM Academy working to promote and preserve this national park. With the help of a $96,233.63 grant from State Farm, Jeferson and his peers have been working with the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson to create a free smartphone app encouraging people to visit the area. Known as the Mill Mile audio tour app, it guides participants through a 13-stop walking tour of the grounds. As users explore historical sites, the app shares fun facts, park trivia and includes a quiz to test their Paterson history knowledge. There’s even a virtual tour option for those who can’t visit the park in person.

“This project was all about the students,” said Hamilton Partnership for Paterson Program Director, Robin Gold. “They worked hard to make the tour more appealing to young people.” “We put in countless hours of planning meetings, researching, budgeting, writing content, and more,” added Jeferson. “Some of the work was tedious, but I learned so much. I’m confident this project will have a positive impact on Paterson, which is exciting.”

"Prior to the Mill Mile audio tour app, I had only been to the falls a handful of times. Now I visit more often and I encourage everyone to do the same,” said Jeferson. “Believe it or not, the photos don’t do it justice!”

Word of the Great Falls is spreading. In 2016, the national historical park set a record of more than 177,000 visitors.

“This area is special and the park is a soothing environment,” said Jeferson. It serves as a beacon of hope.”