Jim Allen Day – Saturday July 12, 2008

Jim Allen has been named to the Winona County Fair Hall of Fame for his contribution to business and the community in general here in the county.

Allen currently heads the St. Charles branch of Merchants Bank, and he and his wife Shar moved into town from the farm at Eyota only 9 years ago. Agriculture is in Jim’s blood, and he proudly talks about his experience farming with his brothers.  A graduate of Winona State University, Allen worked in the farm credit industry before joining the banking community 22 years ago. His years at Merchants Bank total 14.

The Allen family also includes children Jeremy, Paige and Heidi, and despite living in town, Jim and Shar’s children maintain a strong connection to the FFA and 4-H programs and also exhibit livestock at the county fair. Allen is a believer that these programs are vital for youth development.

“ I hope my kids are good examples of what 4-H can do to instill leadership, as well as skills of speaking in front of a group or just getting along with and respecting people,” says Allen.

Out in the community, Jim is involved with the St. Charles Lions Club, recently became involved with the Resource Center at St. Charles as a financial advisor and takes pride in Merchants Bank’s involvement with the Ten Day of Giving Program at Christmas. Allen is a member of the Winona County 4-H Auction committee, and will be at the Winona County Fair helping the Lion’s Club with their food stand and the pancake breakfast. In this spare time you might also find Jim back on the farm pitching bales or helping to tend the livestock.

“My roots are in agriculture, so I love St. Charles and I love the fair… the Winona County Fair is progressive and a good example of how a small county fair can survive,” Allen concludes.