Seven years ago, Heather Zimmerman, Business teacher and FBLA advisor at Muncy High School, and Janessa Mitterling, the local State Farm Insurance agent were each enjoying the annual Corvette Show. Mitterling approached Zimmerman with an idea she’d had in mind for a while. “How would you and your FBLA members feel about working together on a community service activity?” That was the beginning of a partnership that has continued to benefit both affiliates since its formation. Their first project together was “Doing Good in the Neighborhood” Community Clean-up. They raked leaves and cleaned up trash and litter in the downtown area of Muncy. Mitterling explained, “Both State Farm and the FBLA have a strong desire to serve our community and see the people and businesses thrive. It was so satisfying to brighten the days of so many by providing them with an army of volunteers to complete a daunting task that would normally take them hours on their own.” Although community service was initially the only goal, the partnership has grown into each looking for ways to improve both organizations. The service projects have helped both organizations gain recognition in the community. “I know for me this drew people to my office for help with insurance,” Mitterling said, and Zimmerman shared that, “FBLA was able to receive more community support and donations when we asked for help in getting the kids to the higher competitions.”

According to FBLA Vice President and spokesperson, Elizabeth Swart, and Mitterling, “We made a goal this year to help each other focus on social media strategies. We both wanted to gain more followers, create more relevant content and market the things our organizations are doing effectively. We have been able to do this by sharing content and co-branding a lot of our posts.” Mitterling often visits Muncy High School and teaches students about entrepreneurship and how she operates her State Farm business. She educates them on risk management and on alternative career paths they may not have been exposed to before. “I was a teen parent,” Mitterling says, “with not much guidance on my future. I have always had to be resourceful and driven. I like sharing this with the next generation. The FBLA kids know my office is a safe place to come to work, get advice, get help with projects and have another mentor to talk to.”

State Farm supports the partnership on a higher level. They provide some financial support for the hosted events. They also generously match the donations Mitterling makes to the organization to support students in competitions, known as the Matching Gift Program. Mitterling nominates the club each year for a grant earned by donating at least 40 hours of their time within one year to community projects. State Farm provides funds for this $500 grant.

“Projects are chosen by the officers of FBLA,” Swart says. “We then brainstorm ideas for it, pulling in Club members to work on them and creating goals to meet throughout the project. At some point, we contact Janessa and work with her on coordinating the activities involved.”

The projects have included: ‘Doing Good in the Neighborhood,’ ‘Community Closet,’ ‘Food Drives for the Sonlight House,’ projects for the Elementary School, and ‘Socks for Seniors,’ for guests living in the Muncy Valley Hospital skilled nursing unit.” Muncy’s Future Business Leaders of Tomorrow officers are: President, Carter Rogers; VP, Elizabeth Swart; Treasurer, Alexa Rice. Student intern at State Farm is Sophia Cole.

“We partner with Janessa for community service and for educational programs,” Swart says. “Her office assistant, Jen, often helps with whatever needs done, also. We all work well together.” Of the partnership, Mitterling says the it brings her much joy and purpose as a business leader in the community. “If I can help shape students in any positive way into amazing business leaders, that’s a win in my eyes.”