SigMT

SignatureMT | 33 NEW Spring Tree Ridge South lots are now available with spec - tacular views of the Missouri River, city and mountains. The develop - ment offers public water, a trout pond, park, and open spaces. Spring Tree Ridge is an established planned community within 3 miles of Great Falls. Call Tim today: 406.788.3741 or visit wilkinsonhomes.com B uilding Dreams one view at a time Great Falls i LOT 9 SOLD LOT 11 LOT 12 LOT 13 LOT 14 LOT 15 LOT 16 Accounting Option and then became a li- censed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her first job was in the accounting depart- ment with Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company (FUMIC) in Great Falls, and she has been there since in several capacities. Serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the prior ten years, she was ready to move forward when the president/CEO indicated that he would be retiring. Aer landing the position, she aended meetings and worked directly with the CEO during 2016. She was prepared to take over the reins of this Montana domiciled insurance company on January 1, 2017. is organization is made up predom- inately of men. All but one of the FUMIC Board of Directors are men and approxi- mately 80 percent of the agents are men. As a woman CEO, Bekker brings her back- ground as the CFO plus distinct leadership qualities to her position, as well as a lile humor and light heartedness. "Before the addition of Nancy Jensen to our Board of Directors this past October, I used to joke when we would check in with the hostess at restaurants by saying 'I'm Ker- ri from Farmers Union Insurance and this is my entourage' as ten official-looking men would fall in behind me!" said Bekker. FUMIC interacts with and provides sponsorships for the Montana High School Association and the Future Farmers of America. "We feel that it's important to encourage students—both boys and girls— to develop their talents, skills, and knowl- edge. As the first woman CEO of FUMIC in its hundred-year history, I feel that it is also important to lend a hand in empowering girls to develop a vision for themselves and to allow confidence in their skills and knowledge to shine through," said Bekker. Numbers of Women in Agricultural Careers Grow Women are still in a minority, but they are increasingly moving into agricultur- al careers that capture their interests. At first it may be surprising to those who are accustomed to what is traditional, but as qualified women take their places, it is certain that the agricultural industry will gain immeasurably from their knowledge and skills. Customers look for Chrissy Cook at Hodgskiss Seed because she has the information they are seeking. Photo by Steve Wolff ~A life-long interest in communications made Suzanne Waring first a college instructor and then a writer. She lives in Great Falls and writes about Montana people and their communities. MT S

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