Rowan Chamber Presents Novant Health Workplace Wellness Award to F&M Bank
August 24, 2026
The Rowan Chamber of Commerce proudly honored F&M Bank with the Novant Health Workplace Wellness Award at its 12th Annual Dragon Boat Festival, held Saturday at High Rock Lake. The annual award recognizes Rowan County companies that go above and beyond to promote health and wellness in the workplace.
Gary Blabon, President of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, formally presented the award to Steve Fisher, President and CEO of F&M Bank, during a special recognition at the festival.
“F&M Bank recognizes that wellness is not a single program, event, or benefit. It is a culture. It is about creating an environment where employees feel supported physically, emotionally, financially, and professionally. It is about making sure people have the resources they need to thrive, both at work and at home,” said Blabon.
F&M Bank’s approach to workplace wellness centers on “investing in the whole F&Mer.” The bank offers programs and benefits that support physical health, emotional well-being, financial security, professional growth, work-life balance, and meaningful connections among employees.
Highlights of F&M Bank’s workplace wellness efforts include:
- Offering confidential counseling and resources through an Employee Assistance Program
- Offering three comprehensive medical plan options
- Paying 100% of the employee-only medical and dental premiums
- Contributing toward dependent medical and dental coverage
- Investing more than $1 million annually in employer-sponsored health and welfare benefits
- Providing employer-funded Health Savings Account contributions
- Providing a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match of up to 4%
- Offering professional development through F&M University and external leadership programs
- Recognizing and appreciating employees through the Paul E. Fisher Employee Appreciation Week and awards banquet
- Creating year-round employee engagement through F&M Unites!, which brings employees across all locations together through monthly themed activities, friendly competitions, family picnics, holiday celebrations, seasonal events, and Bank-wide gatherings.
- Supporting work-life balance through paid vacation, sick leave, Extended Illness Reserve (EIR), personal leave, and paid community service and school volunteer leave.
F&M Bank also encourages employees to give back to the communities they serve. Employees participate in the United Way Day of Caring, school supply drives, blood drives, and other volunteer opportunities. In 2025, F&M Bank employees raised approximately $55,000 through the Bank’s annual United Way campaign.
Novant Health has presented this award for the past 11 years to encourage local businesses to implement workplace wellness programs. Previous winners include: Hitachi Metals, Rowan County Government, City of Salisbury, Healthy Rowan, Trinity Oaks, Food Lion, Health Care Management Consultants, Catawba College, Power Curbers Companies, and Walser Technology Group.
“The traveling trophy is awarded at the Chamber’s Dragon Boat Festival to highlight workplace wellness initiatives,” said Chamber President Dr. Christine Lynn. “Our goal is to inspire all employers to create wellness programs that support a healthy, engaged workforce.”
The Rowan Chamber commends F&M Bank for leading by example and creating a workplace culture that supports health, professional growth, and employee well-being.
