NORMAL – How does a business show it values its clients? 1st Farm Credit Services is returning profits to them.

1st FCS will institute a new initiative this year called the Patronage Program, returning more than 9 percent of 2006 net income back to the clients. Patronage is the method cooperatives use to distribute a portion of their net income to their owners. In its first year, 1st FCS will send $3.1 million to nearly 8,100 loan and lease clients.

"Patronage is part of our commitment to our clients," said 1st FCS President/CEO Gary Ash. "We are proud to be part of their ongoing success. They are the owners of this association, and should share in its profits."

Clients who have a loan or lease with 1st FCS are eligible for the patronage program. The amount of patronage a client receives depends upon the amount of business he or she does with 1st FCS. "Basically, the more business someone has in loans and leases, the higher their patronage check," said Keith Braucht, chief operating officer for 1st FCS.