By HOLLY WAGNER

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

After raising six children, Judy Dewey has honed the skills for dealing with all sorts of people and their problems.

Her expertise in customer service at F & amp;M Bank has earned her the American Business Women's Association's 2008 award for Associate of the Year.

"It was very surprising," Dewey said Friday morning. "I would never in my wildest dreams have thought of that."

Dewey raised her children before she entered the work force. Last February, she left the bank she'd worked at more than 20 years and took a similar position with F & amp;M Bank.

Changing jobs at that point in her career was a risky proposition, but Dewey felt she was at a point in her life where she needed to make a change.

She hasn't regretted it. The staff at F & amp;M are more laid-back, more like a family, Dewey said. She's been encouraged to attend Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce events and meet people.

"That's an aspect I really like ... and I'm promoting the bank," she said. "I wish I'd been doing it all along ... it took me 20 years to find that out."

Dewey helps customers start certificates of deposit, IRAs, open checking and savings accounts and help with loans. The retail side is a new area for F & amp;M and Dewey has enjoyed getting into it "on the ground floor."

Dealing with customers is one area where Dewey excels.

"I love visiting with them. For some, I may be the only person they talk to," she said.

The relationships she establishes with her customers was strong enough that some have followed her to her new bank.

"Judy has a calming environment around her," her supervisor and past ABWA President Becky Albert wrote. She "has definitely been a major contributor in (F & amp;M's) growth and continuing in the best customer service in Quincy."

Dewey attended Thursday's ABWA meeting at Albert's urging. Although it was her first, it may not be her last. She can see the opportunities it offers to meet people and make connections. But it will have to fit in the schedule of her 14 grandchildren's ball games and music recitals. Maintaining a relationship with her grandchildren is the first priority.

Meanwhile, Dewey will continue to make sure her customers get what they need. After more than 20 years in banking and 18 before that working with the most demanding of clients, her children, she's learned how to handle the toughest of customers.

"I tell them, don't worry, everything can be fixed."

-- hwagner@whig.com/221-3374