A First-Hand Look

GROWMARK Agronomy Division personnel from the seed, plant food, crop protection, sales, operations, and customer service departments recently toured Ag-Land FS, Inc.'s Tremont, Ill. facility. The tour allowed the GROWMARK employees to see first-hand how retail locations are organized and managed, as well as an opportunity to interact and ask questions of member cooperative employees who work directly with farmer/owners.

"The Agronomy Division employees were able to gain valuable insight into the operation of a dealer retail site which will enable them to better understand and serve the needs of our customers," said Rod Wells, GROWMARK director, agronomy sales and operations.

Department leaders also reported on progress toward the division's annual goals.

P.A.T.S. Supports the Troops

A grassroots organization of parents and community members, Peoria Area Troop Support (P.A.T.S) provides deployed servicemen and women with care packages and gift cards for the Post Exchange (PX) on base. Sue Fehlhafer, marketing assistant at Ag-Land FS, Inc., Pekin, Ill. is a member of this group.

"I joined the group in December of 2008, but it's been active for quite some time." she said. "We want to reach as many soldiers as we can with this program."

The group's efforts are not limited to central Illinois troops. They will send care packages to soldiers from any state as long as they are on active duty.

"We're also looking for people to write 'Dear Soldier' letters to include with the mailings," Fehlhafer added.

To add a serviceperson to the P.A.T.S. list, send their military address to Sue at sfehlhafer@aglandfs.com. For more information on P.A.T.S., visit their website at www.patsonline.bravehost.com.

A Helping Hand

This story was provided by Brittany Tow, procurement specialist/HR assistant at New Century FS, Inc.

Brittany Donnelly, 22, daughter of New Century FS, Inc.’s Van Horne, Iowa plant manager Tom Donnelly, was recently diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her brain stem. This type of tumor is very rare and usually found in younger children. She has undergone several surgeries at the University of Iowa Hospital to alleviate some of the symptoms and has been referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. for ongoing treatments.

The cooperative has rallied around the Donnelly family and assisted with several events to help offset the cost of Brittany’s treatments. In January, family friends organized a benefit which included a silent auction, meal, and live band. New Century donated postage and advertising for the event, as well as items for the silent auction. Over 350 people attended.

More information on Brittany and her story can be found at http://tinyurl.com/avequl.

Pictured is the Donnelly family (left to right): Jackie, Brittany, Katie, and Tom. Tom is the plant manager at New Century FS, Inc.'s Van Horne, Iowa facility.