By Brad Barth, Board of Directors Chairman
Hello everyone. In my last Chairman’s View, I mistakenly stated that it would be my last column for you. I was wrong in that statement, and I ask you to please bear with me as I try not to bore you to tears one last time.
During the Annual Meeting in St. Cloud this past January I gave my Chairman’s Report on the status of MCIA. I spoke for the Board of Directors, assuring the members that MCIA is forward thinking and is in a good financial position for the future of this organization. The future of MCIA is positive.
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Have you ever taken the time to look back on your life at all the jobs you had and picked out your favorite? Your reflection may reveal fun stories from the past to share with and entertain family or friends. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love farming and conditioning seed and can’t imagine doing anything else now. But here are my top three picks before farming.
First: The summer of my fifth grade I rode my bicycle into town, and I worked daily at my dad’s friend’s gas station. I pumped gas and washed windows and even put cars up on the hoist, changed the oil and greased the driveline. Many times, I was left to attend the place by myself for a few hours. Fifty-some years later, I still meet former customers who remember that little kid pumping gas.
Second: In college, I was the beer delivery guy at the local off-sale. I was paid an hourly wage, per delivery fee, and great tips. Everyone loved the beer delivery guy.
Third, was being the chairman of the board at MCIA. This job came with the satisfaction of helping guide a very old institution through the current times. During this period, I met and worked with some super intelligent and talented individuals.
We may all be a little old for my first two picks, but if you ever get the chance to work on a board of directors, do so, as it is very rewarding, and you meet some great professionals.
Your new chairman of the board, Brent Benike, is a fantastic individual. Brent is well educated, hardworking, very knowledgeable, and well grounded. Brent will be an excellent leader for MCIA. When you get the opportunity to visit with him, you will understand what I am saying.
2025 will be a challenging year for all of us as margins are slim and expenses seem to increase steadily, but take joy in what you do and someday (maybe today) you will call your current job, your favorite job.