New Data, Expanded Services on the Way for Members

During last week’s Marketing & Distribution Convention in Houston, I was pleased to report to our Board of Directors the positive results of the Association’s fiscal year, which ended August 31. I’d like to share that information with you, too.

Financial Results: While we were not immune to the downturn that has affected most of our members, operating revenues for the fiscal year were the second highest in the past decade, all with no increase in our membership dues schedule. Expenses for the year were well below budget, which allowed the Association to strengthen our reserves for the seventh consecutive year.

As we build our reserves, we become even better prepared to meet challenges that could require immediate expenses, such as responding to proposed legislation or regulation that threatens members.

Membership Results: Even in a slower ag economy, 48 new companies became members during the year, keeping our total membership near 700. While this number is down slightly from last year, it shows significant growth from 2011, when total membership stood at 615.

Mergers, acquisitions, and the economic downturn slowed our growth, but recent efforts to expand our reach to manufacturers of product lines where we have not been strong in the past are showing positive results and soon will expand our base of shortline manufacturers.

Meeting Attendance: Participation in both our Supply Summit & Showcase and our Marketing & Distribution Convention remain strong. We are committed to bringing new programming to our meetings and expect to see continued growth this year in both content and attendance at the Supply Summit in Omaha.

Major New Member Services: Over the past few years, our Association’s leadership has sought to respond to member requests for statistical and benchmarking industry data. Last week, our board approved a contract with Industry Insights to conduct a confidential Business Profile & Financial Performance Survey in early 2018. The confidential survey will address company demographics, operations, human resources and basic financial results. The survey is designed to limit the time required to complete it while still providing the data members want. 

Please note the Association office, staff and leadership will not be involved in collecting data or reporting results. The CPA firm leading the survey will manage the complete process.  You will see a letter of introduction from us, then the compiled, anonymous data.

Improved Farm Show Data/Evaluations: Our Education Committee, with the assistance of several members of the Farm Show Council, met in Houston to plan improvements to our farm show database. The expanded database will include information about show size, scope and basic cost and services. We will add to this data evaluations and comments from members who have displayed at the shows. Expect to see improvements in spring 2018, with evaluation data to follow later in the year. 

None of the above happens without the contributions of members. We have been blessed over the years with great volunteer leadership, and today, we call on additional members to become involved. 

Be it by participating in the surveys mentioned above, becoming active on a committees or product council, or taking a leadership position, your involvement has never been more needed.

Stay tuned to this publication for opportunities to get involved.