Member News

NEWS:

EMBRACING FEEDBACK

Customers confirmed it was a trying year, with plenty of bright spots among the struggles. Thanks to the comments and feedback shared through the annual customer satisfaction survey, GreenStone has gained even stronger insight into the preferences of our customers.

Once again it was made crystal clear it’s the people who make any partnership special; and relationships will remain the foundation of GreenStone’s culture! Yet, the financial value is never ignored; simple, quick loan conversions saving thousands of customers millions of dollars each year, and $105 million paid back to members through Patronage were just two of the many examples enthusiastically quoted in customer comments.

The fewer challenges shared by customers came primarily as a result of COVID impacts, starting with the impacts of offices needing to be temporarily closed as a result of executive order compliance. This change in service delivery was amplified with an onslaught of new government financial support programs, such as PPP, through which we strived to assist customers in securing necessary support. Ultimately, our efforts to support customers as much as possible with these additional programs and the extraordinary changes, on top of what you might consider our “normal” work, unfortunately impacted speed and clarity of communication in some cases. Nonetheless, timely and transparent communication with customers is our standard, and an area we as an association will continue to address.

While overall satisfaction dropped slightly to 92%, respondents who said they are definitely willing to apply for a new loan with GreenStone increased slightly, and more customers thought our overall performance improved from last year. We care about providing the service you need, and we are grateful for the candid feedback to ensure we continue to deliver the value and service you expect from our partnership. ■

GreenStone Connect Reception at 2021 Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable Expo

Join us for the GreenStone Connect Reception at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo/Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo. Customers are invited to stop by to connect with their GreenStone team and enjoy refreshments as our appreciation of your ongoing partnership with GreenStone. A brief cooperative update will also be provided. We invite you to connect with your local GreenStone team at the GreenStone Connect Reception this December: • Tuesday, December 7 • 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. • Monroe Room of the

DeVos Place • Grand Rapids, MI ■

GreenStone Connect Reception at 2022 Great Lakes Crop Summit

You're invited to join your local GreenStone team at the Connect Reception during the 2022 Great Lakes Crop Summit. Light appetizers and refreshments will be available as a thank you for your ongoing partnership with GreenStone.

We invite you to connect with your local GreenStone team at the GreenStone Connect Reception in January: • Wednesday, January 26 • 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. • Soaring Eagle Casino

Reception • Mt. Pleasant, MI ■