What do you do in your free time? In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. We like to go camping and hiking in Northern Michigan in the summer and try to get out ice fishing as much as we can in the winter. Zachary Nielsen Credit Analyst 4 years of services How does your role tie into your work with the development of the new CultivateGrowth program? My job is to analyze financial statements and outline strengths and weaknesses of our borrower’s financial position. With this program, we have been working to help customers better understand their financials and key metrics to help them improve their businesses. Why are you passionate about supporting YBSF? I do not have any farm background. This gives a firsthand perspective on the barriers to entry in the farming industry that many beginning farmers face. How will the expanded program benefit your customers? This program will provide some financial incentives as customers gain knowledge through educational conferences and courses. By working with their financial service officers, some members will be eligible for an interest rate reduction for qualifying loans. This reduction will be given upon completion of various activities. Many of these activities are regarding their business plan and financial statements. This not only helps the customer better understand and manage their business, but also helps GreenStone better understand their business and financial position. This process is mutually beneficial.
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By working with their financial service officers, some members will be eligible for an interest rate reduction for qualifying loans.
What change in the program are you most excited to share with YBSF customers? My favorite parts of the program are the interest rate reduction and educational activities that help them qualify for the reduction. This will be mutually beneficial for everyone. It also provides the customer time with our GreenStone staff that will lead to relationships that will last for generations. What do you do in your free time? I enjoy deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. ■
Pause for Applause... Congratulations to the 2022 Michigan Master Farmers: Greg McCarthy of Edmore, William Hunt of Davison, and Dennis Gardner of Yale. For many years, Michigan Farmer has bestowed the prestigious Master Farmer award on individuals who have demonstrated how to farm more effectively, efficiently, environmentally and economically. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving Michigan agriculture.
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES Help GreenStone congratulate and thank these staff who are celebrating an employment milestone. From five to 40, the years represent the dedication and service all employees provide our members.
January Emily Dreves Lorialyn Sabin Daryl May William Sinks Ann Niespodziany Kevin Keller Lyndsy Bock Sara Trattles Andrea Garza Sarah Dillon Cheryl Motz
5 5 5 10 10 10 15 15 20 20 40
February Amy Noonan Matthew Rigdon Jeffrey Ginter David Moll Kerry Chubb Corey Fanslau Tammy Lamers Cindy Spencer Nancy Blaauw Julie Gardner
5 5 10 10 10 10 15 15 20 25
March Robert Netrefa Sally Birch Michelle Boulter Ryan Kelley Tracy Jelinek Rebecca Davis Benjamin Mahlich Timothy Weihing
10 15 15 15 15 20 20 40
Partners — Winter 2022
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