Pause for Applause

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.

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. ■

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 5 Lorialyn Sabin 5 Daryl May 5 William Sinks 10 Ann Niespodziany 10 Kevin Keller 10 Lyndsy Bock 15 Sara Trattles 15 Andrea Garza 20 Sarah Dillon 20 Cheryl Motz 40

February

Amy Noonan 5 Matthew Rigdon 5 Jeffrey Ginter 10 David Moll 10 Kerry Chubb 10 Corey Fanslau 10 Tammy Lamers 15 Cindy Spencer 15 Nancy Blaauw 20 Julie Gardner 25

March

Robert Netrefa 10 Sally Birch 15 Michelle Boulter 15 Ryan Kelley 15 Tracy Jelinek 15 Rebecca Davis 20 Benjamin Mahlich 20 Timothy Weihing 40