Neepawa Chamber of Commerce hears history of local success story

By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

for [Manitoba residents]. Come out to hear more about the Keystone Party and share your vision for a better Manitoba.”

The grassroots party gained official status less than a year ago. It is currently lead by Kevin Friesen of Manitou. The Keystone Party was born from its’ assertion that “The current political system was not working for Manitobans and in order for there to be real change, it would require a differnt approach.”

The meeting in Gladstone will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. The 2023 Manitoba General Election is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce held their 123rd Annual Meeting on Jan.30 and the featured speaker told the gathering about a local success story. Rob Wolfe of Neepawa’s Northstar Seed outlined the history and growth of the company that grew out of a group of eight Manitoba alfalfa seed producers.

The producer group included cousins Don and Jim Pollock and the venture started in 1982 in the midst of 21 per cent interest rates. Wolfe recounted that Northstar’s accountant stated, “You are brave bunch.” Shareholders were added over the years, products diversified and international markets developed. Wolfe said. “We are currently shipping forage seed all over the world. We kinda span the globe,” and he proceeded to list a large number of countries.

Northstar expanded into Michigan in 2012. The company is involved with production and sales of all types of grasses and forage from hay to pasture to grass for sports fields. “Our products have been used in Olympic stadiums,” said Wolfe.

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Recently Northstar signed a deal to be bought by Germany-based, Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV) which allows some of the original shareholders to retire. DSV had been a customer for over 30 years. sports@neepawabanner.com

Wolfe summarized the company’s growth and history with six pieces of advice. One, work with the best people you can find. Two, learn wherever possible.

Three, pack your suitcase and show up at meetings where no one knows you.

Four, take calculated risks.

Five, maintain your core competencies. Six, plan for growth.

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