Mike Shoes Pinske | Business Person of the Year 2014: 1st Place Large
ARE YOU READY FOR NEXT YEAR?
We decided it was time to bring rural issues to the forefront and make sure rural legislators understood the importance of this service in their communities. It’s cost-effective to have a service like ours so people can get to a doctor and not have to be in a nursing home. rural perspectives, and can appreciate the differences outside the Metro.
Our experienced tax professionals have the expertise to help you minimize your tax liability for this year’s return and help you get on track for the upcoming year. We take the time to understand your operation and your needs, helping you reduce your tax obligations and take a proactive approach for the future.
Experience the Difference
Are you still president? Yes, and we have full-time Capitol representation. The R-80 pushed for the Legislative Auditor to audit the industry for strengths and weaknesses, and to identify problems in the industry. We wanted legislators to get an objective view of our industry. Released in February 2011, the audit confirmed what we had been saying. As a result, the legislature decided to form the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Advisory Council, which is a governor-sponsored, legislatively appointed task force. I represent R-80 on the Council. We address the issues outlined in the auditor’s report. That keeps me busy at least one day a week.
answered the telephone, set up rides, confirmed eligibility, and faxed me the rides. It didn’t empower the clients to make their own decisions concerning which provider to use. It was frustrating for providers and that led to the audit. In 2009, State Sen. Kathy Sheran passed a law prohibiting these brokers from handling higher-level services. Some Metro counties still use a broker for lower-level services. The brokering began in 2006 because many people in state and county agencies didn’t understand the complexity and difficulty of scheduling, dispatching, and running a business like ours. County and state government employees struggling with the administrative aspects of this program decided farming it out was an easy solution. The task force is scheduled to present its final recommendations to the legislature this coming session. I expect meaningful and positive reforms to be implemented by July 2014.
Any industry changes come from the audit? The State in 2006 had decided to hire a broker to manage the administrative aspects of the program. That arrangement You’ve just doubled in size. One did not work out well. Many Metro providers person can handle only so much. Have went out of business because the broker you exceeded your span of control? would not give them rides. The broker I believe in delegation. If I trust you, and AgriRealty_7_13-16horiz.pdf 1 5/30/13 9:02 AM
Bill LeDuc Broker/Owner Mankato, MN (507) 995-9311
www.agri-realty.com
Agricultural Property Specialists 507.387.6031 www.eidebailly.com 18
CONNECT Business Magazine
• Land Auctions & Sales • Machinery Auctions • Appraisals
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014
FOCUSED ON AGRICULTURE