Community: Retailer Magazine Q1 2023

the Retailer Q1: 2023 | Quarterly magazine

SERVING AG, CONSTRUCTION AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT DEALERS ACROSS IOWA AND NEBRASKA

COMMUNITY As the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association celebrates our 130th anniversary this year, we reflect on what this community means to us.

Celebrating 25 years of simple, fast and flexible financing.

Thank you for making AgDirect® a leading equipment lender in the U.S. Twenty-five years ago, AgDirect introduced a new brand of equipment financing that matched the demands of a changing agriculture – financing that truly understood the needs of those who buy equipment, and the business needs of those who sell it.

Today, with our easy applications, ag-friendly terms and responsive service, we continue to serve the ag equipment industry like no other lender.

AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of America and other lenders, including participating Farm Credit System Institutions.

CONTENTS

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EXECUTIVE INSIGHT

FEATURE CELEBRATING 130 YEARS

Involvement in your local community is vital to your dealership’s success. As small, rural Midwest communities struggle with declining populations, dealers are stepping up to support their neighbors and local programs.

Since 1893, our small, dedicated team—with a combined 114 years working in the equipment industry—has been looking out for the best interests of Iowa and Nebraska agricultural, construction, and outdoor power equipment dealers.

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EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIPS

NEBRASKA FIELD REPORT

Talent shortages are a challenging task for any business. Let’s unpack how apprenticeships are becoming the new college degree for many people, and how an apprenticeship program can benefit your dealership organization when facing talent shortages.

The past year has been an active season for the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association advocacy efforts. Find out how you can become more involved in legislative advocacy through your dealer membership.

12 IOWA FIELD REPORT The Iowa Ag Expo and Nebraska Ag Expo are both unconventional places where farmers and companies alike can find a sense of community with people who have similar interests.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 1

CONTENTS

OFFICERS: Tim Kayton Scott Beach

Chairman, Albion, NE Past Chairman, Grinnell, IA

EDA DIRECTOR: Ivan Dorhout

Rock Valley, IA

DIRECTORS: Kevin Clark Jay Funke Kent Grosshans Brian Koonce Matt Vande Hoef

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FEATURE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

FEATURE DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

We are all part of communities larger than ourselves, and being involved with that community is important. Read on to learn 10 ways that your dealership can benefit your community in a way that also benefits your business.

The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association has partnered with Strada Healthcare to provide direct access to healthcare that bypasses the costly mark ups inherent in the healthcare system today.

Lincoln, NE Edgewood, IA Central City, NE Ankeny, IA Hull, IA

STAFF: David Adelman Gretchen Burch Phil Erdman Cindy Feldman Mark Hennessey Tom Junge Tim Keigher Donna Miller Gwen Parks Will Rogers Channon Timm Sydney Upah

IA Legislative Director Admin. Svcs. Assist.

Dir. of Dealer & Gov’t Rel. Marketing Director President/CEO Show Director NE Legislative Director Operations Manager Controller Dir. of Dealer & Gov’t Rel. Admin. Svcs. Assist.

Marketing Comm. Designer

CONTACT INEDA: 8330 NW 54th Ave. Johnston, IA | 50131-2841 E: info@ineda.com | W: www.ineda.com P: 515.223.5119 | F: 515.223.7832 TF: 800.622.0016.

Affiliated with:

20 FEATURE ENERGY SAVINGS Energy efficiency is vital to Iowa’s energy management plan, and it reduces the amount of energy consumed. Read on to learn how your dealership can save thousands of dollars through the Iowa Waste Reduction Center’s free energy assessment.

24 EDUCATION CAREER EXPLORATION RECAP The second annual Career Exploration Event at the Nebraska Ag Expo drew more than 475 students from 22 schools across Nebraska—a record number.

This event would not be possible without the participation of our dealer members!

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Individual subscriptions are available without charge to Association members. One-year subscriptions are available to all others for $30.00 (4 issues). Contact INEDA for additional information. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is furnished with the understanding that the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, the publisher, is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Changes in the law may render the information contained in this publication invalid. Legal advice or other expert assistance should be obtained from a competent professional.

Vol. 112 No. 1 2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

executive insight This issue of the Retailer magazine is based on community. The definition of a healthy community is one “where residents hold genuine, mutual respect for one another and have a strong commitment to where they live. It is based on the foundation of a willingness to help and support one another and a mutual interest in the local area.” Our small, rural Iowa and Nebraska neighborhoods exemplify this idea of community. The farming communities throughout Iowa and Nebraska are directly influenced by our dealer members, their employees, and their families.

While traveling throughout our states, I see many dealer members’ businesses prominently displayed throughout your communities. Often times, your dealership names are found on the outfield fences where young kids play baseball, football field scoreboards where parents gather to watch their kids play football, and highway billboards where visitors are greeted as they enter your community. Your dealerships are visible throughout the community. You get involved in local schools, town events, and 4H/FFA programs. You support the local fire department and municipalities. You pitch in and help when there is a hand in need. For many generations, your commitment is vital for keeping these communities healthy and strong.

The Center for Public Affairs Research at University of Nebraska reports that 73 percent of Nebraska counties lost population between 2010-2020. There is no denying that the state’s rural population is changing. So, what will it look like in the future? What will become of these communities?

It’s difficult to say what exactly will become of these rural communities in the future, but it concerns me that these communities may lose their sense of identity as the population continues to decline. It’s not a new phenomenon. In the early 1900s, the town of Bee, Nebraska was a thriving rural community filled with local businesses, churches, and the infamous Bee Ballroom. My great grandmother lived in Bee during these times and showed me pictures of this vibrant rural town. My relatives, Lou and Mary Ann Dart, served many customers with their Friday Fish Fry events. Now, the town is quiet, sleepy, and dwindling.

Conversely, the city of Ord, Nebraska is a model for rural revival. With a focus on small businesses and financing assistance for startups, Ord’s main street has rebounded, and the city has a bright future. It’s a healthy community that is attracting younger generations who then become the risk-takers who fuel the city’s continued growth. The city is cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit in its young residents’ minds—an important part of recruiting and retaining young leaders who will stay in these small communities.

My bet is that our dealer members will continue to be active participants in their communities because it’s in their DNA. Being involved in these communities is a special thing—something that Iowans and Nebraskans can appreciate. 

Chief Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE INSIGHT | 3

LEFT: The now-Iowa Ag Expo, which is owned and managed by the now-Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association was held at the Marshalltown Municipal Coliseum in 1930.

Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association Celebrates 130 Years It all began in 1893 when Iowa agricultural implement dealers from across the state braved a snow blockade to travel to Des Moines, Iowa, where they met and discussed ways to “promote the interest of and secure the friendly cooperation of implement dealers.” After two days of meetings, the dealers joined together to form the Iowa Retail Implement Dealers Association.

The dealers identified several objectives for the group, with the primary goal “to bring about a better feeling among manufacturers, jobbers, and dealers in the state and, if possible, to procure for the farmers better and more perfect goods at the lowest possible

4 | FEATURE CELEBRATING 130 YEARS

prices.” Dues for the association were just $2 per year.

Today, 130 years later, the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) continues the work started by those dealers so long ago. Our small, dedicated team—with a combined 114 years working in the equipment industry—is passionate about the equipment industry and takes great pride in looking out for the best interests of Iowa and Nebraska agricultural, construction, and outdoor power equipment dealers and distributors.

Consider this quote from the 40th Annual Convention of the then-known-as Iowa Implement Dealers Association on January 21-23, 1936: “Another yard

stick by which the worth of an association may be measured is the unwavering earnestness and unceasing activity of the [people] who have been members for many years and are still giving of their time and means to strengthen the organizations and keep them going.”

We deepy appreciate the unwavering support of our members for the last 130 years.

As we face the next century, we continue to believe that together as an association, we can accomplish what individually cannot be done by the dealership alone. 

2023-2024 Andrew Goodman Scholarship Applications Now Open The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2023-2024 Andrew Goodman Scholarship is now open. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 14, 2023.

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship Program was created to address the shortage of dealership personnel and to attract and nurture homegrown talent. INEDA will provide matching scholarships up to $1,500 for the 20232024 academic year, which means if a dealer commits $1,500 in funding, INEDA will match the scholarship with $1,500, for a grand total of $3,000.

This dealer-driven scholarship program helps dealers financially support and train those aspiring toward management, technical, sales or administrative positions within the dealership.

Applying for the scholarship takes less than 20 minutes. Students can apply online at ineda.com/andrew-goodmanscholarship.

APPLY ONLINE All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 14, 2023.

Scholarships will be awarded by no later than May 5, 2023, and recipients will be notified immediately thereafter.

If you or your applicants have any questions about the scholarship program or application process, please contact Will Rogers at 515.669.1648 or willr@ineda.com. 

or visit our website ineda.com/andrewgoodman-scholarship

www.KreamerLaw.com

(515)727-0900 Mergers & Acquisitions Business Law Succession Planning Samuel I. Kreamer, J.D., C.P.A. sikjdcpa@kreamerlaw.com

Licensed in both Iowa and Nebraska INEDA Associate Member

Wills, Trusts, & Probate 7155 Lake Drive, Suite 200 West Des Moines, IA 50266 7155 Lake Drive, Suite 200 West Des Moines, IA 50266

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP | 5

THE MODERN APPRENTICESHIP Confidently Hire, Train, and Retain High School Talent CHRISTIAN GRAY, Founder and CEO, AxisU [christian@axis-u.com]

Talent shortages are a challenging task for any business, but it’s made even more difficult when you’re trying to find the right talent with the right skills to help your organization grow. With Forbes reporting that 3 out of 4 employers are having difficulty filling vacancies with needed workers, and the number of available jobs in the construction and ag industry at an alltime high, new and effective strategies are needed now more than ever. There are currently over 4,000 open positions across Iowa and Nebraska. So, the big question—where do we find talent today?

Let’s unpack how apprenticeships are becoming the new college degree for many people and how an

6 | EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIPS

apprenticeship program can benefit your organization when facing talent shortages. This includes new strategies on connecting with talent sooner and understanding where your company is at in the talent acquisition pipeline. The National Center for Educational Statistics reported that only 49 percent of Americans have completed an Associate’s degree or higher, meaning that every employer looking for skilled labor is recruiting from 50 percent of the overall labor pool. The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is partnering with AxisU because they take a modern approach to apprenticeship programs that can be the solution needed to train more skilled workers where there is heavy demand but not enough supply.

Traditional Apprenticeships Traditional apprenticeships allow prospective employees to gain skills your business needs without the high cost of tuition.

Apprentices typically work part-time while going through school, and they’re supported by an employer who foots the bill for community college classes. However, there are some downsides: this model doesn’t produce enough technicians, which means market demand must be met with additional training programs, internal upskilling, or hires from other companies in your local area.

Other cons of the traditional approach include:

• College is expensive, no

matter who is paying for it.

downsides of traditional apprenticeships. After combining these two strategies, your total available labor pool to recruit increases from 50 percent to 100 percent.

Implementing a modern apprenticeship with AxisU is a great way to attract and train individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds, but when we first started conversations with INEDA, figuring out how to navigate Child Labor Laws was the most urgent. Here are the four steps we recommend for success:

1. Start by Partnering with Your Local High School

• Most people can’t afford to live working part-time.

• Businesses lose the tuition

money if a student drops out, quits, or gets fired.

• Colleges are incentivized to

keep butts in seats vs. on the job where your business needs them.

Modern Apprenticeships Now, let’s rethink the apprenticeship structure and make it fit the demands of today. The current model works, and you shouldn’t stop recruiting from community colleges, but to supplement your skilled labor shortage it’s going to require internally training employees with your own apprenticeship program. This is where AxisU provides a scalable apprenticeship platform to help solve the cost and logistical

Let’s take a look at the research from EducationData.org: 35 percent of all high school graduates do not pursue any post-secondary education. What would you say to an immediate 35 percent increase in your business’s candidate pool just by starting or enhancing your partnership with your local high school? Partnering is a great first step, but understanding and navigating Child Labor Laws as an employer can be difficult or intimidating. AxisU and its leadership have worked with networks of thousands of high schools that partnered with businesses across 46 states and helped the employers set up a program that is compliant with their state’s needs. It’s safe to say it works, and if thousands of employers each year can (legally) navigate Child Labor Laws, so can you.

EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIPS | 7

2. Develop an Internal Apprenticeship Program Creating a process to set up an apprenticeship program at your dealership was a key consideration in our partnership with INEDA. Together, we will identify one of your team members to lead this initiative, give them the proper training to deploy and monitor and connect your organization with a talent pool of interested candidates.

The introductory apprenticeship program available to all INEDA members is the Service Technician Apprenticeship Program. This program has both a pre-apprentice (intern) path as well as a registered apprenticeship path, making the transition from intern to full-time team member much easier.

We know that schools love working with businesses that have apprenticeship programs and helping provide structure for students that the schools

may not have the resources for.

Additionally, this program allows your dealership to safely employ high school students and provide them with high quality online training.

3. Announce Your Apprenticeship Program Now that you have a quality, accredited, and scalable apprenticeship program, it’s time to get the word out to all of the potential partners in your area. This includes your current organization and team members, local leadership, school leadership, parents, and friends. Building excitement through email, press releases, and conversations will lead to opportunities to get in front of students and teachers and connect them with your new program.

4. Hire your First High School Apprentice Hiring a high school apprentice is very similar to hiring an

4 STEPS For Recruiting and Hiring High School Apprentices Step 1: Start By Partnering With Your Local High School Step 2: Develop an Internal Apprenticeship Program Step 3: Announce Your Apprenticeship Program Step 4: Hire Your First High School Apprentice

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adult apprentice, with the only differences being that a high school apprentice needs parental permission, and they legally can’t perform the same tasks as an adult, which is where Child Labor Laws come into play.

Fortunately, INEDA members are in a unique situation to safely hire high school students and provide them the knowledge and skills to become a successful service technician by hiring them in the parts department and providing them training through the INEDA Service Technician Apprenticeship Program.

The program allows you to balance the student’s job requirements as a parts associate with training that leads them on the ultimate end goal of becoming a trained service technician. Here is the framework we partner with you to implement in order to minimize Child Labor Law Liability and maximize the student’s learning opportunities:

On-The Job

1. Receive parts orders; assign bin numbers and parts

2. Pull and adjust inventory;

process monthly part returns

3. Pull and process parts transfers as needed

4. Stock and organize showroom shelves as requested

5. Unload trucks as needed (boxes under 25lbs)

6. Assist technicians servicing

equipment up to 2 hours per week (incidental)

Online Instruction

1. Basic industrial skills 2. Drive systems 3. Small engine repair technology

4. Introduction to Diesel Mechanics

Let’s start!

AxisU is ready to help you set up your own internal apprenticeship program, build relationships with local schools, and begin resolving the talent shortage with a modern solution. Reach out to us at christian@axis-u.com or 319.269.7109, and we can walk through a demo and answer other questions you may have.

We’ve got this! 

Sources: Department of Labor Compliance SelfAssessment Tool; Code of Federal Regulations Child Labor Law and Hazardous Occupations with Definitions

ABOUT AXISU AxisU is hoping to be a game changer when it comes to job placement, especially for those candidates who don’t have a college education.

CEO and Founder Christian Gray learned about apprenticeship programs by working on the education committee at the Iowa House of Representatives in 2017.

AxisU can help connect job seekers with the resources and contacts for a job in manufacturing or health care, providing training and day-in-the-life videos or through meeting with employers and receiving on-site training.

Gray noted the annual rising cost of college is a large factor that discourages many people from enrolling, forcing them to settle for a job they may not want.

AxisU is “trying to democratize the cost of education, but really eliminate it for the job seeker, which will allow a larger portion of our population to participate in the workforce.”

Source: Sierra Hoeger, The Gazette

EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIPS | 9

ne AROUND

NEBRASKA

CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN

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PHIL ERDMAN Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [phile@ineda.com]

ou have likely heard the following expression: Politicians, like diapers, should be changed often. And for the same reasons.

As a father of four who has changed (a lot of) diapers and someone who served in public office, I understand firsthand the wisdom in this famous proverb.

Historically, approval ratings for elected officials as a group are low, but approval ratings of an individual who represents an area tells a different story. These politicians are often re-elected because they desire to represent the people who elected them, and they seek to build meaningful relationships to benefit both themselves and those they serve.

Members’ Commitment The past year has been a highly active season for our advocacy efforts to represent the interests and views of dealers to elected officials—especially in statewide races in Iowa and Nebraska.

As part of the work that the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) staff does in partnership with our respective INEDA Legislative Committees, we review candidates’ backgrounds, interview candidates, and support candidates whose philosophy reflects that of our dealer members.

In Nebraska, we had unprecedented dealer participation. There were 11 dealers that hosted 23 legislative candidates at their dealerships.

Additionally, now Governor-Elect Jim Pillen joined us at the INEDA summer board meeting. At these events, not only did dealers and staff outline issues

10 | NEBRASKA FIELD REPORT

and concerns, they also offered to be a resource on a wide range of issues that affect not only their dealership(s), but also customers and local communities. Several candidates already had a strong relationship with our dealers, but all of the candidates—regardless of election outcome—now better understand dealer issues and the important role dealers play in their communities.

While INEDA is not able to contribute financially to the campaigns of federal candidates, we still have a strong relationship with all members of the delegation from both states to work on issues that are debated in Washington, D.C. Members attended the Nebraska Congressional “Federal Fly-In” and heard from four of the five members of the Nebraska Delegation. We were honored to host Congressman Don Bacon for a roundtable discussion at Pankonin’s Inc. with members of the Nebraska Legislative Committee.

Members and staff discussed supply chain, workforce development, inflation expansion act, right to repair, and other issues facing our nation.

During the summer, members also met with Congressman Mike Flood in Lincoln to hear about issues he is focusing on. We then collaborated closely with Congressman Flood and his staff on the Right to Repair Hearing held before the House Oversight Committee.

Let’s Create Change Over one-third of the Iowa Legislature and a quarter of the Nebraska Legislature are serving in their first legislative session. Additionally, Nebraska has a newly elected Governor and Lt. Governor,

and there are several new statewide office holders and congressmen in both states. This will require significant time and effort for them to understand how to do the work and who they are working with before they can fulfill the promises they made during their campaigns.

During this time, there is no better way to create the change we need than to continue to build the relationships with your policymakers. Show up to town hall meetings they are hosting. Send a personal handwritten note to them wishing them well during the upcoming session. By being a consistent and valued partner, you’ll ensure your voice and insights benefit not only your dealership’s interests, but also your community and your state.

We encourage you to attend these upcoming INEDA legislative opportunities:

Nebraska Legislative Breakfast January 19, 2023 | Lincoln, Nebraska

Legislative Reception January 31, 2023 | Des Moines, Iowa

Washington D.C. Fly-In March 22-23, 2023 | Washington D.C. 

RIGHT, PHOTO 1: Casey Seymour (21st Century) with Senator-Elect Brian Hardin (NE-LD 48) RIGHT, PHOTO 2: Mike Mackie (AKRS) with Senator-Elect Christy Armendariz (NE-LD 18) RIGHT, PHOTO 3: Members of the INEDA Board and Legislative Committee in Nebraska meeting with Congressman Mike Flood RIGHT, PHOTO 4: Senator John Arch (NE-LD 14) with Don Partridge (Bobcat of Omaha) RIGHT, PHOTO 5: (L to R) Larry Schliefert (Pankonins), Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2), Paul Pankonin (Pankonins), and Ethan Clark (AKRS)

NEBRASKA FIELD REPORT | 13

ia

AROUND

IOWA

FINDING COMMUNITY AT FARM SHOWS

A

s manager of the Iowa Ag Expo and Nebraska Ag Expo for a cumulative 46 years, I’ve learned that there is a special bond among exhibitors and farmers who attend these farm shows.

For farmers, it is an opportunity to get off the farm and visit their neighbors and friends. They also visit with exhibitors and companies that they have done business with in the past. Most exhibitors prefer to stay in the same

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TOM JUNGE Iowa Field Director [tomj@ineda.com]

booth location year after year so customers and old friends can find them.

Farmers also tend to travel in groups to the shows.

I will typically run into farmers from my hometown who carpool more than two hours together to the Iowa Ag Expo. Some farmers enjoy the atmosphere of farm shows so much that they attend both the Iowa and Nebraska Ag Expos.

Most people don’t know that there is a farm show circuit in order for companies to exhibit at all of the

booth while that person takes a lunch break.

The bond of these exhibitors was exemplified at the Nebraska Ag Expo this year when a longtime exhibitor and friend called me late one night to inform me that his brother suddenly passed away and that he needed to leave that night. His only request to me was to notify his booth neighbors what happened, which I did the next day. His neighbors expressed their sorrow for him. large-scale farm shows. That’s why it was critical for us to choose the correct dates for the Nebraska Ag Expo, which began in 2007. It just so happened that the farm show in St. Louis was nearing its end, so we selected those dates. Companies typically begin the winter show season in Peoria, then travel to Lincoln.

They take a break for the holidays, then kick off the new year in Fort Wayne before heading to Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Louisville, Kansas City, and Florida.

Exhibitors who are traveling to all of these farm shows tend to develop a close bond with one another.

They’ll help each other during the move-in and move-out processes. They’ll man their neighbor’s

This year at the Nebraska Ag Expo, we created two new communities by bringing together some of the brightest minds in the industry to one area called the Innovation Hub as well as a new location for companies that specialize in organic farming. It was inspiring to see these people who hold a common interest talking and learning from each other.

Many of our staff have also built great relationships with exhibitors and look forward to seeing them each year. Check out some of the photos above of the amazing Nebraska Ag Expo 2022 community. 

IOWA FIELD REPORT | 13

Source: Kristen McCormick, ThriveHive No person is an island, and no business exists in isolation. Even if your business is a purely virtual enterprise that operates solely on the Internet, it is still part of a community. You have an office or a storefront in a particular place, you buy your electricity and your water and your utilities from a particular company or government, you live and work in a particular town or city. We are all part of communities larger than ourselves, and being involved with that community is important. Read on to learn about ways you can benefit your community in a way that also benefits your dealership.

For local businesses, the community is a critical component of their success. Retailers and restaurants understand this implicitly, of course, and

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even those businesses focused more on the wider world still have a considerable attachment to the place or places in which they operate. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 ways you can get your dealership more involved in your local community.

1

Teach a Class

Every business owner (or someone who works for them) knows how to do something that other people don’t know how to do, whether it’s making a perfect crème brulee or programming a killer spreadsheet application. There are people who’d like to learn what you know.

Get in contact with your local library or community college and offer to teach a free or inexpensive class that’s an introduction to what your dealership does.

You’ll build relationships and maybe spot a few potential future hires.

2 3 4

Sponsor an Event

Events are fun, build immediate attention and interest in your business, and create positive thoughts about your dealership in the public mind. (“Bob’s Bicycle Shop? Oh they’re the ones who hold the annual Cross-Park Rally.”) Just about any business can find something of interest that connects to what they do.

Join a Parade

Many towns, especially small ones, hold parades as part of the Independence Day celebrations or for other holidays. Build a float and get into that parade! Building the float will be fun for your team and then everyone in town turns out to watch your mobile advertisement.

It’s a no-brainer.

Give a Tour

This might not work well if you were, say, a CPA firm or sell insurance, but most businesses have at least one thing that’s interesting to show the world. Have public tours to get members of the public behind the scenes and caring about what you do and why you do it.

5 6

Host a School Field Trip

Even the insurance guys can be exciting to school kids—any excuse to get out of the classroom is an opportunity for fun. Not only does showing the local kids what your dealership does create engagement in the community, it also demonstrates that you intend to be in the community for the long haul.

Hold a Contest

Nothing gets the attention of the public like free stuff. Hold a contest and give something away. For service businesses, this is a huge win. You give away one session or service and get a crowd of people interested in what you have to offer. Even businesses that have to pay cash for their inventory can usually find something on the shelves that just isn’t going to sell. Turn that dust-collector into an attention-grabber with a raffle, sweepstakes, or giveaway. Be sure to obey local, state, and federal laws, though. Going to jail will get you some public attention too, but not the good kind.

7

Help a Charity

There are a host of charitable organizations in your town and they all need more help. Anybody can make a donation, but you can combine any of the suggestions on this list with a charitable contribution and really leverage the impact you’ll have on your community involvement. (“Bob’s Bicycle Shop? Aren’t they the ones who donate bikes to the shelter after the CrossPark Rally every year?”)

Supporting a charity that aligns with your values will organically draw people to your dealership who share those values, and these are the best kinds of customers to have.

8

Attend a Meeting

Your city council is meeting this week or this month, and you can almost guarantee they’re going to discuss something that has at least a tangential impact on your business. Not only would showing up to the meeting be an act of good citizenship, but it would also put your dealership’s name in the public eye.

FEATURE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 15

A lot of people attend those meetings, and they tend to be the kind of people who talk to all their friends and neighbors. Connecting with influential people in your community can help you to better understand your community as well as spread the word about your business.

9

Adopt a Highway

Those roadside signs are pure advertising gold, and all it costs you is maybe one weekend per month spending a couple of hours picking up soda cans. You make your community nicer and build your company’s reputation at the same time.

16 | FEATURE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

10

Throw a Barbecue

Everybody loves a barbecue. Rent some grills, buy some hamburgers and hot dogs, and turn a regular old summer afternoon into a festival. You’ll get great publicity, meet a lot of past and future customers, and put your dealership in the public eye.

These ideas barely scrape the surface of the things that you can do to get your dealership more engaged with your local community. Some of them take time, some of them take money, and some of them take energy, so take a look at what you have available, decide the best way you can get your business more involved, and then execute on the plan! 

EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: DISTRICT MEETING & IOWA AG EXPO

T

he Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) invites you to attend a district meeting this spring for an evening filled with good food and enjoyable conversations among your fellow dealer members and INEDA staff members. The district meetings, which replaced the Annual Conference, are designed to be more accessible for you to attend by offering four meeting locations in both Iowa and Nebraska.

Join us this March and April (exact locations yet to be determined) for an evening full of good food and enjoyable conversations. In addition, you’ll learn about current issues facing the industry, review pertinent legislative and industry relations information, and discover how INEDA programs and services can help your business succeed. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendar for the Iowa Ag Expo on January 31-February 2, 2023 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, IA! 

Iowa District Meetings Exact locations to be determined.

Monday, March 27 • Anita, IA Tuesday, March 28 • Humboldt, IA Wednesday, March 29 • Decorah, IA Thursday, March 30 • Grinnell, IA

Nebraska District Meetings Exact locations to be determined.

Monday, April 3 • Ogallala, NE Tuesday, April 4 • Grand Island, NE Wednesday, April 5 • Norfolk, NE Thursday, April 6 • Nebraska City, NE

IOWA AG EXPO January 31-February 2, 2023 Iowa Events Center Des Moines, IA

FEATURE EVENTS | 17

“

I enrolled in Direct Primary Care, and I saw the savings firsthand. Before I was in DPC, I had an MRI where the insurance claim was $6,000 and my copay out of pocket expense was $1,200.

After joining DPC, my wife needed an MRI. This time, the MRI was not billed through my insurance carrier. I paid the actual cost of the MRI which was only $385. Office visits are free, and labs and prescriptions are at a huge savings!

I believe in the direct primary care program, and I feel it could be beneficial for you too.

Mark Hennessey President/CEO Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA)

As innovators in the Midwest, dealers are always looking to find unique solutions to everyday problems. At the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA), we strive to do the same. This year, INEDA is thrilled to announce a partnership with Strada Healthcare, one of the regions’ largest Direct Primary Care networks, to continue our innovation in the healthcare space. Introducing: INEDA Direct Primary Care (DPC).

Strada Healthcare was founded by Doctor Joel Bessmer in Omaha, Nebraska in 2016. Their mission is to create more efficient and affordable healthcare solutions that work for patients, doctors, and employers.

This is accomplished by removing typical barriers associated with Primary Care. Because there are no copays, unlimited access, and no cost to see your provider, we believe that patients and providers

18 | FEATURE DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

INEDA NOW OFFERING DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

establish a partnership, which encourages patients to engage in healthcare. Furthermore, with 24/7 access through text and phone calls with same to next day appointments, patients have increased access to care.

“The Direct Primary Care model has gained traction in recent years as employers continue to look for ways to lower costs, improve access to care, and work towards better health outcomes for their employees.”

There are no eligibility requirements associated with Strada nor subsidy requirements. This means that we are flexible in the number of employees that are interested in DPC and that you can choose whether to sponsor their membership or not.

Because of our flexibility, we will work with you to ensure that employees are educated properly, onboarding is smooth, and that we tailor the right solution to fit your needs.

“The additional offering now allows the INEDA Benefit Advisors to take a truly holistic approach to the healthcare conversation,” Burke said.

“We believe it is important for organizations to carefully consider the options available to them.

Ultimately, the decision to offer Direct Primary Care is a personal one that should align with your organization’s goals and circumstances.”

“We are excited to partner with Strada Healthcare and offer Direct Primary Care as an alternative or supplement to traditional health insurance programs,” said INEDA Benefit Advisor Ty Burke.

To learn more, please visit our website at www.inedahealthcare.com or give us a call at 877.463.3262. 

FEATURE DIRECT PRIMARY CARE | 19

How One Iowa Dealership Discovered Thousands of Dollars in Energy Savings NIKAYLA HOFFMANN, Iowa Waste Reduction Center MOLLY WELLS, Iowa Waste Reduction Center

Energy efficiency is vital to Iowa’s energy management plan and it reduces the amount of energy consumed. For a business, that means a decrease in energy generated environmental impact and a significant reduction in business energy costs.

As energy demands continue to increase, businesses, both large and small, need to take action yesterday to reduce their energy consumption and look for energy-efficient solutions. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center’s (IWRC) Iowa Energy Efficiency Program for Rural Small Businesses is designed to assist small businesses seeking to reduce their energy consumption and improve their bottom line.

In August 2022, Bodensteiner Implement Company took advantage of the IWRC’s free energy assessment to identify steps their facilities could take to reduce their energy consumption.

Bodensteiner Implement Co. is a family-owned corporation founded in 1982. The company operates 10 John Deere retail locations serving 12 neighboring counties in Northeast Iowa.

Assessment Process Associate Director Dan Nickey worked with facility managers at each location to schedule their assessment. The assessment took anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes, requiring a maximum of five minutes of the facility manager’s time to show Dan around the facility.

A typical energy assessment evaluates a facility’s compressed air, lighting, and building envelope.

The compressed air audit identifies any leaks in the compressor itself and any hoses using an ultrasonic leak detector. When a leak is found, Dan tags it noting the leak number and leak size (db).

The lighting assessment simply identifies if a facility is using LED light bulbs. If they’re not, then savings are projected based on switching to LED lighting.

Finally, the building envelope assessment is done through thermal imaging and is applicable for businesses who use heating and cooling to detect energy loss, such as through unsealed doors or windows.

“Implement dealers are an ideal candidate for these free energy assessments,” says Dan Nickey. “The evaluation doesn’t take long and more importantly, doesn’t require a large commitment from the facility’s manager.”

After the completion of the assessment, the results, recommendations, and estimated cost savings were compiled into a report and sent to Bodensteiner approximately three weeks post-assessment.

Assessment Results Lighting Of the 10 Bodensteiner Implement Co. locations, two received the lighting assessment. It was recommended that by switching to LED lighting at these two locations, Bodensteiner Implement Co. could save $2,325 annually. The remaining eight locations already had LED lighting systems in place.

Compressed Air All 10 locations underwent a compressed air assessment. Dan worked through the entire compressed air system to identify leaks, broken equipment, and make general maintenance and usage recommendations. At one location, he identified a significant leak when walking by a workbench and felt high pressure air blowing on his leg. The leak from this hose alone cost the company $1,415 annually. The smallest compressed air leak found cost the company $75 annually.

In total, 73 leaks were found and Bodensteiner Implement Co. was projected to save $39,168 annually by fixing all compressed air leaks and switching the two locations to LED lighting. In addition, the company could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 585,579 lbs of carbon dioxide (CO2), 981 lbs of nitric oxide (NO), and 2,018 lbs of sulfur dioxide (SO2) if all recommendations are followed.

Benefits of Assessment As the Bodensteiner Implement Co. example demonstrated, there can be substantial monetary

benefits to contacting the IWRC to get an energy assessment for your Iowa small business.

No Charge For starters, thanks to a grant from the Iowa Energy Office, the assessment is conducted at no cost to businesses employing less than 100 people per facility in Iowa. The ultimate goal is to see Iowa reduce its energy consumption by making Iowa small businesses more energy efficient.

Professional Expertise Many times the issues identified require small fixes like replacing a hose or tightening a coupling.

However, the smaller the leak, the more difficult it is to identify. It is important to have a professional who has the tools and expertise to complete an energy assessment so those small issues don’t add up and grow in size.

Identified Savings In the four years that the IWRC has been conducting free energy assessments, the average small business has been able to see a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption, resulting in an average savings of $3,400 per year. Bodensteiner Implement Co. now has the opportunity to save thousands in yearly energy costs and decrease their negative environmental impact.

To allow a business to reflect on and implement any recommendations, an evaluation is sent about five

22 | FEATURE ENERGY SAVINGS

weeks after the assessment report. The evaluation is an opportunity for the business to provide feedback on the assessment and report any action they took to realize their energy cost savings.

On occasion, an energy assessment reveals no leaks. However, there is still value when no leaks are found. The business can be reassured that their contractors and maintenance engineer installed and are maintaining the equipment properly.

How To Schedule an Energy Assessment With rising energy costs and significant strain on the power grid, you owe it to your business to contact the IWRC and schedule your FREE energy assessment. Simply contact Dan Nickey via email at daniel.nickey@uni.edu, by phone at (319) 273-6588, or through the IWRC website.

About the IWRC The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) has been providing environmental services, including technical assistance and industry training, as well as research and development, for over 30 years.

The IWRC is a part of the University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Services, which builds a better Iowa through hands-on technical assistance for economic and business development, entrepreneurship, environmental improvement, and enhanced sustainability. 

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FEATURE ENERGY SAVINGS | 23

EDUCATION

RECAP: CAREER EXPLORATION EVENT

I

WILL ROGERS Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [willr@ineda.com]

n December, the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) and Nebraska Ag Expo sponsored the second annual Career Exploration Event for high school and community college students to learn about career opportunities in agriculture and the equipment industry. This year’s event drew over 475 students from 22 schools across Nebraska—a record attendance number.

Enterprises, Valley Irrigation, Corral Technologies, Agri Spray Drones, and Vermeer Corporation about the cutting-edge technology that exists in agriculture.

“The perception is that only blue collar, hard labor jobs exist within the agriculture industry,” Rogers said. “But we wanted to challenge this narrative and show students that they also have the opportunity to work with high-tech equipment and programs within the industry too.”

“We were thrilled with the level of interest from schools that wanted to participate in this year’s “Today’s agricultural equipment Career Exploration Event,” said industry embodies the “Today’s agricultural equipment INEDA Director of Dealer and highest level of cutting-edge industry embodies the highest Government Affairs Will Rogers. technology in the world,” said “The demand for this event was so level of cutting-edge technology INEDA President and CEO in the world.“ great that we already have a wait Mark Hennessey. “And the list of over 100 students who want spectrum of technological to participate in next year’s event.” career opportunities in the ag industry ranges from Each group of students was matched with a dealership near their community. Students first participated in a dealer-guided tour through the Nebraska Ag Expo, stopping at major manufacturer booths along the way, including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, and Bobcat. In addition, students visited with industry reps from Saddle Butte Ag, Bish

24 | EDUCATION CAREER EXPLORATION RECAP

engineering to design to manufacturing and beyond.”

We can’t thank the following dealerships enough for their participation and support of the Career Exploration Event: 21st Century Equipment, AgriVision Equipment, AKRS Equipment, KanEquip, Landmark Equipment, Mitchell Equipment, Nebraska Equipment, Osceola Implement,

Pankonin’s Inc, and Titan Machinery. To get your dealership involved for next year’s event, please contact Will Rogers at willr@ineda.com or 515.669.1648.

Following the tour, students attended a 25-minute program moderated by Hennessey, which featured an overview of career opportunities in the equipment industry, information about the Andrew Goodman Scholarship Program and the Southeast Community College Diesel-Ag Equipment Service Tech program, and an introduction to the new INEDA/AxisU Apprenticeship Program that allows students to earn credentials while working on the job.

Students also put their technical skills to the test at four skills-testing stations sponsored by Elliot Grosshans of Grosshans Inc. The testing focused on skills that entry-level technicians would need to master as part of a two-year community college program or a three-year apprenticeship.

To participate in this year’s Career Exploration Event, students traveled from all over the state, including Arlington, Ashland-Greenwood, Aurora, Bennington, Bridgeport, Conestoga, Crawford, Creighton, Humboldt, Johnson-Brock, Kimball, Lincoln Northeast, Louisville, Omaha Nation, Palmyra, Raymond, Sandy Creek, Schuyler, Wausa, and Waverly.

“The lack of available workers is having a profound impact on the equipment industry with an estimated 350-400 job openings at Nebraska’s equipment dealerships alone,” Hennessey said.

These jobs offer generous pay, competitive benefits, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, and cutting-edge technology. 

“It was great to interact with the students and help them learn more about our industry,” Grosshans said. “We appreciate everyone’s support for the Career Exploration Event and helping make it a huge success.”

EDUCATION CAREER EXPLORATION RECAP | 25

MARKETING VIEW

CINDY FELDMAN, Marketing Director [cindyf@ineda.com]

MARKETING

Reflections on 2022 As I bookend 2022 and move into the New Year, I am reminded that growth in many forms is usually positive: planting of crops, growing families, raising children, expanding your business, expanding your responsibilities at work, building a bigger shop or house, buying more land, etc. I happened upon this “Choose Your Hard” article recently and thought it gave good perspective for 2023, so I’m sharing it with you. Have a terrific 2023!

BEING HEALTHY IS HARD. BEING UNHEALTHY IS HARD. Choose your hard.

LOSING WEIGHT IS HARD. BEING OVERWEIGHT IS HARD. Choose your hard.

MEAL PREPPING IS HARD. NOT HAVING A PLAN IS HARD. Choose your hard.

26 | MARKETING VIEW

MINDFUL EATING IS HARD. BINGE EATING IS HARD. Choose your hard.

SETTING BOUNDARIES IS HARD. NOT HAVING BOUNDARIES IS HARD. Choose your hard.

EXERCISE IS HARD. BEING SEDENTARY IS HARD. Choose your hard.

PARENTING IS HARD. BEING AN ABSENT PARENT IS HARD. Choose your hard.

MAKING A SCHEDULE FOR YOUR LIFE IS HARD. FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS IS HARD. Choose your hard.

HAVING THE CONVERSATION IS HARD. NOT HAVING THE CONVERSATION IS HARD. Choose your hard.

Scan for more info and to sign up!

CHANGE IS HARD. STAYING THE SAME IS HARD. Choose your hard.

Life will never be easy. It will always be hard.

But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely. 

MARKETING VIEW | 27

LEFT: Hamilton Equipment Company, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is one of three new dealer members to join the IowaNebraska Equipment Dealers Association this year.

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) serves agriculture, construction, and outdoor power equipment dealers in Iowa and Nebraska through legislative advocacy, manufacturer relations, workforce development, education, and more.

This year, help us welcome three new dealer members to the INEDA community: Bobcat of North Platte, Hamilton Equipment Company, and North Central Sales and Service. These companies have joined a community of equipment dealerships who, together as an association, can accomplish what individually cannot be done by the dealership alone.

Bobcat of North Platte Bobcat of North Platte is a new location of Central Nebraska Bobcat, a Bobcat dealership with three other locations in Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney. Central Nebraska Bobcat offers Bobcat sales,

28 | FEATURE NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

rentals, parts, service, and repairs. They proudly serve customers throughout Nebraska and the Midwest with central Nebraska’s largest selection of new and pre-owned skid steers, compact track machines, attachments, compact excavators, and construction equipment sales and rentals.

Hamilton Equipment Company Hamilton Equipment Company, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, provides high quality equipment for construction, agricultural and consumer use. Through the years, they have provided product sales, service, parts, and rentals in a vast array of product brands.

Hamilton Equipment Company provides help with Bobcat and Honda Power Equipment products, plus many others.

North Central Sales and Service, Inc. North Central Sales and Service (NCSS), Inc. is a full

service mechanical shop.

They repair, diagnose, and maintain vehicles, tractor trailers, skid loaders, tractors, balers, scissor lifts, etc. Their technicians, supervised by an on-site engineer, also have the expertise to design parts.

NCSS is also a dealer for Gehl, Hustler, and many more brands. NCSS is located in Forest City, Iowa and has been in business for over 30 years.

There is strength in numbers.

When you joined INEDA, you committed your support to a strong future in the equipment industry throughout Iowa, Nebraska, and the entire nation.

To learn more about the resources that INEDA provides to you as dealer members, please visit www.ineda.com. 

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Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association 8330 NW 54th Ave. Johnston, IA 50131-2841

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Providing tax,tax, accounting andand consulting services Providing Providing tax, accounting accounting and consulting consulting services services to equipment dealers for for over years. to equipment to equipment dealers dealers over for30over 30 years.

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10516 Burt Circle | Omaha, Nebraska | 402.445.4040 | koskicpa.com FEATURE COMPANY CULTURE | 11