Fall 2016

Page 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

NEW CONSULTANT We

are

growing

again!

Morrison

&

Company is pleased to announce our newest consultant, Janae Prentice.

NATIONAL FARMERS:

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERS

www.nfo.org

Serving over 5,000 livestock, dairy, and feed

are just starting their careers or taking over

grain producers in 26 states provides a unique

a family farm.

perspective on the needs, concerns, and successes of a diverse range of farmers and ranchers. For National Farmers, this insight has propelled the non-profit organization to continually improve and

CHANGING ROLES FOR A GROWING FIRM Geoff Chinnock will take responsibility for Morrison & Company’s daily operations as Managing Principal effective January 1, 2017, while Brent’s duties will focus on strategy, infrastructure, and practice development.

expand educational programs and other services to their members.

be thankful for, including taking the company to a fun Chico Heat game (photo above).

WWW.MORRISONCO.NET

leadership

program

for

program mentors beginning farmers and ranchers and develops them into the next generation of

Iowa, National Farmers employs over 140 people

several current National Farmers board members

today in seven regional offices and provides

have directly benefitted from these efforts.

members sophisticated commodity marketing, price negotiations with major buyers, and agriculture risk management education programs focused on production costs, market fundamentals, and

The

welcomed in fall, we had many moments to

young

future of the industry and the organization itself;

hog, and dairy producers.

team. As we wrapped up summer and

a

second and third generation farmers. The youth

agricultural leaders. These efforts help sustain the

section of conventional and organic grain, cattle,

It’s been another eventful quarter for our

launched

Established in 1955 and headquartered in Ames,

marketing strategies. Members represent a cross-

MORRISON SNAPSHOTS

Paralleling this initiative, the organization has

organization

prides

Morrison & Company has worked with National Farmers for several years, writing competitive grants to help the organization accomplish and expand its vast educational programs. Grants from USDA’s Risk Management Education Program and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program have provided over $870,000 to fund these efforts. In addition, we

a

assisted a joint project by National Farmers, South

collaborative group where members care for one

Dakota Farmers Union, and other prominent farm

another and are treated as family. Nearly half of

proponents by performing an in-depth feasibility

National Farmer’s members produce organic milk,

study to assess possible biomass energy and other

and in recent years the organization has expanded

alternative uses for crop residues. This was made

educational programming for its organic producers

possible by a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant

through

also written by Morrison & Company.

grant-funded

itself

efforts.

on

being

Organic

milk

production brings higher prices than conventional milk but there are significant challenges that growers must be educated on to ensure profitability. Investing in this education promotes an economically sustainable future, particularly for those who

We are honored to have had the opportunity to work with National Farmers to help create meaningful change for farmers and ranchers and look forward to seeing the further results of their hard work.

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W E L C O M E

NEW TEAM MEMBER

J A N A E PRENTICE

In July we welcomed Consultant Janae Prentice to our growing Morrison & Company People Solutions team. She brings expertise in human relations, organization, and project management and is assisting Morrison clients with their recruiting needs. Janae joined us after several years with State Farm Insurance, a nationwide insurance agency. As a customer relations representative, she directly served agribusiness and countless other clients. Among other duties, she performed comprehensive insurance reviews, drafted new policies to determine the best fit for clients’ needs, and extended exceptional value to clients through above and beyond communication and service. Our People Solutions service line has grown significantly the past few years and Janae has been a tremendous addition to the team. She tailors her talent searches to align not only with filling the immediate vacancy but in ensuring that candidates are a great fit for the employer’s culture as well. Janae ensures that every project is completed through a holistic and streamlined process. Janae holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in child development from California State University, Chico. Please learn more about Janae, or any member of the Morrison team, at morrisonco.net/about.

GETTING TO KNOW JANAE WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I like to have my nose in multiple books at one time. I never know what I’m going to feel like reading!

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Aside from a good cup of coffee in a cute mug, I am motivated by the fear of stagnation. I hold tight to the mentality that “forward is forward,” no matter how slow you go. I refuse to live a mundane, predictable life, but instead, strive towards new experiences and personal growth.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I studied abroad in Viterbo, Italy my last semester of college and while there I trained for and ran the original marathon course beginning in the city of Marathon and ending in Athens, Greece. I stuck to my usual early morning marathon training regimen and was able to see great scenery too. With my parents cheering me on towards the finish line, I beat my personal best time by over five minutes.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WEEKEND ACTIVITY? I try to maximize weekends by spending time with my family or traveling to visit friends out of the area. Anywhere between San Diego and Portland is my go-to domain. I’m always making time for adventure.

WHAT’S YOUR IMPRESSION OF MORRISON & COMPANY SO FAR? I am most impressed with the structure of the business. Everything is so thought out and intentional, which relates to how we interact with clients and our quality of service. Every single action has a purpose, creating a ripple effect throughout the business and client experience.


GEOFF CHINNOCK PROMOTED TO MORRISON & COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPAL (… AND A NEW STRATEGIC FOCUS FOR BRENT) Morrison & Company is delighted to announce

potential was clear and the time since has been

that Geoff Chinnock will assume the role of

characterized by a willingness to experiment and

Managing

seek business needs not being filled elsewhere.

first offered me a position I said no,

& Principal.

Not everything worked. An online subscription

but that didn’t deter him. When he

database for agribusiness grants never gained

came back later I remember telling him:

Morrison & Company was founded by Brent

the subscription base for long-term viability.

Morrison in February 2002, and within a

Other

‘I don’t want a job; I want a career.

few short months the growth of the business

recruiting practice began with the occasional

demanded additional help. This came in the form

client asking us to find permanent replacements

of subcontractors, but by 2006 the shortcomings

for the accounting and finance roles we were

I like, and have an opportunity for both

of that model led to the decision to become “a

filling on an interim/outsource basis (our original

personal and professional growth.’ And

real company.”

and largest service line). What began as two or

here we are.”

Principal

on

January

1,

2017,

with Brent taking the title and role of Founder

Geoff became Morrison & Company “Employee #001” in February 2007, with the understanding that he and Brent would give it a year and reassess. “Consultant, consult thyself” became Brent’s byword, and plans were outlined for the development of the business, including a

things

took

off

by

themselves.

Our

three searches a year took off after we developed a contacts database and used it to help find

This updated structure will allow us to continue to plan and prepare for the future. It’s another

full-time in our People Solutions service.

important step in our journey from that small

in three major service lines: Interim/Outsource finance

and

accounting

assistance;

Grants

for food, agriculture, and energy programs; and People Solutions (including recruiting). As Managing

Principal,

Geoff’s

responsibilities

will include firm leadership and governance,

subcontracting for help and staring

operational oversight, strategic vision, practice

at the cat, to being a guy working in

development, and quality of service. Brent will

a one-room office staring at another guy. Let’s build something.” —Brent Morrison, late 2006

—Geoff Chinnock

service, and today we have three people working

term business model. After the first year, the

of the back room of his house,

challenging projects, work with people

we were inadvertently advertising our recruiting

Today we have a full-time team of 11 working

from being a guy who works out

I want to learn new things, work on

candidates and referrals. With every email blast

framework for succession to ensure a long-

“Geoff, I’m not interested in going

“Not many people know that when Brent

focus on infrastructure development, strategy and implementation, practice development, and will serve as an “internal consultant” to our team and clients.

first office to the full-service consulting firm we have become. We are thankful for our team, our clients, and the blessings we have been given. We all look forward to what comes next.


MORRISON & COMPANY

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10 Landing Circle, #5 Chico, California 95973

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MORRISONSNAPSHOTS

LEARNING MORE ABOUT MORRISON CLIENT CHICOBAG

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

Chico Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization held

Managing Principal Brent Morrison (far left) welcomed a new grandson

a leadership luncheon in July featuring ChicoBag CEO & President Andy

named Roman in early September. We also have another Morrison

Keller, a Morrison & Company client. Principal Toni Scott (right) and

wedding in the books. We were delighted to celebrate Consultant Carissa

Consultant Tim Peters (middle) were front and center to learn more about

Ryström (formerly Shirk) and husband Peter’s wedding reception this

Andy (left), his business, and ChicoBag’s journey to success.

September in Chico, California. Congratulations to Brent and Carissa on their separate but equally exciting new adventures in life!

MORRISON & COMPANY ANNUAL SUMMER BBQ Another year, another success! Every year, Brent offers his home to the Morrison team and family members for a Summer BBQ. This year’s event was bigger than ever. The fun-packed afternoon included great food, pony rides, face painting, scuba lessons, swimming, and our first ever balloon toss contest!

WWW.MORRISONCO.NET

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