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.
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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!
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