IN THIS ISSUE:
GRANTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION Morrison Principal Toni Scott details
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF CALIFORNIA EQUIPPING THE INDUSTRY FOR 100 YEARS & COUNTING
potential grant programs to help grow your organization.
If you reside in the state of California and
contractors,
live in a building, work in an office, drive on
associated service providers and suppliers.
roads, use public transportation, get water from dams and pipelines, use electricity, or flip on a switch for air conditioning, chances are you can thank the members of
Associated
General
Contractors
of
California (AGC-CA).
MORRISON SNAPSHOTS Check out some of our highlights from this past season.
construction industry, which allows other industries to be created, grow, and thrive thanks to the infrastructure that has been From
skyscrapers
to
schools
and highways to hospitals, the state’s success depends on the work of AGC-CA’s members. Founded
Learn more about Morrison Business and Accounting Advisory Consultant Amanda Bullock.
1920
and
some of the country’s largest construction firms to small individually owned and operated businesses. AGC’s staff serves its members from its Sacramento headquarters San Francisco Bay Area. Membership
brings
a
multitude
of
benefits to companies in and around the construction industry. AGC-CA serves its members through education and career development
with
relevant
programs.
The Association also provides dedicated
year,
its
local governments. Other critical services
General
include labor relations, safety & health
celebrating
Associated
forums,
the success of many of the pioneering firms
development programs and training, and
that developed, maintains, and continues
group and health insurance offerings.
to grow the state’s critical infrastructure. The
California
leading
construction
membership
organization,
membership
exceeds
construction
and the
industry’s
one
thousand
contracting state
and
its
firms
different
segments of the industry.
legal
information,
workforce
The Association also provides networking opportunities that connect and develop relationships between members. During normal times, these opportunities are created through events such as dinners, mixers,
golf
tournaments,
and
other
sporting events that take place throughout
As one of the largest chapters of the
the year. The Association holds its events
Associated General Contractors of America,
and educational trainings throughout its
AGC-CA has a reach beyond just the state.
three regions: Northern California, the San
Through its coast-to-coast network of
There is always something new going on,
chapters, the national organization serves
so get caught up with our latest client news.
over
WWW.MORRISONCO.NET
AGC-CA’s diverse membership ranges from
Contractors of California has helped guide
throughout
CLIENT CORNER
and
advocacy and top-tier access to state and in
centennial
GETTING TO KNOW AMANDA BULLOCK
contractors,
and regional offices in Los Angeles and the
California is quite literally built on the
created.
specialty
26,000
firms
including
general
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2020
GRANTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION
THERE’S MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK
One of the most rewarding aspects of working to help organizations secure grant funding is experiencing the tangible results of our success: stepping into a processing facility that holds new grant-funded equipment; seeing a commercial air during primetime television that was paid for with grant funds; and one of our personal favorites—drinking wine that was launched with grant funding. It may come as a surprise to some that grant programs exist to fund projects like this, but for the Morrison Grants Team, it is a regular part of our routine to match grant programs to a wide range of needs that either a for-profit or non-profit organization may have. Although we prepare applications for clients in a number of state and federal grant programs each year, listed here are just a handful of existing, recurring grant programs that may help your organization put your strategic vision into action.
SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT
VALUE ADDED PRODUCER GRANT
A number of State Departments of Agriculture administer Specialty
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, administered by
Crop Block Grant programs (SCBGP), with funding provided by
USDA Rural Development, helps agricultural producers enter into,
the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Some of the states that
promote, or expand value-added activities related to the processing
receive the largest amount of funding to then award to applicants
and/or marketing of products made from commodities grown by the
are California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and
applicant or its membership. The goals of this program are to generate
Idaho. The SCBGP is designed to support all sectors of the specialty
new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase
crop industry and improve the performance of specialty crops within
producer income.
local, domestic, and international markets. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Applicant Eligibility: Non-profits and for profit organizations; local, state, federal and tribal government entities; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Applicant Eligibility: Independent producers (individual or family farms);
Agricultural
producer
groups
(non-profit
associations
representing farmers/producers); Farmer- or rancher-cooperatives; Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures Eligible Projects: Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning
Eligible Projects: Though states vary on the projects they award,
activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing
generally eligible projects include marketing and promotional
business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added
projects; training and education projects; and research projects that
product. Examples of working capital expenses include processing
address environmental stewardship and conservation, and plant
costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and
health and pest management.
salary expenses.
Funding Levels: Funding levels vary by state. In California the
Funding Levels (based on the 2020 program):
maximum grant award is $450,000 per project; in Oregon the maximum grant award is $175,000 per project. Matching Funds Requirements: Cost sharing is not a requirement of the SCBGP, however, it is encouraged and may serve as evidence to demonstrate industry commitment to, or support for, the project. Timeline: Application deadlines vary by state. California will begin accepting applications in early fall; Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Michigan typically accept applications in the winter.
• Planning Grants (grant funds for business plans, feasibility studies, or market research) – $75,000 maximum • Working Capital Grants (grant funds for value-added packaging, processing, advertising, and other marketing and promotional expenses) – $250,000 maximum Matching Funds Requirements: A $1 for $1 match is required. Timeline: The most recent round of applications was due in March 2020. Morrison regularly helps clients plan for projects throughout the year.
LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM
FARMERS MARKET PROMOTION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) is to increase
The purpose of the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced
is to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and
agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for
regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market
farm and ranch operations serving local markets. This is accomplished
opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets.
by
outreach,
This is accomplished by developing, improving, expanding, and
training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development,
providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting
improvement, and expansion of local and regional food businesses
in the development, improvement, and expansion of domestic
(including those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets)
farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture
that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally
programs (CSA), agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-
produced food products.
consumer market opportunities.
developing,
Applicant
improving,
Eligibility:
expanding,
Agricultural
and
providing
businesses;
Agricultural
Applicant
Eligibility:
Agricultural
businesses;
Agricultural
cooperatives; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks; CSA
cooperatives; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks;
associations; Economic development corporations; Local governments;
CSA
Nonprofit corporations; Producer networks; Producer associations;
governments; Nonprofit corporations; Producer networks; Producer
Public benefit corporations; Regional farmers’ markets authorities;
associations; Public benefit corporations; Regional farmers’ markets
Tribal governments.
authorities; Tribal governments.
Eligible Projects: LFPP Planning Grants can include but are not limited
Eligible projects: Market analysis and strategic planning for a direct
to market research, feasibility studies, and business planning. LFPP
producer-to-consumer market opportunity; conducting statewide or
Implementation Grants projects can include those to provide training
regional training for farmers, ranchers, or farmers market managers;
and technical assistance for the business enterprise and/or for producers
assisting farmers and ranchers in advertising and promoting their
working with the business enterprise; outreach and marketing to buyers
locally and regionally produced agricultural products, including
and consumers; and non-construction infrastructure improvements to
value-added products, through training and technical assistance.
business enterprise facilities or information technology systems. Funding Levels: LFPP planning grant awards range from $25,000 to $100,000. LFPP implementation grant awards range from $100,000 to $500,000. Matching Funds Requirements: A 25 percent cash or in-kind funding match is required.
associations;
Economic
development
corporations;
Local
Funding Levels: Grant awards generally range from $50,000 to $500,000. Matching Funds Requirements: A 25 percent cash or in-kind funding match is required. Timeline: Applications are generally due in late Spring.
Timeline: Applications are generally due in late Spring.
These programs represent just a small selection of the types of grant programs our Morrison team is well-versed in. We also stay busy writing for various state programs, and other large federal programs. Make sure to follow our blog at morrisonco.net/blog/category/grants to stay up to date on grant announcements or sign up for our Grants Monthly, an email round-up of available grants opportunities that our team sends out each month.
GETTING TO KNOW
TEAM MEMBER PROFILE
AMANDA BULLOCK Q&A WITH AMANDA WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRADITION OR HOLIDAY? One of my favorite traditions is having the whole family sleep in the living room in sleeping bags under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. We started this tradition as newlyweds and have continued it with our kids. It gets harder each year as the kids are able to stay up later and we have to outlast them to set out the stockings! Amanda Bullock is Morrison’s resident Acowtant—and no that’s not a typo! Amanda’s passion for directly serving our clients as a key member of the Morrison Business and Accounting Advisory Team is accompanied by her affinity for
IF YOU WERE TO CREATE A MOTTO FOR YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
bovines—making her a perfect fit for our office!
Allie Casazza hosted a “minimalist challenge”
Prior to joining the Morrison team, Amanda served as Controller at the California
perfection”. I am trying to embrace that as my
State University, Chico Research Foundation, reporting to the Executive Director. Amanda’s career began at Matson and Isom (now KCoe Isom), the region’s leading public accounting firm, working with audit and tax clients. She later joined a local CPA firm, serving assurance and tax engagements as a Manager. Amanda is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a Post-Baccalaureate
in which she stated the goal is “Progress, NOT motto because although I strive for perfection at times, really I just want to see progress and improvement. I am motivated by movement, growth, and continual learning, all of which are nearly impossible if you are trying for perfection.
Certificate in accounting from Southern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in business administration. She is a member of the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives and the American Institute
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
of Certified Public Accountants. Amanda serves on the finance committee for the
Much to my husband’s dismay, my favorite hobby
Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley, whose mission is to inspire and enable all
seems to be house projects! Blame it on too many
young people to reach their full potential as responsible, productive and caring citizens. She also serves on the board and finance committee, as well as the longrange planning committee of Chico Oaks Adventist School.
HGTV home renovation shows I suppose, but we have done some pretty cool DIY projects and upgrades in our house. BUT… neither of us plan to quit our day jobs anytime soon.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Projects! I love dreaming up all kinds of random ideas, planning, and then diving in and getting it done. Pinterest is my best (and worst) friend, it is really a love-hate relationship. The other thing that motivates me is COWS. I love to visit the University Farm here in Chico and snuggling those adorable baby cows. We traveled to Oregon last summer for vacation and planned one of our day trips to include “Clover’s Day Parade” led by the prettiest cow in town, Clover. Anytime I can break away from office life and spend time admiring a cow, it is a happy day.
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF CALIFORNIA, CONTINUED Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California
to shelter-in-place and other statewide
It is an honor to serve Associated General
(except for San Diego, which maintains a
pandemic related restrictions.
Contractors of California and to participate
separate chapter).
Morrison
has
been
blessed
with
the
But these are not normal times. During the
opportunity to serve AGC-CA over the last
unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, AGC-
year through our Business & Accounting
CA is going above and beyond to serve its
Advisory team. We were enlisted to evaluate
members and the construction industry as a
the organization’s needs and opportunities
whole. This has included working with state
during a high transition period, and to ensure
legislators to ensure construction workers
their accounting functions and reporting
were considered essential workers; holding
needs would meet both the Board’s vision
webinars to help assist construction firm
and that of CEO Peter Tateishi. Our work
leadership in appropriately serving and
has included regular monthly assistance
protecting their staff; and providing regular
including
updates to members on subjects such as
policies, accounting process improvements,
government
programs,
rapidly
providing
updated
in the incredible progress made by the organization. From the member board to the executive leadership team and the hard-working staff, all are truly dedicated to serving their members and providing a truly valuable relationship. If you would like learn more about AGC, please visit www.agc-ca.org.
accounting
moving
more robust budgeting and forecasting, and
legislation, and ever-changing county and
financial reporting consistent with the goals
statewide shelter-in-place guidelines. AGC-
of the organization.
CA has also developed and streamed several webinars to help businesses best respond
M O R R I S O N SNAPSH TS
BIRTHDAYS AT MORRISON ‘Tis the season for birthdays at Morrison. Although we weren’t able to celebrate
SOCIALLY DISTANCED HAPPY HOUR
together, we were still able to share in the joy by having birthday cakes delivered.
The Morrison team gathered on our office lawn for a socially distanced happy hour—an occasion
Happy Birthday Tim, Dean, Shawn, Justin,
we’re hoping to be a more regular occurrence—with six feet of space between us, of course!
Daniel, Ann, and Hilary!
MORRISON MEME COMPETITION In true Morrison fashion, we’ve found a way to turn sheltering in place into a meme competition. With our entire team contributing photos from home, we’ve had the chance to see their new office life, complete with kids and pets! Check out our winners from the contest.
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C L I E N T CORNER The Morrison Client Corner is a regular feature of our newsletter.
If you’re a client of ours, we’d love to stay up to date with what
Here, you’ll find updates on what a number of our clients are up to,
is going on within your organization and invite you to share your
their achievements and milestones, and the generally great things
highlights in this space. Feel free to send any press releases,
happening in their companies or organizations.
newsletters, or happenings to Michelle at mgenova@morrisonco.net.
SUPPORT LOCAL FROM HOME We are grateful to continue to be able to conveniently buy
FULFILLED BY KATHRYN AND MICHAEL REDMAN
great products from our clients from the comfort of our
We’re thrilled for Kathryn and Michael Redman, our
homes. Though this isn't an exhaustive list, we hope you will
friends from Half a Bubble Out who’ve recently published
consider supporting some of these great companies.
“Fulfilled”.
Among others, you can visit the websites of Five Marys Farms,
This book offers a six step framework for building a
Rancho Llano Seco, Sohnrey Family Foods and Wellnut Farms to
business full of profit, purpose, and legacy.
see how to best order their products! You can also order your favorite wines shipped directly to your home from members of Sonoma County Winegrowers,
Visit www.fulfilledthebook.com for more information. Congrats Kathryn and Michael!
Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Paso Robles CAB Collective, and others!
WELCOME NEW CLIENTS
WWW.MORRISONCO.NET
NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2020