IN THIS ISSUE:
THE JESUS CENTER FLOWING FUNDS: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEDERAL GRANT DOLLARS
Poverty,
New funding opportunities are available
California
to stimulate the economy and may help
struggling to address, especially in light
support your organization.
of unemployment in the aftermath of
are
hunger,
issues
and
homelessness
including life skill classes, a work program,
throughout
and other service offerings to assist them
States
in their path of restoration and self-
communities
and
the
United
are
COVID-19, as well as complex factors including mental health, past traumas, and addiction. More than forty years ago, the Jesus Center, located in Chico, California, sought to help its community address
these
challenging
issues
and
embarked on its mission to restore those
FRACTIONAL CFOS Founder Brent Morrison explains when and why a fractional CFO might be the best option.
suffering from isolation to community integration.
Today,
the
Jesus
Center
provides shelter and transitional housing as well as vocational training through the Jesus Center Farm’s community supported agriculture (CSA) program, Harvest Hope CSA, and their Bloomin’ Hope flower cart.
August 2013, the Jesus Center opened the House of Hope as a next step for Sabbath House participants, providing structured transitional housing and support services to women and children. In February 2016, the Sage House opened for senior women experiencing
homelessness.
In
October
2016, two more housing opportunities were opened: the Myrtle House for single women with children and the Birch House, the Jesus Center’s first transitional housing program for men. In March of 2017, the St. Joseph
sober shelter for women.
anyone that needed one. Eventually, the Jesus Center acquired its own building, allowing the non-profit to expand its
kitchen and a dining area, where the
WWW.MORRISONCO.NET
explore expanding its housing services. In
followed in August 2017, offering another
dedicated
Paulsen.
so get caught up with our latest client news.
effectiveness, the Jesus Center began to
to a local thrift store, providing meals for
the
floor of this facility was a commercial
There is always something new going on,
program’s
brought slow cookers of home-made food
of
Accounting Advisory Consultant Daniel
CLIENT CORNER
House
their newborns. The Holly House quickly
days
capacity and service offerings. On the first
past season.
Sabbath
volunteers
early
Learn more about Morrison Business &
Check out some of our highlights from this
the
Lily House opened for pregnant women and
the
organization,
MORRISON SNAPSHOTS
Seeing
non-profit
In
GETTING TO KNOW DANIEL PAULSEN
sufficiency.
Jesus Center staff and volunteers served breakfast and dinner six days a week to their guests, averaging 100,000 meals a year at the height of its service. Upstairs was the Sabbath House, an overnight shelter with 26 beds for sober women and their children. Sabbath House participants were invited to a comprehensive program
Alongside
housing,
the
Jesus
Center
identified the need for vocational training for these participants as a way to invest in their own futures and build a sense of dignity through work. The Jesus Center established a farm internship program by transforming a generous donation of land in 2012 into the Jesus Center Farm. The crops grown on the Jesus Center Farm are sold through Harvest Hope CSA subscriptions and are also provided to the Jesus Center
CONTINUED ON INSIDE RIGHT PANEL
NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2021
FLOWING FUNDS: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEDERAL GRANT DOLLARS organizations
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Details on the funding provided by these
collectively climb out of the catastrophic
(NIFA) and the Office of Partnerships and
potential new programs will be forthcoming.
impacts of COVID-19, the United States
Public Engagement, which encourages and
Agency rule-making regarding eligibility
government is dedicating substantial funding
assists socially disadvantaged, veteran,
and application requirements is likely to
to new and existing federal grant programs –
and beginning farmers and ranchers in
commence in the upcoming months and we
creating a timely opportunity for entities that
the ownership and operation of farms and
could see new programs announced as soon
may be seeking to leverage grant funding
ranches.
as this fall.
As
businesses
and
other
to help offset their costs to support grower education, explore new market opportunities, launch new products, or increase local food supply chain infrastructure.
• $100 million in additional funding for the
The substantial infusion of federal dollars into
Local Agricultural Marketing Program,
programs to support farmers, food businesses,
administered
agricultural
Rural
by
the
Development,
and
which
USDA
supports
government
the
and
there will be significantly more successful
for new and existing grant and financial
expansion of direct producer-to-consumer
grant awards, and in some cases, substantially
assistance
marketing,
higher dollar amounts that applicants are
were
announced
local
coordination,
cooperatives,
entities, and non-profit organizations means
Substantial investments in federal funding programs
development,
AMS
and
regional
food
in March, under the new United States
markets and enterprises, and value-added
Department
agricultural products.
of
Food
and
Agriculture
eligible to apply for. In
many
cases,
the
matching
funds
Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
In addition to these programs, an additional
requirement
Funding from this initiative will support
$6 billion will be allocated to new programs,
significantly reduced, making grant projects
which are still upcoming and have yet to
more feasible to pursue, or allowing for grant
be released. This funding is earmarked to
funding to be spent more quickly. Applicants
the Farmers Opportunities Training and
support initiatives related to:
may also be eligible for even more funding
Outreach Program, and the Local Agricultural
• Biofuels
several existing programs including the Specialty
Crop
Block
Grant
program,
Marketing Program, which includes the Local Food Promotion Program and Farmers Market Promotion Program. These programs have been released for the 2021 year, with applications already underway or submitted. Still, it is likely that the additional exposure and attention to these programs will bode well for future funding years.
has
been
eliminated
or
on programs that may have a limit on the number of open grant applications an entity
• Timber harvesting and hauling
can have.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm workers and specialty crops, seafood processors, and distributors
If you’ve been reluctant to explore grant opportunities in the past, or are looking to increase the federal grant dollars coming into your organization, now is the ideal time to
• Improving the resilience of the food supply
explore new grant opportunities or prepare applications for programs that are offering
chain • Developing
infrastructure
to
support
higher grant funding.
The additional funding included:
donation and distribution of perishable
Morrison keeps an up to date list of potential
• $100 million in additional funding for
commodities,
donation
grant opportunities at www.morrisonco.net/
and
farm-to-
blog/category/grant-opportunities.
the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which enhances the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables,
including
distribution
food
through
You
also check out a number of successful grant
organizations
projects we have the honor to work on at
• Reducing food waste
www.morrisonco.net/case-studies#grants.
tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. • $75 million in additional funding for the Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach Program, administered by the
can
school, restaurants, or other community
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Managing Principal, Toni Scott, oversees Morrison’s Grants practice. To get in touch with Toni visit www.morrisonco.net/contact.
PROVIDERS Fractional CFOs may be compensated in a number of ways, including hourly rates or fixed fees for defined services, and it may depend on the nature of the service provider. The most common types, and their pros and cons, are:
FRACTIONAL CFOS:
• Freelancers: These are individuals with specific expertise, often focused on certain industries. They can act independently
WHEN AND WHY
and quickly, but are often limited to their personal expertise and availability. • “Matchmakers”: These go by a variety of names, but their function is to match freelancers with clients for a fee. They may
While fractional CFO and finance services are nothing new, they have been noticeably
have a broad range of professionals and
trending for small to mid-sized organizations. The disruption and challenges many
expertise available, but may be more costly
businesses face due to the economic effects of COVID-19 have only increased the need.
in total. • Consultancies:
WHAT IS A FRACTIONAL CFO?
ONGOING OR INTERIM?
The term “fractional” is a relatively new
A fractional CFO may be engaged on an ongoing,
but increasingly common way to refer to
interim, or project basis. An organization may
outsourced
similar
fill a CFO vacancy on an interim basis rather
finance and accounting outsourcing. But first,
than rush into a permanent decision due to the
what is a CFO, fractional or otherwise?
critical nature of the position and the urgency
CFO,
controller,
and
In general, a Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, is an executive responsible for managing an
These
firms
specialize
in fractional services and typically have
of their needs. Organizations that are ready to establish a CFO position but aren’t exactly
a bench to draw from. This may offer a broader range of resources and expertise, and
consultancies
can
usually
assign
different personnel in the event of turnover or for specific expertise.
WEIGHING OPTIONS
sure what it should look like may choose an
The first step in selecting a fractional CFO is
experienced fractional CFO to help assess the
to list your needs. Be open to suggestions from
company’s culture, establish its needs, and
experienced candidates, who may “see” issues
typically reports to the CEO.
set the ground for a permanent position.
that are not readily apparent from up close.
Controllers, by comparison, directly manage
If an organization needs a CFO level executive
A CPA or MBA is no guarantee. Look for
on an ongoing basis, but not full-time, a
experience with situations similar to yours.
part-time fractional CFO may be the best fit.
A true CFO must be able to work well cross-
accounting procedures, and similar activities.
This can provide a company with CFO level
functionally
They typically report to the CFO, or, in smaller
planning and oversight without committing
sales, tech, and other key functions or it will be
organizations, to the CEO. I’ve held all three
to a full-time position.
difficult to implement even the best solutions.
organization’s top-level financial activities and planning. A CFO should be a key strategic partner to the CEO and other executives, and
the accounting function and oversee financial statement reporting, internal controls and
positions (controller, CFO, and CEO) and know that the lines can blur, especially between CFO and controller in small to mid-sized organizations.
finance position, the CEO asked what I would do if he was unavailable my first two months and I could do whatever I wanted. I told him I would work in the plant for a month, then ride around with the sales team, sit in with the marketing department, and finally introduce to
the
a project basis. The company may have a capable permanent CFO but lack availability or expertise for specific needs.
Once, when interviewing for a high-level
myself
A fractional CFO may also be brought in on
accounting
department.
The controller must know the accounting
As
examples,
a
company
may
need
to
optimize financial strategies and planning, be considering substantial acquisitions, planning the introduction of significantly different operations, experiencing rapid growth, or any of a number of critical situations. Fractional
with
operations,
marketing,
Make sure professionals you are considering can commit sufficient availability. Ask about possible conflicts of interest and familiarity with your industry. With the right match, fractional CFO services can be a money saver. This may be in the form of lower costs or a cost effective way to obtain specific expertise for a limited period. And in a challenging situation or crisis, the right help can be a lifeline.
CFO services can supplement and boost the
Morrison has filled a variety of fractional
expertise and bandwidth of the internal team.
CFO, controller, and other roles since 2002.
function; a CFO must know the business.
These have included many of the situations described above, including filling vacancies on an interim basis, ongoing part-time
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CFO-level
assistance,
providing
expertise
Founder and Principal, Brent Morrison, oversees Morrison’s Business & Accounting
for specific projects, helping create new
Advisory service line. To get in touch with Brent visit www.morrisonco.net/contact.
positions, and more.
THE JESUS CENTER, CONTINUED
kitchen for the inclusion in meals served to participants. Other vocational training opportunities the Jesus Center provides include placements at the Jesus Center kitchen, and opportunities in floral design through the Bloomin’ Hope flower Cart. Building on these many accomplishments, the Jesus Center leadership is constantly strategizing how to better address the increasingly complex issues their guests face. To that end, the Jesus Center recently moved to a new facility in May 2021 that has allowed the organization to expand to provide 60 beds for those in need, and for the first time, offer a robust day program of services to support those in-residence. The expansion is an effort towards the
Morrison
the
new staff and increase their vocational
overall development of the Jesus Center’s
opportunity to serve the Jesus Center
training capacity as well as meaningfully
vision of a Renewal Center, a cross-agency
through our Business & Accounting Advisory
divert food waste from going into landfills.
effort designed to more holistically offer
and Grants services. Our work has included
Funding also paid for new vehicles and
help and support to those struggling with
regular
including
upgraded kitchen and storage equipment,
homelessness.
budgeting and forecasting, and financial
including expanded cold storage and an
reporting consistent with the goals of the
oven.
With the purchase and opening of its new location, dedicated space exists for the great work proposed to be accomplished through the Renewal Center. More information on the Renewal Center can be found at www.renewalcenterchico.org.
has
been
monthly
organization.
blessed
assistance
Additionally,
with
our
Grants
Team secured nearly $500,000 in state grant funding for the Jesus Center through the CalRecycle Food Waste Prevention and Rescue
Grant
Program.
Through
grant
funding the Jesus Center was able to add
It has been an honor to serve the Jesus Center and to support the incredible work they are doing in the local community. If you would like to learn more about the Jesus Center, please visit www.jesuscenter.org.
MORRISON
SNAPSH TS
Photo: Evan Tuchinsky
MORRISON HAPPY HOUR ON THE LAWN
WELCOME DAISY JUDITH PRITCHETT
ROTARY CENTENNIAL PARK
With a cooler full of drinks, lawn chairs,
The Morrison family continues to grow as
100th year and as a celebratory gift to the
and six feet between us, the Morrison team
Dean Pritchett and his wife Meadow recently
community they are building a five acre
continues our new tradition of socially-
welcomed Daisy Judith to the world. We
park! Brent, who is this years’ secretary,
distanced happy hours on our office lawn.
are overjoyed with this little bundle and so
has participated in every work day Rotary
What better way to stay connected than
happy for the Pritchett family. Welcome to
has spent helping build the park. Great
laughing together in beautiful weather?
the Morrison family sweet girl!
job Brent!
Chico Noon Rotary is celebrating their
TEAM MEMBER PROFILE
Q&A WITH DANIEL WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AND WHY? Celebrating all of the milestones throughout my children’s lives are the most rewarding memories I hold close to my heart. Being there and helping our six children through all of life’s major milestones is something that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they take their first step or ride their bike with no training wheels is irreplaceable. I look forward to many more memories with all of my family.
GETTING TO KNOW
DANIEL PAULSEN Daniel Paulsen serves Morrison clients with a range of services including interim controller roles and other accounting support, business planning, budgeting, system documentation and improvement, loan compliance, cash planning, accounting system conversions, and audit preparation and support. Daniel works primarily with clients in distribution, processing, agribusiness, and similar industries.
WHAT MOST INTERESTS YOU ABOUT MORRISON? At Morrison, I have the opportunity to work with clients in a variety of industries with their unique challenges. I really enjoy learning about each of our clients and helping them achieve the results to help their businesses. Another aspect of Morrison that I enjoy is being able to work with a team of highly capable and skilled members. Working together with members across our business segments to achieve success with our clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at Morrison. Brent’s leadership
Prior to joining the Morrison team, Daniel worked as an Audit Manager at Deloitte
and guidance has been instrumental to the tone
and served four years in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s
at Morrison. Everyone here strives for the same
degree in business administration with a minor in Bible and theology from
goals and approaches our work with eagerness and
William Jessup University and a master’s degree in professional accountancy
excitement. The team here is great!
from the University of California, Davis. Daniel is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? With six young children, time for hobbies becomes very slim! Most of my time outside of work includes running the kids back and forth from their activities, working through school work, and playing with them. When I do have down time, I try to set time aside for playing my guitar. I have been playing guitar for over 20 years now. The guitar has allowed me to express myself and my emotions through music. My son recently picked up his first guitar and teaching him the knowledge and skills I have acquired over the years is a great bonding time that we share.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OR BOOK? My all-time favorite book is “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. I first read that book as a teenager and the creativeness and imagination was captivating. I always imagined what it would be like to explore distant planets and what the exotic creatures would look like. I also enjoyed the dry humor and satire throughout the book. After reading the book, I will never forget my towel whenever I go on any grandiose adventures! “So long and thanks for all the fish!”
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FOLLOW US
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 is going
Here, you’ll find updates on what a number of our clients are up to,
on within your organization and invite you to share your highlights
their achievements and milestones, and the generally great things
in this space. Feel free to send any press releases, newsletters, or
happening in their companies or organizations.
happenings to Michelle at mgenova@morrisonco.net.
FARMERS BREWING CO.’S NEW TAPROOM COMING JANUARY 2022!
SOGOOD SAKE FROM SUN VALLEY RICE SOGOOD Saké is an American sake brand
NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL AWARDS LORRIE FORD MERKER
Farmers Brewing Co. will be opening
on a mission to rewrite the rules of saké
Lorrie Ford Merker, Vice President-Grower
another taproom but this time in the
and shake up the category. The brand’s
Relations, Cooperative Affairs & Social
up and coming Tank District of Chico’s
‘California Style’ saké expressions are
Responsibility
Meriam Park. The taproom will feature
defined by their use of yamada nishiki
Growers, was awarded the North American
a restaurant, gift shop, and outdoor
rice, a specialized Japanese saké rice which
Blueberry
patio. Morrison is thrilled with Farmers
co-founder Ken LaGrande and his family
Award
for
Brewing Co.’s success and continued
grow in the Sacramento Valley. SOGOOD’s
to
promotion
growth. To learn more, check out our past
flagship Junmai Daiginjo is brewed using
blueberries, just in time for her April 2021
newsletter featuring Farmers Brewing
rice kernels milled down to the center
retirement. Morrison has had the pleasure
Co.
‘pearl’ and fermented in Cascade Range
of working with Lorrie and Michigan
spring water. It is crisp, clean, smooth, and
Blueberry Growers for many years and
well-balanced. Check out their website to
we are overjoyed to see her recognized so
learn more: www.sogoodsake.com.
prestigiously. Congratulations Lorrie!
at
www.morrisonco.net/newsletter/
winter-2021.
the
at
Michigan
Council’s
Alex
outstanding and
Blueberry Wetherbee
contributions marketing
of
WELCOME NEW CLIENTS
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NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2021