IN THIS ISSUE:
LEADING DAIRY INNOVATION: CSU FRESNO LAUNCHES $1.8 MILLION EFFORT TO SERVE DAIRY BUSINESSES NAVIGATING NONPROFITS Nonprofits face many of the same challenges as for-profit organizations, with some additional twists. Learn more about some of the nonprofits Morrison has assisted.
Recognizing the significant challenges
to the Jordan Agricultural Research Center,
facing
in
California,
a 30,000 square foot world-class research
Washington,
California
facility, in addition to a dairy processing
State University, Fresno knew that to
plant and dairy unit. It is also home to
meaningfully spur change and protect
the Institute for Food and Agriculture,
and promote the dairy industries in each
one
of these states, convening a collaborative
the coordination and administration of
effort toward innovation was needed.
research, outreach, and training at the
dairy
Oregon,
and
producers
To that end, California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) – led by Dr. Carmen
GETTING TO KNOW JUSTIN WEBB Learn more about Morrison Business & Accounting Advisory Consultant Justin Webb.
Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Innovation Initiatives effort, Fresno State and collaborating institutions will deliver
million three-year grant award from the
hands-on technical assistance to dairy
United States Department of Agriculture’s
businesses, providing access to laboratory
Agricultural Marketing Service to create a
space
Pacific Coast Coalition, in partnership with
development and innovation.
the California Dairy Innovation Center, to
and
equipment
to
facilitate
The project has a strong focus on education as well offering learning opportunities on technical topics and related areas of interest such as supply chain innovation,
With this grant funding, Fresno State —
distribution, packaging, marketing, and
one of the 23 campuses of the California
branding strategies.
University
system
—
joins
the
University of Tennessee; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; and University of Wisconsin as one of just four Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives in the nation.
Developing
the
regional
workforce
by
offering online and bilingual programs will be key to providing opportunities for growth to the region’s diverse population while meeting the dairy industry’s needs. Recognizing the necessity of collaboratively
leading
addressing the significant issues facing the
organization to seek grant funding and
Pacific Coast region’s dairy industry, Fresno
support the launch of a Dairy Business
State will leverage its technical expertise
Initiative to support dairy producers in
and research capabilities in value-added
Fresno
State
was
a
natural
California, Oregon, and Washington. The
There is always something new going on,
university boasts a 388-acre main campus
so get caught up with our latest client news.
and 1,011-acre University Farm and is home
WWW.MORRISONCO.NET
for
recently announced the receipt of a $1.8
State
CLIENT CORNER
responsible
Food Science and Nutrition – pursued and
distribution of dairy products.
past season.
centers
Through the grant-funded Dairy Business
development, production, marketing, and
Check out some of our highlights from this
three
Licon Assistant Professor, Department of
support regional dairy businesses in the
MORRISON SNAPSHOTS
of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2022
NAVIGATING NONPROFITS
Few Americans have been untouched by the positive impacts of nonprofit organizations, whether it be through 4-H and FFA, Scouts,
BONITA HOUSE
the American Red Cross, their church, or Rotary and similar service
Bonita House, Inc. (BHI), based
organizations. Independent nonprofits are important players in
in
virtually every community, providing support for health, youth
private nonprofit mental health
programs, disaster recovery, education, and more.
agency that provides specialized
Morrison is proud to have a strong and growing presence with these types of organizations. The growth of these services was not by intent at first, but it was natural; the list of organizations where Morrison team members serve as volunteers would fill a page. Several have previously worked for nonprofit organizations.
Oakland,
California,
is
a
services to some of society’s most vulnerable people: those living with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Founded in 1971 as an alternative to traditional psychiatric institutionalization, BHI has evolved into a specialized dual-diagnosis agency for the Alameda County community.
Services
offered
include
intensive
residential
Nonprofits face many of the same challenges as for-profit organizations.
treatment, independent living programs, housing and supported
Both have goals to accomplish and need funds to accomplish them.
employment, outpatient case management, clinical services,
Both have boards they are responsible to, and may need assistance in
and operation of wellness centers in Berkeley and East Oakland.
preparing for an external audit or review or assistance in searching
Upon the retirement of their long-time Chief Financial Officer,
and placing key executives. Both need efficient finance and accounting
Morrison was engaged to provide interim CFO duties including
processes and meaningful budgets. Both are stronger with strategic
financial oversight and review, audit preparation, assistance with
planning and organizational development support.
accounting software, policy and procedures documentation, and
In addition, non-profits often depend heavily on grants, donations, and annual events for most or all of their funding. Many have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19 related shutdowns of events, while simultaneously seeing increased needs for their services.
internal controls review. Presenting an additional challenge, Morrison’s services began in the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions on in-person contact. As one of Morrison’s first new clients during the pandemic, services were performed entirely remotely. While Morrison has long
Morrison has helped many nonprofits through both the routine
provided both onsite and remote services, this was an opportunity
and extraordinary challenges they face. Following are a few of the
to use that experience to help Bonita House manage this transition
nonprofits we’ve been honored to work with:
during an unprecedented time of societal uncertainty.
We’ve been blessed to serve nonprofits across all of our service lines and look forw
NAPA VALLEY FARMWORKER FOUNDATION
NORTH VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
North
(FWF) is a nonprofit organization
Foundation (NVCF) is a nonprofit
that provides education and professional development to Napa
Valley
organization
Community that
serves
Valley’s winegrape farmworkers. Since its founding in 2011, FWF
California’s Butte, Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama Counties,
has reached more than 22,000 farmworkers and their families,
through grantmaking, partnerships, and a variety of financial
and provided more than 3,000 hours of education through
and philanthropic services. In recent years, NVCF has focused
seminars, trainings, and other educational events. FWF is one of
its efforts to respond to the many natural disasters occurring
the only organizations in the country focused solely on serving
across the region. For example, NVCF opened the Camp Fire
the needs of farmworkers. As a donation based organization,
Relief Fund immediately after the devastating wildfire began
FWF requires public and private funding to keep these programs
so that people could contribute to relief and recovery efforts.
going. Over the many years of working with FWF, Morrison has
Since then, NVCF has raised millions of dollars and issued more
written multiple successful grants provided by the United States
than $50 million in grants to organizations working with fire
Department of Agriculture, California Department of Food and
survivors. Additionally, NVCF is seeking to address the impacts
Agriculture, and Risk Management Agency, securing nearly
of drought on the North Valley, which is under an Extreme
$1 million in funding for the organization. Grant funds have
Drought designation according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
supported trainings, conducted in both English and Spanish, on
To address these needs, NVCF engaged Morrison to apply for a
leadership/management, financial literacy, business planning,
California State Water Resources Control Board Urgent Drinking
wildfire prevention, and English literacy, among others. Funding
Waters Needs Project to provide needed water resources to
has also been used to execute mentorship programs for youth
200 households in Glenn County with dry/impaired wells.
interested in starting a career in farming. Additionally, FWF has
The project was successfully awarded and NVCF received $1.8
leveraged grant funds to engage Morrison in providing direct
million to haul water, install storage tanks for this water, and
technical assistance to Napa’s farmworkers who are interested
deliver bottled water to Glenn County residents who are lacking
in applying for federal grant programs.
access to drinking water.
LONG VALLEY HEALTH CENTER Long
Valley
Health
Center
(LVHC)
is
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE NORTH VALLEY
a
nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center in
Offering
Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley (BGCNV), an affiliate of
comprehensive primary care services, which
rural
Laytonville,
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a nonprofit organization
includes
behavioral
formed in 1995 to provide services, activities, and programs for
health, as well as outreach services, LVHC is
youth in the “North State” region of California. BGCNV serves
a recipient of the Department of Health and
over 2,000 youth at 10 sites, focusing on after-school programs
Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration’s
for those aged 6 to 18. Services are designed to keep members
Quality Improvement Award.
on track to graduate from high school with plans for the future,
medical,
California.
dental,
and
Morrison was engaged to perform a compensation review and planning project for the organization. The Morrison team worked to determine external equity to the relevant job market as well as to evaluate internal equity.
good citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle. On the departure of their Finance Director, CEO Rashell Brobst urged the Board to approve a more sustainable model to address depth and continuity in the finance and accounting functions, particularly in light of the tight market for qualified professionals. “This is the future for
The unique rural nature of the organization required that
nonprofits,” said Brobst. “It’s the most reliable way to ensure
surveys and comparisons be made to similar organizations with
dependable ongoing professional support.” Morrison’s initial
a similar location demographic. Appropriate Cost-Of-Living
focus was providing oversight over monthly reporting, review
Adjustments (COLA) were applied. A point ranking job analysis
of the chart of accounts and processes, and finalization of the
tool was also developed to examine internal equity.
budget for the upcoming year. Since that time, Morrison has
The Morrison deliverable was a new wage scale and the assignment of particular positions into the correct segment of the scale. Appropriate range spread and mid-point progression was applied, which created a baseline program that could be reevaluated and updated while still maintaining the integrity of the program.
been involved in Board finance committee meetings, assisted with grant compliance, and helped prepare for the annual audit. Additionally, Morrison’s bookkeeping service personnel assist with bank reconciliations and other duties; Morrison now provides services ranging from Finance Director functions to bookkeeping.
ward to continuing our strong support in providing services to these organizations.
LEADING DAIRY INNOVATION, CONTINUED
dairy innovation with a remarkable set of
Morrison was honored to assist Fresno
We look forward to supporting Fresno State,
academic and business partners.
State in developing their competitive grant
the California Dairy Innovation Center, and
application
States
the collaborating partners as they work to
Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural
implement this critical project for the dairy
Marketing
industry.
These partners include the California Dairy Innovation Center and collaboration with California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo; the University of California, Davis;
California
State
Polytechnic
University, Humboldt; and Oregon State
Innovation
through
the
Service Initiatives
United
Dairy grant
Business program,
providing additional support to best position the application for a successful grant award.
University. The California Dairy Innovation
Morrison had the opportunity to work
Center and its steering committee will serve
directly with the talented team at Fresno
as an advisory board to the effort, bringing
State and the California Dairy Innovation
a
perspective,
Center, with the Morrison team contributing
and assisting with a sub-awards program
its strong history and knowledge of the dairy
which will make $300,000 in grant funding
industry and competitive grant programs to
available to regional dairy businesses for
the collective effort.
comprehensive
business
innovation-related investments annually for three years.
MORRISON
SNAPSH TS
COAT DRIVE The Morrison team had a chance to shop for coats benefitting students at Chico-based Fair View high school. Brent’s Rotary team and Michelle’s Rotaract club partnered to host the event and collected over 200 coats, sweats, mittens, socks, beanies, scarves, ear muffs, and more!
HATCHET HOUSE Our team loves spending time together, especially if it involves a little competition! The Morrison team bonded over a few friendly axe throwing games at Hatchet House, and finished off the day with pizza and drinks. Disclosure: No one was injured during the making of this snapshot.
RUN FOR FOOD A favorite Morrison tradition is to volunteer for Run For Food’s packet pick up and this year was no different. Back to Fleet Feet in downtown Chico, our team members helped runners (and walkers!) pick up their runner packets. The annual Run For Food on Thanksgiving Day supports the Jesus Center, a Morrison client!
TEAM MEMBER PROFILE Q&A WITH JUSTIN WHAT SPORT WOULD YOU COMPETE IN IF YOU WERE IN THE OLYMPICS? WHY? Soccer. My wife and I actually met at Simpson University where we both played the goalkeeper for the men’s and women’s soccer teams. It would be cool to play on the world stage and represent our country in one of the world’s favorite sports.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? My wife and I love to play strategy board games; we have a collection of over 60 games. We love that board games feel like a date-night in, a special event, or just as a way to spend time together with friends and family.
GETTING TO KNOW
JUSTIN WEBB Justin Webb serves Morrison clients in a range of services including interim controller roles and accounting support, business planning and budgeting, system documentation and improvement, loan compliance and cash planning, accounting system conversions, and audit support. Prior to joining the Morrison team, Justin was assistant controller at a large California walnut handler and private label manufacturer. He started his career with KCoe Isom, the region’s leading public accounting firm, working in a variety of industries with a focus on agribusiness.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE AND WHY? I have over 300 movies in my collection, but my favorite is an unusual pick: the 1998 version of the Parent Trap. This was the movie we always brought camping and watched on sick or rainy days. The nostalgia associated with this movie makes it my favorite, and recently my five-year-old daughter has started to fall in love with it too, only adding to the fond memories.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? JRR Tolkien. I read the entire Lord of the Rings series when I was in fourth grade and have loved it ever since. I am fascinated with Tolkien’s creative ability to build such an expansive world. He created an entire history and culture for each people group - an entire mythos,
Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, with minors in business
complete
administration and Bible & theology from Simpson University.
languages. I can’t wait to start sharing these fantastic
with
multiple
religions
and
functional
worlds and stories with my children.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST TRAVEL STORY? While on a college mission trip to the Spanish controlled city of Melilla in North Africa, we visited Morocco and stayed in the medieval city of Old Fez. From the ancient walls surrounding the city and the generations-old leather tanning site, to maze-like alleys and old bustling market streets, it truly felt like medieval times. We tried a lot of interesting food, bartered at local markets, and met so many amazing people – it was such an eye-opening experience to see how different the world, and its many cultures, can be.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I actually wanted to be a professional baseball player. Despite the fact I played soccer in college, baseball was always my favorite sport and the sport I was most skilled at. I grew up playing little league and travel ball, and watched my dad play Sunday ball. Baseball was a large part of my childhood, and I always thought it would be the coolest thing to play with the pros on TV or have my name announced at Dodger Stadium when I stepped up to the plate.
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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 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.
GROWTH, EXPANSION, AND GRANT AWARDS
VENTURA PACIFIC’S NEW PACKING PLANT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Country Butcher was recently awarded
Ventura Pacific Company has successfully
Grange
$500,000
States
completed their test day in their new
Medford, OR, was recently recognized
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local
packing plant. As one of the largest
by the Medford Chamber of Commerce
Food Promotion Program, the purpose of
lemon producers for Sunkist, Ventura
Excellence in Business Awards. Citing “a
which is to expand intermediary services
Pacific Company expanded their packing
member with a record of dependability,
that increase access to local foods. As
operations with a new 32-acre packing
success, exceptional customer service,
the only facility serving California’s
facility in Oxnard, CA. For many years,
outstanding
community
Yuba and Sutter counties that provides
Ventura Pacific Company operated out of
leadership,”
the
USDA inspected meat processing for
older previously owned facilities, but now
Grange Cooperative with the Retailer of
livestock
Butcher
they’ve built a packing plant to suit their
the Year award. Morrison has worked
faced overwhelming demand to increase
needs by expanding capacity by roughly
closely
its
50
several years and has had the opportunity
through
producers,
processing
delighted
the
to
Country
capacity. have
United
Morrison
assisted
is
Country
Butcher in writing and preparing this grant proposal, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.
percent.
Congratulations
Ventura
Pacific Company!
check
with
headquartered
service,
Chamber
Grange
in
and
presented
Cooperative
for
to see first-hand the great qualities that
To learn more about Ventura Pacific Company,
Cooperative,
out
our
newsletter
feature on them at www.morrisonco.net/ newsletter/summer-2019.
have earned them this award. To learn more about Grange Cooperative, check out our newsletter feature on them at www. morrisonco.net/newsletter/spring-2021.
WELCOME NEW CLIENTS NATIONAL FOOD FESTIVALS
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NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2022