Winter 2024

IN THIS ISSUE:

CALIFORNIA DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION: THE ESSENCE OF PURPOSE Morrison’s People Solutions Manager Jeff Boian shares why organizational mission statements are the recipe for direction and culture.

GETTING TO KNOW TIM PETERS Learn more about longtime Morrison employee Tim Peters, recently promoted to Business & Accounting Advisory Manager.

MORRISON SNAPSHOTS We’ve been busier than ever this past season! Check out some of our latest highlights.

CLIENT CORNER There is always something new going on, so get caught up with our latest client news.

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LEADING THE WAY IN DAIRY INDUSTRY INNOVATION Recognizing that a thriving dairy industry is reliant on research, the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) is a visionary non-profit organization facilitating research and science-based educational programs to ensure an innovative and sustainable California and United States dairy industry.

• A study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that the greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk produced in California declined by 45 percent since the 1960s, and the amount of water used per unit of milk decreased more than 88 percent thanks to production efficiencies achieved by producers.

A 501 non-profit public research management corporation governed by a producer-led Board of Directors (comprised of key organizations who represent multiple perspectives within the dairy industry), CDRF has supported the California dairy industry through relevant and emergent research, producer education, and outreach for the past 35 years. CDRF is primarily funded by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), which receives check-off dollars from California dairy producers. CDRF seeks project co-funding, including competitive grants, wherever applicable to maximize funding and research investment opportunities.

• More than 784 California dairies are currently certified by the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) with cumulative cost savings to California dairy producers of over $2.5 million annually.

CDRF’s strategic plan focuses on five core areas: environmental management, social responsibility, human health and nutrition, capacity building, and product innovation.

Key past research supported by CDRF’s efforts have included: • Research published by the International Milk Genomics Consortium in 2023 found that memory and learning performance in mice carrying genes that cause Alzheimer’s disease improved after three months of consuming whey protein powder.

A driving force behind CDRF’s success for half of the foundation’s history has been its executive director, Denise Mullinax.

With a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in agriculture and management from University of California Davis, Denise worked as a dairy advisor in Stanislaus and Merced counties, and as producer education and quality coordinator for Hilmar Cheese Company, before joining CDRF in 2006 as environmental lead and assistant director of the CDQAP. In 2019 she was appointed executive director. Denise and her team, including Executive Administrator Kimberly Yarris and Chief Science Officer Dr. Kevin Comerford, work closely with researchers, grant agencies, and producers to promote competitiveness and innovation within the industry while also improving the ability to respond to consumers’ and customers’ market demands.

C ONT INUE D ON INSIDE RIGHT PANEL

NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2024

THE ESSENCE OF PURPOSE:

WHY ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION STATEMENTS ARE THE RECIPE FOR A STRONG PURPOSE, DIRECTION, AND CULTURE In the dynamic world of modern business, organizations face a multitude of challenges and opportunities, which can be a delicate balance in many sectors, including corporate, agriculture, manufacturing, government, and non-profit. Just as chefs rely on their recipes and a deep understanding of ingredients to create culinary masterpieces, leaders in these diverse fields need a clear sense of direction and culture to navigate the complex array of choices constantly laid out before them.

Enter organizational mission statements, which could be compared to the secret ingredients in a beloved dish—integral to defining an organization's core purpose and shaping the flavor of its culture.

Like closely guarded family recipes that make a dish unforgettable, mission statements are the secret sauce for setting an organization's direction and culture.

At the heart of every mission statement is a simple

yet profound declaration of purpose, much like the foundational ingredients in a delectable dish. This purpose answers the fundamental question: "Why does this organization exist?" It provides meaning and direction to the people within the organization, much like a recipe guides a chef in the kitchen.

When employees understand and resonate with this purpose, it creates a deep connection to their work, leading to higher job satisfaction and engagement.

It becomes the aromatic essence of an organization, much like the flavor profile of a well-crafted meal.

Similarly, a well-crafted mission statement goes beyond mere purpose; it becomes the unique identity of the organization, much like a restaurant's signature dish that sets it apart from the competition. It appeals to customers, partners, and potential employees who share the same values and aspirations, much like how a unique cuisine attracts connoisseurs from

both near and far. This sense of identity becomes a magnetic force, drawing like-minded individuals and entities into the organization's sphere.

Without a clear mission statement, organizations run the risk of becoming like a bustling kitchen void of a chef with a plan – making decisions haphazardly and without direction. A mission statement serves as a constant reference point for decision-making, much like the guiding principles behind a complex culinary creation. It helps leaders prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and evaluate opportunities based on their alignment with the mission.

When faced with complex choices, organizations can turn to their mission statement to discern the best course of action, similar to a chef selecting the perfect ingredient to enhance a dish. It becomes the litmus test, asking, "Does this decision support our mission?" This framework – or lens – empowers leaders to make informed choices that reinforce the organization's core purpose and values, enhancing decision-making and promoting coherence and consistency in the organization's actions.

Mission statements possess the potential to serve as inspirational tools, akin to the tantalizing smells and flavors that appeal to diners' senses in a restaurant.

They rally employees, volunteers, and supporters around a shared cause and motivate them to give their best efforts.

A compelling mission statement instills pride and identity among stakeholders, much like how a favorite food can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and belonging. It fosters a shared vision, creating a positive organizational culture that feels akin to a tight-knit like-minded culinary community.

This sense of belonging is crucial in today's diverse landscape, where attracting and retaining talent, board members, and community stakeholders is as equally important to creating a loyal customer base.

Organizational mission statements also function as ethical compasses, guiding behavior and holding individuals and the organization accountable for their actions. When a mission statement includes ethical principles and values, it sets clear expectations for how the organization conducts itself, much like adhering to stringent quality standards in the manufacturing industry.

By publicly declaring its commitment to specific values, an organization can be held to a higher standard by its stakeholders, similar to how society has seen consumers increasingly scrutinize producers' practices. This accountability can, and does, help to prevent unethical behavior and promote transparency and integrity.

The culture of an organization is like the ambiance in a restaurant—a unique atmosphere that shapes how individuals within an organization behave and interact. A well-crafted mission statement plays a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing the organization's culture by providing a common foundation upon which that culture can be built.

When an organization's mission aligns with its culture, it fosters a sense of unity and cohesion, much like how shared values and customs create harmony in diverse societies. Stakeholders are more likely to embrace the values and behaviors outlined in the mission statement, and these values become ingrained in the organization's DNA. This cultural alignment can lead to increased collaboration, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, similar to the way harmonious collaboration leads to success in most any endeavor.

In today's dynamic and diverse business landscape, organizational mission statements are the secret recipe for setting direction and shaping culture, much like the carefully crafted menu of a renowned restaurant. They provide a clear sense of purpose and identity, guide decision-making, inspire and motivate stakeholders, foster accountability, and nurture a cohesive organizational culture.

While a mission statement alone cannot guarantee an organization's success, it is the essential recipe upon which to build and grow, much like the secret ingredients that elevate a dish to excellence. When crafted thoughtfully and embraced authentically, a mission statement becomes more than just words on a page; it becomes the recipe that defines an organization's unique flavor and guides it towards a brighter and more purposeful future for all its stakeholders, across various sectors and endeavors, be it corporate, agriculture, manufacturing, government, or non-profit. As organizations continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the importance of a well-defined mission statement remains unwavering in its ability to provide direction and shape culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

While Morrison’s Manager of People Solutions, Jeff Boian, has never been much of a culinary expert in the actual kitchen, he is consistently chopping it up with our clients to work through a buffet of options in order to craft their cultureguiding mission statements. If you happen to be in need of such a recipe, feel free to contact him at jboian@morrisonco.net.

CALIFORNIA DAIRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, CONTINUED In early 2022, when USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the historic new $1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC) grant program, Denise approached Morrison’s grants team to assist with an application to build climatesmart dairy markets and provide financial incentives for California dairy farmers to adopt climate-smart manure management practices that reduce both methane emissions and nitrogen surplus. When the final awards were announced (and the total USDA investment had grown to $3 billion), CDRF and its collaborative partnership of more than 20 dairy organizations received an astounding $85 million to advance climatesmart dairy farming practices in California.

In a remarkable partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), CDRF has already

begun to deliver financial incentives to California dairy producers through its new PCSC-funded Dairy Plus Program.

In late 2023, the program announced $18 million in grant funding to 15 Central Valley dairies to support the adoption of new manure management practices.

These dairies will use the grant funding to install filtration of manure wastewater using worms (vermifiltration), coagulation of fine manure solids out of liquid (advanced solid-liquid separation assisted by flocculants), and nonmechanical separation of manure solids from water (weeping walls) that can help capture nitrogen and keep more manure out of a liquid environment; projects could also incorporate aerated composting and subsurface drip irrigation for further nutrient processing and application.

Morrison is proud to have contributed to CDRF’s successful PCSC application.

Morrison’s services to CDRF have grown to include grant administration and strategic plan development. We are honored to work with non-profit organizations like CDRF who provide essential services and support to agricultural producers.

MOR R I S ON S NA PS H T S FARM CITY AGRI-BUSINESS BUS TOUR

CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM REUNION

Jeff Boian recently spoke to a room full

The Morrison team enjoyed a fun and

Brent and Sibyl Morrison attended the

of human resource professionals at the

educational field trip on the Farm City Agri-

first post-COVID reunion of the California

National Council of Farmer’s Cooperative

Business Bus Tour in November. After coffee

Agricultural Leadership Program’s Class

Annual

Nashville.

and light morning snacks at the Chico State

XXV at beautiful Rancho Cañada vineyard in

Cooperatives throughout the United States

Farm, the team boarded a chartered bus and

Santa Ynez, California, owned by classmate

were represented at the conference. Boian’s

began a tour of five local farms and agri-

Doug Circle and wife Jan.

presentation

businesses, including some of Morrison’s

of 29 classmates attended the weekend-

an Unknown Future.” He focused on the

very

Brewing,

long event, reminiscing about the class’s

importance of strategically planning for a

Rumiano, California Olive Ranch, and the

adventures from 1994 to 1996 including

future full of change and uncertainty. The

Chico State Meats Lab. Participants had the

visits to Washington DC, India, Pakistan,

message was timely and well-received.

invaluable opportunity to learn about each

and Nepal, and meeting and volunteering

of their operations and contributions to the

with Mother Teresa. A great time for all!

NCFC HR CONFERENCE Morrison’s

HR

People

Solutions

Conference

was

titled

in

Manager

“Planning

for

own

clients:

Farmers

Twenty-one

North State’s agricultural industry.

RUN FOR FOOD Morrison honored their annual tradition by assisting with packet pick up during Thanksgiving week for the 18th Annual Run for Food! Fleet Feet hosted once more in downtown Chico as our staff assisted runners picking up their packets and t-shirts. With an estimated 4,500 runners and walkers on Thanksgiving morning, the annual Run For Food supports the Jesus Center, a Morrison client.

TEAM MEMBER PROFILE

GETTING TO KNOW

TIM PETERS

Q&A WITH TIM WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?

Either spending time outside (disc golf, camping, hiking, and backpacking) or watching sports (49ers, Warriors, SF Giants, Oregon Ducks). I also enjoy reading, exercising, and chasing my kids around with a hose.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS!

We have two girls, Karamea (9) and Mackinnon (7), and one boy, Wellington (5). They are sweet, caring, energetic, hilarious, and watching them grow each day has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT WORKING AT MORRISON? Tim Peters is the Manager in Morrison’s Business & Accounting Advisory Service practice (B&A).

Tim joined Morrison in 2011 and serves our clients in outsource CFO and controller level roles, and oversees B&A engagements assigned to other team members. Tim assists Morrison clients in industries including agribusiness, manufacturing and processing, distribution, and marketing, with a focus on financial reporting and analysis, business efficiency, cash flow budgeting and management, costing, cost controls, ROI analysis, and shortand long-range planning.

Prior to joining the Morrison team, Tim worked for Matson and Isom (now Pinion), the region’s leading public accounting firm. While

there, Tim worked in the firm's tax and audit departments, assisting both locallyowned and investor-owned companies in agribusiness, healthcare, and a variety of other industries.

Probably Jeff's dad jokes. But seriously, the best thing about working at Morrison is the people I get to work with.

Brent instilled a great culture and work environment at Morrison, and Toni has done a great job of keeping it going.

Tim is a graduate of California State University, Chico, where he earned a degree in accounting and received the 2006 Harry L. Jefferson award for excellence in accounting. In 2015, he graduated from the NorCAL Academy of Leadership, a one-year educational program sponsored

by Wells Fargo and Innovate Northstate.

He is a member of the Chico Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives. Tim is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Spending a day in the mountains with the family, preferably with a lake where we can go kayaking.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY RECIPE?

Probably my grandma’s two-ingredient biscuits. I don’t know off the top of my head what those two ingredients are, but we have the recipe in our kitchen somewhere, and my wife makes them just as good as my mom and grandma.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES?

We used to spend a week in Yosemite every summer with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on my mom’s side of the family (probably where I developed my love of the outdoors). Lots of wandering in the woods, climbing rocks, and playing cribbage.

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?

Loyal and reliable. I may not respond to every text message immediately, but I will find a way to be there when I am needed.

WHO IS YOUR HERO?

I recently re-read the book of Daniel in the Bible, and it really stood out to me how great of a role model he is. His commitment to serving and advising the king without compromising his values, even in the face of adversity, is truly admirable.

1385 Ridgewood Drive Chico, CA 95973 5 3 0 - 8 9 3 - 4 7 6 4 • W W W. M O R R I S O N CO. N E T

BUSINESS & ACCOUNTING ADVISORY • PEOPLE SOLUTIONS • 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 Hana Dill at hdill@morrisonco.net.

CITY OF CHICO AWARDED CLEAN CALIFORNIA GRANT

Caltrans has awarded nearly $3 million to the City of Chico through the Clean California grant program to restore, improve, and beautify public spaces in the deeply underserved community of South Chico. The Public Works Department will restore and repave the Chico-Durham Bike Path; improve landscaping with trees and drought-tolerant native species; update irrigation for center medians and street trees bordering Park Avenue; install a Gateway Arch public art piece; and conduct litter abatement on the Comanche Creek Greenway and along Park Avenue. Morrison can’t wait to enjoy the results of these grant efforts!

JESUS CENTER RECEIVES $250,000 GRANT

The Jesus Center announced in November that it received a $250,000 grant from USDA’s Farmers’ Market Promotion Program to expand its Harvesting Hope Community Supported Agriculture program by launching a new retail location in South Chico. The new retail access point – The Market – will be located at the newly opened 27,000 square-foot Renewal Center, where community members will be able to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables grown at the Jesus Center Farm and other local farms. The Morrison team will be lined up to purchase produce as soon as The Market opens!

MAHI PONO SUPPORTS MAUI STRONG FUND

NAPA VALLEY FARMWORKER FOUNDATION: THE IMPACT OF CUSP GRANT FUNDING

The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (NVFF) concluded their CDFA California Underserved and Small Producers (CUSP) Grant with the announcement that 43 small and underserved winegrape producers benefited from one-on-one direct assistance and received $415,000 in state and federal economic relief funds in the wake of economic hardships following the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfires of 2022. Morrison is tremendously proud to have worked with NVFF both in supporting their initial CUSP grant application and by providing technical assistance to producers in applying for economic relief funds, beds and getting the Renewal Center ready for its FIRST CLASS M grand opening!

U.S. POSTAG

PAID

CHICO, CA Mahi Pono, a Maui farming company that owns and operates approximately 41,000 acres of agricultural land in Central Maui, is working through the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund to help the Maui wildfire disaster response and recovery. PERMIT NO The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. To support these efforts visit hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.

Our thoughts are with Mahi Pono and all of Maui’s residents as they begin the long road to recovery.

WELCOME NEW CLIENTS TOMAHAWK PROCESSING, LLC

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NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2024