Do you need a full-load freight service? Would you take advantage of a health insurance plan if the Association brought together several shortline employers to leverage better prices through bigger numbers? Is there value, in your opinion, in the Association forming a relationship with a safety inspector to perform mock OSHA inspections at your plant?

With the arrival of Membership Director Matt Rice, the Association is exploring services that will bring value to members. Our best opportunity to serve you is to hear what you most need. This is your shot. Get in touch with Rice and tell him what would be good for your company and good for the industry.

Contact him at (314) 720-4234, or send an email to Matt@FarmEquip.org. He’s already talked to many of you, and he’s eager to connect with the rest of you.

“A few key themes are emerging through those conversations, but of course, our member companies are different sizes, and they are all over North America and beyond,” he said. “A dozen conversations cannot capture the breadth of the challenges. Until we can talk at farm shows, or I can visit members’ operations, I would be thrilled to spend time on the phone hearing what’s on members’ minds. It is an opportunity for the company and for the Association.”

Rice has been director of projects and grants for Congressman John Shimkus (R-Ill.), who is not seeking re-election. This recent role is part of an extensive career in politics that gave Rice opportunities to get to know people and issues in manufacturing, agriculture, and the rural Midwest.

“He brings a unique understanding of the industry and a deep appreciation for the companies this Association represents,” Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt said. “He is a relationship builder with ideas on how to make our Association more indispensable to members.”