Cooperative Values Quality Product; Quality Package 20 Couples ...

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r o t a r O l c e x E

Spring 2006

Cooperative Values Unlike most other supply businesses, a cooperative truly has a vested interest in helping you achieve your goals. Because we are owned and controlled by our customers, Excel Co-op operates for one purpose: to enhance the profitability and success of local members. We take very seriously the role we have as stewards of this business you own, and the responsibility we have to contribute to this community. I hope you find that there is a meaningful difference between doing business with a co-op and doing business with any other supplier. In this ever-impersonal and competitive business world, you have a choice when it comes to inputs, services and seed. We are thankful for every opportunity you give us to work beside you to achieve your goals. If you should have any questions about the products, services, people or business practices of Excel Co-op, please don’t hesitate to call me. George Green, Excel Co-op GM

Quality Product; Quality Package

Lucky Petroleum Sales Professional Aaron Selke climbs behind the wheel of this gorgeous 2006 Kenworth to serve customers in Carroll and Clinton Counties. It’s the Co-op’s first tandemaxle tankwagon, with a 4,000-gallon capacity. Aaron is very proud of it, and he’d be happy to deliver fuel to your farm or commercial business tanks today. Not to be outdone, George Willis is now driving this 2006 Volvo #430 to help keep tanks supplied with product. Both trucks are on the go all the time for customers. Watch for them out on the road near you!

20 Couples Enjoy Getaway Weekend Activities On the weekend of February 24, Excel Co-op and North Central Co-op hosted 20 young farm couples from their respective trade territories at the Marriott North in Indianapolis. The weekend program focused on cooperative education in an informal and enjoyable way. One of the goals of the program was for the young couples to make friendships that will continue in the future. The young farm couples were welcomed by Darrell Smith, North Central Co-op President and CEO, and George Green, Excel Co-op General Manager. The program consisted of presentations on co-op education by NCC’s Ron Pettet and team building exercises by Excel’s Jerry Hendress. Land O’ Lakes Regional Co-op Divisions (Agronomy, Feed and Energy) also presented valuable information regarding how they are positioned to meet farmers’ needs in the changing agricultural environment. Steve Salomon (Excel Co-op’s Risk Manager) presented a very informative PowerPoint presentation on environmental and safety issues faced by the agricultural community today. After the day’s activities, the group enjoyed a performance of “Phantom” at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater. Excel Co-op plans to make this a yearly event to educate our young farm couples on the value of the cooperative system in their farming operations and their communities.

www.excelcoop.com Toll-Free: (888) 233-9235 Office: (574) 583-7656 Bringhurst: (574) 967-4185 Chalmers: (574) 984-5353 Flora: (574) 967-4166 Idaville: (574) 583-8604 Reynolds Elevator: (574) 984-5682 Reynolds Plant Food: (574) 984-5950

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Security

Business Update...

Speed A new bulk plant recently opened for truck loading at Chalmers Petroleum. The 180,000-gallon facility is completely diked and offers spill pads for loading and unloading. An inside loading building allows drivers to load trucks in inclement weather, while also helping to meet stricter security and spill containment regulations. High-volume pumps offer product loading in excess of 200 gallons-per-minute, reducing loading time by 50 to 60 percent! Equipped with wireless monitors, all tank inventories can be viewed remotely. The new load rack is tied directly into the Gasboy terminal located in the C-Store and allows for truck-specific loading information. A few finishing touches remain such as fencing, painting and signage, but this new investment is already helping us serve customers more quickly and efficiently in Chalmers and the surrounding counties.

Stockment Honored

Petroleum Department Manager Greg Stockment would not tell you himself, but he was recently named Petroleum Manager of the Year by our supplier, Countrymark Co-op. Under Greg’s direction, our team has grown fuel volume, made enhancements to facilities and also volunteered their leadership and expertise at the BioTown kick off this year. It has been a busy (but productive) 12 months for Greg and the entire Energy team. We’re proud of him and of the award he earned!

SPRING OPEN HOUSE! Please stop at the Flora Store’s Spring Open House on May 13 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. We’re planning a festive day, offering lots of fresh ideas for Mother’s Day gifts, plus terrific spring pricing on flower flats, hanging baskets, gas grills, bird feed supplies, gardening materials, gates, and just about anything else you need to increase your enjoyment of the outdoors! Maybe Mom would want to come along? See you there.

As our members are likely aware, the directors and leadership group of Excel Co-op continue to evaluate any business opportunities which will help strengthen and add value to this cooperative you own. The recent merger considerations between Excel and two neighboring co-ops revealed many potential synergies and advantages, but proved to be a commitment we are not ready to make at this point in time. We will keep you informed in the future of any opportunities as they develop.

Investing in Ag’s Future

Excel Co-op regularly supports the educational efforts of local students. This year, several scholarships have been awarded to students who will pursue ag studies in the years to come. They include: n Helen Louise Morrow Scholarship Kristy Flora, Delphi High School n Jerry Fisher Memorial Scholarship Jordan Scott, Carroll High School Kendal Ross, Delphi High School n Robert Ruemler Memorial Scholarship Andrew Federer, Tri-County High School Pete Crowel, Twin Lakes High School Congratulations to these young people on their plans to pursue further education in the great industry of agriculture.

See You at the Fair It’s a fact... 4-H brings out America’s best! We’ll see you at the Fairs: Carroll County Fair: July 7-14 White County Fair: July 15-20 Indiana State Fair: August 9-20

ULSD Makes News

ed r e v o C u o Y Got

You may have heard about the transition to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in the news. If not, you will! That’s because the EPA has mandated that fuel refiners (including our own Countrymark Co-op) begin making a gradual transition to a lower sulfur on-road diesel fuel product in order to reduce particulates and emissions in the air. Rest assured, Excel Co-op is well prepared. We’re ready to roll with the premium diesel you’ve come to expect from the Co-op, featuring high cetane, maximum horsepower efficiency and enhanced lubricity (with soy!). Co-op fuel delivers power, performance and protection to your engine.

Mission: Enhance profitability of the members and their cooperative. Maximize resources to provide quality products and services at competitive prices. Aggressively adapt to the changing needs of the agricultural community. Adhere to sound and ethical practices.