Heartbeat
Heartbeat The Pulse of Heartland Co-op August, 2008 Heartland’s auditing firm, Schnoes & Dahm, recently reported the financial results of the 2007-08 fiscal year to the Heartland Board of Directors. It was reported that we have experienced another very successful year. Matter of fact with the strong efforts of the entire team, we have been able to set record levels for financial results at Heartland. These results were accomplished despite the fact that we integrated two separate merged cooperatives into Heartland over this past year and that our industry continues to face ongoing challenges. Whether you have been with Heartland many years or began this past year, we should all feel a sense of accomplishment in this year’s outstanding results.
A Message From Larry Petersen… CEO/General Manager
The following numbers compare the significant key financial performance over the past four years. 2005
2006
2007
2008
Total Sales
$259 million
$250 million
$345 million
$764 million
Total Earnings
$4.29 million
$5.20 million
$7.19 million
$13.08 million
Local Earnings
$2.63 million
$3.40 million
$4.05 million
$8.72 million
The official announcement and detailed results will be shared at the annual meeting. The annual meetings will be held at Prairie Meadows Conference Center on September 9. We will hold two meetings on that date this year. The first beginning at 12:00 noon with lunch and the evening meeting will begin with dinner at 6:30 p.m. At that meeting specific allocation rates will be announced and patronage checks will be distributed. I encourage all employees to attend one of the annual meetings to show your support of Heartland Co-op. On a related matter, the triggering level of the profit sharing plan approved by the Board of Directors for the 2007-08 fiscal year has been met. The profit sharing checks will be issued soon. Congratulations and thank you for the part that you played in making 2007-08 a successful year for Heartland Co-op.
Heartland Co-op Family Day 2008 at Principal Park Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 7:05 pm. Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Royals A picnic meal in the mezzanine area of all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad and soda — 90 minutes prior to game. Serving from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. only!
DID YOU GET SIGNED UP?!?!?! Don’t forget that the 2008 Heartland Co-op Wellness Program drawing is rapidly approaching its deadline in November. On November 30, 2008, any employee that has participated in the online Wellness Program and has earned 25 or more points, will be eligible for the $2,500 vacation package and (5) $500 gift card drawing. You can still get entered and earn your points by visiting www.heartlandcoopwellness.com. The password is “heartland”. You will be prompted to set up a user name and password and begin to learn about healthy life styles and earn your points. If you have any questions, please contact Kendra Kehoe at 800-542-7887.
We extend our sympathy to Brad and Deb Moses (ALLEMAN) on the July 15th passing of Deb’s 89 year old Father, Rollie Shover of Anamosa, IA. Rollie was happily married for 67 years to Lillian who proceeded him in death in December of 2007. To their marriage they added 7 daughters (3 of which were triplets...Deb being one of them) and before his passing, Rollie saw 5 generations of grandchildren.
Larry Wetjen….. Marengo Location Larry is the Location Manager at Marengo. He and his wife, Wanda, live in rural Marengo and have three grown children, Callie, Rebecca and Rachael. Larry’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, scuba diving off coasts of Mexico and Florida (a whole different world he says), and also getting involved in bringing awareness to everyone around of environmental issues and education.
Looking for a trade…… Diana Mick in Kellogg is looking to make a trade of a nice wooden 30x66 wooden desk with a LEFT L for a desk with a RIGHT L. Her desk has a pencil drawer, 2 small drawers and 3 file drawers. Please contact her at 641-5268236 or [email protected]
Can Generic Drugs Really Save You Money? Ask yourself this….If you could buy a luxury car with all the bells and whistles for the same price as a basic compact, wouldn’t you do it? This is the same concept with brand-name and generic prescription drugs.
How safe are generic drugs? Generic drugs are held to the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety and performance as brand-name drugs. To earn FDA approval, a generic must deliver the same amount of active ingredients in the same time as the brand name. The FDA also requires generics to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs. This assures you receive quality at a fraction of the cost.
How to Get the Most Out of the $4 Generic Programs The $4 generic programs offered by many pharmacies are a great way to stretch your health care dollars further. These tips can help you make the most of the various $4 generic programs. Currently Taking a Generic Drug ► Get the name of the drug(s) you are taking from the bottle. ► Find out if the drug is on the pharmacy’s $4 generic list; each pharmacy’s $4 list is different. ► If your drugs in on one of the $4 lists, go to one of those pharmacies the next time you need a refill. Currently Taking a Brand Name Drug-Option One ► Take your prescription to a pharmacy offering a $4 generic program. ► Ask the pharmacists if the drug is available as a generic. ► If your drug is available as a generic, then ask the pharmacists if the drug is on the pharmacy $4 list. ► Ask the pharmacist to switch you to the generic – a new prescription is not needed; even if the generic is not part of the $4 program, you still most likely save on your out-of-pocket costs. Currently taking a Brand Name Drug-Option Two ► Take your prescription to a pharmacy offering $4 generic program. ► Ask the pharmacist if the drug is available as a generic. ► If the answer is “no”, ask the pharmacists if there is a similar drug you could take that is on the pharmacy’s $4 list. ► Ask the pharmacist to mark possible options on the pharmacy’s $4 list (most pharmacies have printed copies at the counter) as well as any other generic options. ► Take the list to your doctor and ask if any of the options could work for you; if the answer is “yes”, your doctor will write you a new prescription and you can start saving at your next refill. Final Tips ► Remember, each company’s $4 generic lists are different. ► Get copies of the various $4 lists for pharmacies that you may use. ► Share the different lists with your doctor to see if there are savings options. ► Always show your Wellmark Id card; if a drug is part of a $4 program, you’ll still only be charged $4 even if you cost share is normally higher. ► Even if the generic is not on the $4 list, generic drugs are usually your best value.
Kerra Swenson…… Jewell Location Jewell is Kerra’s hometown. She and her husband, James, live in rural Jewell today and have a grown daughter, Cassie, and an 11 year old son, Trevor. Kerra’s hobbies include cooking and entertaining. She also likes to go camping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter, so she has the full year covered. Her position with Heartland Co-op at the Jewell location is Counter Sales and she adds….. “I feel blessed to be part of such a great company.”
John Oberhart retires after 38 years at Mingo Location…… Originally from Elgin, IL, John Oberhart has been with the Mingo location since 1970, at which time it was called the Pulley Grain Co. In 1977 he became a part owner of the facilities after a fire destroyed the elevator, feed mill and offices at the location. The company was then renamed Mingo Feed and Grain Company. John had a major part in putting up the elevator and office that are there today. In 1987 the FCE of Prairie City purchased the Mingo Feed and Grain Company and John stayed on as the Location Manager. Then, with the merger in 2002 of Heartland Co-op and FCE, John joined ranks with Heartland. John retired as of June 30, 2008, and from what I understand is doing a lot of golfing and maybe some traveling, but most definitely enjoying his grandchildren. A retirement party was held in his honor at the Mingo Community Center on July 11th. Craig Schmidt, Central Region Manager, presented John with a beautiful wrist watch as many friends and family gathered to celebrate John…...and his wife, Jan, who had retired her position with the Heartland Co-op Prairie City location in December, 2007. All of Heartland Co-op extends best wishes for many retirement years for both John and Jan Oberhart.
***FOR SALE*** 1995 Caterpillar Forklift limit 3500#, 3 stage, low hours, runs on gravel Diana Mick (KELLOGG) 641-526-8236 or [email protected]
Mallory Anne Wohlers born March 22, 2008
Dad & Mom: Kody & Corrie Wohlers, Council Bluffs, IA
Grandpa & Grandma:
Craig & Jane Schmidt (CENTRAL REGION MANAGER)
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL!!!
September
September
Employee Birthdays Kevin Funk Herman Van Zee Gary Argo Amanda Morris John Bates Thomas Blackford Randall Johnson Craig Mommer Craig Schmidt Chad Godwin Carl Vetter George Wagner Ann Hosek Donald Nolin Michael Hanson John Pool Loren Schnathorst Marlin Brittian Ryan Lemke Carrol Michael Jennifer Prough Tracy Stevens David Verdeck Lori Berhow Matthew Goodman Douglas Carpenter David Tipton Daniel Trunnel Michael Higgs Joseph Trimpe Benjamin Whitaker Jeffery Dubberke Pamela Gruhn Christopher Jennings Dirk Benn Clinton Orth John Braymen William Radebaugh Seth Aswegan Richard Boatwright Michael Gross Bonnie Melton Darwin Hoskinson Don Laird Harlan Possehl Warren Bonker Carol Fisher Kenneth Schaefer Gary Hunzelman Patrick O'Leary Michael Silhanek
09/02 09/02 09/03 09/03 09/04 09/04 09/04 09/05 09/05 09/06 09/07 09/07 09/10 09/11 09/12 09/12 09/12 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/14 09/15 09/16 09/16 09/18 09/20 09/20 09/21 09/22 09/22 09/22 09/23 09/23 09/24 09/24 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/27 09/27 09/27 09/28 09/28 09/29 09/30 09/30 09/30
Anniversary Hire Dates Minburn Prairie City Kellogg Chelsea Malcom Indianola Pickering WDM WDM Redfield Madrid Indianola Elberon Prairie city Stanhope Prairie City Gilman Booneville WDM Madrid Kellogg Montezuma Belle Plaine Randall Colo Mingo Rippey Prairie City Slater Conroy Colo Randall Kellogg Conroy WDM Lincoln WDM Rippey Grundy Center Avon Booneville Collins Minburn Minburn Conroy Panora Stanhope Conroy Conroy Waukee Elberon
Pete Peterson Guy Doud Carol Fisher Joseph Stork Roberta Jacobi David Tomlinson Lowell DeReus David Van Heiden Jerald Fintel Kerry Harder Dennis McLeod Jay Foster Charles Gunn Craig Orr Shawn Schnathorst Angela Tessau Robert Ricketts Joe Shield Terry Hoy Kathy Kucera Chad Godwin Jeffrey Jones Anthony Kupka Don Laird Mitchell Sheets Larry Wetjen Leland Morrison Brenda Boeck Steven Streeper Marvin Beerends Mark Havens Douglas Henle Joh Stubbs Robert DeVries Nicholas Horbach Brian Minser Neal Tapken Scott Wright Gary Bensley Thomas Cleveland Richard Collins Kenneth Hunt Nathan Rauch Matthew Richardson Eric Sieh Mark Swan David Wagner Randel Wahlert Karl Hartwell Dustin West
1961 1972 1973 1975 1976 1978 1980 1980 1990 1990 1990 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007
Redfield Kellogg Stanhope Waukee Belle Plaine Prairie City Prairie City Reinbeck Elberon Blairstown Belle Plaine Panora Rippey WDM Kellogg Reinbeck Conroy Booneville Booneville Traer Redfield Prairie City Marengo Minburn Redfield Marengo Lincoln Panora Conroy Prairie City Melbourne Belle Plaine Kellogg Prairie City Pickering Melbourne WDM Waukee Avon Stanhope Avon Stanhope Reinbeck Waukee Reinbeck Minburn Jewell Redfield Traer Jewell
FAREWELL to all! This August issue of the Heartland Co-op employee Heartbeat newsletter will be my final issue as I am retiring this year. I have worked with Heartland since 1993 in various capacities. This is an excellent company to work for and I have enjoyed doing the work that gave me the opportunity to get out and meet many of you employees as well. May I extend my very best to all of you and to Heartland Co-op!! Thank you all for tolerating me and my camera! ☺☺☺ Cindy Williamson
A Message From Larry Petersen… CEO/General Manager
The following numbers compare the significant key financial performance over the past four years. 2005
2006
2007
2008
Total Sales
$259 million
$250 million
$345 million
$764 million
Total Earnings
$4.29 million
$5.20 million
$7.19 million
$13.08 million
Local Earnings
$2.63 million
$3.40 million
$4.05 million
$8.72 million
The official announcement and detailed results will be shared at the annual meeting. The annual meetings will be held at Prairie Meadows Conference Center on September 9. We will hold two meetings on that date this year. The first beginning at 12:00 noon with lunch and the evening meeting will begin with dinner at 6:30 p.m. At that meeting specific allocation rates will be announced and patronage checks will be distributed. I encourage all employees to attend one of the annual meetings to show your support of Heartland Co-op. On a related matter, the triggering level of the profit sharing plan approved by the Board of Directors for the 2007-08 fiscal year has been met. The profit sharing checks will be issued soon. Congratulations and thank you for the part that you played in making 2007-08 a successful year for Heartland Co-op.
Heartland Co-op Family Day 2008 at Principal Park Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 7:05 pm. Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha Royals A picnic meal in the mezzanine area of all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad and soda — 90 minutes prior to game. Serving from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. only!
DID YOU GET SIGNED UP?!?!?! Don’t forget that the 2008 Heartland Co-op Wellness Program drawing is rapidly approaching its deadline in November. On November 30, 2008, any employee that has participated in the online Wellness Program and has earned 25 or more points, will be eligible for the $2,500 vacation package and (5) $500 gift card drawing. You can still get entered and earn your points by visiting www.heartlandcoopwellness.com. The password is “heartland”. You will be prompted to set up a user name and password and begin to learn about healthy life styles and earn your points. If you have any questions, please contact Kendra Kehoe at 800-542-7887.
We extend our sympathy to Brad and Deb Moses (ALLEMAN) on the July 15th passing of Deb’s 89 year old Father, Rollie Shover of Anamosa, IA. Rollie was happily married for 67 years to Lillian who proceeded him in death in December of 2007. To their marriage they added 7 daughters (3 of which were triplets...Deb being one of them) and before his passing, Rollie saw 5 generations of grandchildren.
Larry Wetjen….. Marengo Location Larry is the Location Manager at Marengo. He and his wife, Wanda, live in rural Marengo and have three grown children, Callie, Rebecca and Rachael. Larry’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, scuba diving off coasts of Mexico and Florida (a whole different world he says), and also getting involved in bringing awareness to everyone around of environmental issues and education.
Looking for a trade…… Diana Mick in Kellogg is looking to make a trade of a nice wooden 30x66 wooden desk with a LEFT L for a desk with a RIGHT L. Her desk has a pencil drawer, 2 small drawers and 3 file drawers. Please contact her at 641-5268236 or [email protected]
Can Generic Drugs Really Save You Money? Ask yourself this….If you could buy a luxury car with all the bells and whistles for the same price as a basic compact, wouldn’t you do it? This is the same concept with brand-name and generic prescription drugs.
How safe are generic drugs? Generic drugs are held to the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety and performance as brand-name drugs. To earn FDA approval, a generic must deliver the same amount of active ingredients in the same time as the brand name. The FDA also requires generics to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs. This assures you receive quality at a fraction of the cost.
How to Get the Most Out of the $4 Generic Programs The $4 generic programs offered by many pharmacies are a great way to stretch your health care dollars further. These tips can help you make the most of the various $4 generic programs. Currently Taking a Generic Drug ► Get the name of the drug(s) you are taking from the bottle. ► Find out if the drug is on the pharmacy’s $4 generic list; each pharmacy’s $4 list is different. ► If your drugs in on one of the $4 lists, go to one of those pharmacies the next time you need a refill. Currently Taking a Brand Name Drug-Option One ► Take your prescription to a pharmacy offering a $4 generic program. ► Ask the pharmacists if the drug is available as a generic. ► If your drug is available as a generic, then ask the pharmacists if the drug is on the pharmacy $4 list. ► Ask the pharmacist to switch you to the generic – a new prescription is not needed; even if the generic is not part of the $4 program, you still most likely save on your out-of-pocket costs. Currently taking a Brand Name Drug-Option Two ► Take your prescription to a pharmacy offering $4 generic program. ► Ask the pharmacist if the drug is available as a generic. ► If the answer is “no”, ask the pharmacists if there is a similar drug you could take that is on the pharmacy’s $4 list. ► Ask the pharmacist to mark possible options on the pharmacy’s $4 list (most pharmacies have printed copies at the counter) as well as any other generic options. ► Take the list to your doctor and ask if any of the options could work for you; if the answer is “yes”, your doctor will write you a new prescription and you can start saving at your next refill. Final Tips ► Remember, each company’s $4 generic lists are different. ► Get copies of the various $4 lists for pharmacies that you may use. ► Share the different lists with your doctor to see if there are savings options. ► Always show your Wellmark Id card; if a drug is part of a $4 program, you’ll still only be charged $4 even if you cost share is normally higher. ► Even if the generic is not on the $4 list, generic drugs are usually your best value.
Kerra Swenson…… Jewell Location Jewell is Kerra’s hometown. She and her husband, James, live in rural Jewell today and have a grown daughter, Cassie, and an 11 year old son, Trevor. Kerra’s hobbies include cooking and entertaining. She also likes to go camping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter, so she has the full year covered. Her position with Heartland Co-op at the Jewell location is Counter Sales and she adds….. “I feel blessed to be part of such a great company.”
John Oberhart retires after 38 years at Mingo Location…… Originally from Elgin, IL, John Oberhart has been with the Mingo location since 1970, at which time it was called the Pulley Grain Co. In 1977 he became a part owner of the facilities after a fire destroyed the elevator, feed mill and offices at the location. The company was then renamed Mingo Feed and Grain Company. John had a major part in putting up the elevator and office that are there today. In 1987 the FCE of Prairie City purchased the Mingo Feed and Grain Company and John stayed on as the Location Manager. Then, with the merger in 2002 of Heartland Co-op and FCE, John joined ranks with Heartland. John retired as of June 30, 2008, and from what I understand is doing a lot of golfing and maybe some traveling, but most definitely enjoying his grandchildren. A retirement party was held in his honor at the Mingo Community Center on July 11th. Craig Schmidt, Central Region Manager, presented John with a beautiful wrist watch as many friends and family gathered to celebrate John…...and his wife, Jan, who had retired her position with the Heartland Co-op Prairie City location in December, 2007. All of Heartland Co-op extends best wishes for many retirement years for both John and Jan Oberhart.
***FOR SALE*** 1995 Caterpillar Forklift limit 3500#, 3 stage, low hours, runs on gravel Diana Mick (KELLOGG) 641-526-8236 or [email protected]
Mallory Anne Wohlers born March 22, 2008
Dad & Mom: Kody & Corrie Wohlers, Council Bluffs, IA
Grandpa & Grandma:
Craig & Jane Schmidt (CENTRAL REGION MANAGER)
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL!!!
September
September
Employee Birthdays Kevin Funk Herman Van Zee Gary Argo Amanda Morris John Bates Thomas Blackford Randall Johnson Craig Mommer Craig Schmidt Chad Godwin Carl Vetter George Wagner Ann Hosek Donald Nolin Michael Hanson John Pool Loren Schnathorst Marlin Brittian Ryan Lemke Carrol Michael Jennifer Prough Tracy Stevens David Verdeck Lori Berhow Matthew Goodman Douglas Carpenter David Tipton Daniel Trunnel Michael Higgs Joseph Trimpe Benjamin Whitaker Jeffery Dubberke Pamela Gruhn Christopher Jennings Dirk Benn Clinton Orth John Braymen William Radebaugh Seth Aswegan Richard Boatwright Michael Gross Bonnie Melton Darwin Hoskinson Don Laird Harlan Possehl Warren Bonker Carol Fisher Kenneth Schaefer Gary Hunzelman Patrick O'Leary Michael Silhanek
09/02 09/02 09/03 09/03 09/04 09/04 09/04 09/05 09/05 09/06 09/07 09/07 09/10 09/11 09/12 09/12 09/12 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/13 09/14 09/15 09/16 09/16 09/18 09/20 09/20 09/21 09/22 09/22 09/22 09/23 09/23 09/24 09/24 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/27 09/27 09/27 09/28 09/28 09/29 09/30 09/30 09/30
Anniversary Hire Dates Minburn Prairie City Kellogg Chelsea Malcom Indianola Pickering WDM WDM Redfield Madrid Indianola Elberon Prairie city Stanhope Prairie City Gilman Booneville WDM Madrid Kellogg Montezuma Belle Plaine Randall Colo Mingo Rippey Prairie City Slater Conroy Colo Randall Kellogg Conroy WDM Lincoln WDM Rippey Grundy Center Avon Booneville Collins Minburn Minburn Conroy Panora Stanhope Conroy Conroy Waukee Elberon
Pete Peterson Guy Doud Carol Fisher Joseph Stork Roberta Jacobi David Tomlinson Lowell DeReus David Van Heiden Jerald Fintel Kerry Harder Dennis McLeod Jay Foster Charles Gunn Craig Orr Shawn Schnathorst Angela Tessau Robert Ricketts Joe Shield Terry Hoy Kathy Kucera Chad Godwin Jeffrey Jones Anthony Kupka Don Laird Mitchell Sheets Larry Wetjen Leland Morrison Brenda Boeck Steven Streeper Marvin Beerends Mark Havens Douglas Henle Joh Stubbs Robert DeVries Nicholas Horbach Brian Minser Neal Tapken Scott Wright Gary Bensley Thomas Cleveland Richard Collins Kenneth Hunt Nathan Rauch Matthew Richardson Eric Sieh Mark Swan David Wagner Randel Wahlert Karl Hartwell Dustin West
1961 1972 1973 1975 1976 1978 1980 1980 1990 1990 1990 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007
Redfield Kellogg Stanhope Waukee Belle Plaine Prairie City Prairie City Reinbeck Elberon Blairstown Belle Plaine Panora Rippey WDM Kellogg Reinbeck Conroy Booneville Booneville Traer Redfield Prairie City Marengo Minburn Redfield Marengo Lincoln Panora Conroy Prairie City Melbourne Belle Plaine Kellogg Prairie City Pickering Melbourne WDM Waukee Avon Stanhope Avon Stanhope Reinbeck Waukee Reinbeck Minburn Jewell Redfield Traer Jewell
FAREWELL to all! This August issue of the Heartland Co-op employee Heartbeat newsletter will be my final issue as I am retiring this year. I have worked with Heartland since 1993 in various capacities. This is an excellent company to work for and I have enjoyed doing the work that gave me the opportunity to get out and meet many of you employees as well. May I extend my very best to all of you and to Heartland Co-op!! Thank you all for tolerating me and my camera! ☺☺☺ Cindy Williamson
