Grain Systems Electrical Workshop

GROWMARK Grain Systems, together with American Trainco, sponsored a two-day, in-depth, hands-on electrical training seminar for grain systems personnel. The course covered topics including: electrical fundamentals, safety, the National Electrical Code, installing and wiring equipment, electrical maintenance, basic troubleshooting, motors, and preventative maintenance.

On completion of the seminar, the 20 participants had the opportunity to take an online test for certification by the Maintenance Training Association of the Americas and 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEU's).

"This class got rave reviews from the participants," said Randy Holthaus, GROWMARK grain systems marketing manager. "The trainer was very good, and the hands-on component meant the students could build their own circuits and ask questions to make sure they understood."

American Trainco offers similar courses in other skills, and Holthaus said he hopes to offer a variety of those in the future.

Ag-Land FS Assists With Fire Training

Ag-Land FS, Inc., headquartered in Pekin, Ill., provided LP-gas for a recent Illinois Fire Service Institute training held in Morton. The training was attended by 24 firefighters from the Morton, Deer Creek, and Tremont Fire Departments.

Participants completed a classroom session, then received hands-on training on controlling an LP-gas tank fire, which they might encounter at a home or business. Firefighters were shown several techniques for controlling and extinguishing such a fire.

Ag-Land FS has participated in seven similar trainings for the Chillicothe, Delavan, Princeville, and Morton Fire Departments. Funding from the Illinois Propane Education and Research Council helps cover instructors' fees and supplies.

Assisting from Ag-Land FS were Chad Hancock, propane salesman; John Papenhause, EMS; and Sue Fehlhafer, marketing assistant.

Propane Marketing Clinic Held

Propane salespeople from throughout the GROWMARK System recently attended a two-day marketing clinic organized by GROWMARK's Energy Division in Bloomington, Ill.

The clinic included sessions on understanding market segments and positioning propane among other energy options, using the Comfort Pro program and marketing materials, and training on degree days, K factors, and increasing efficiency.

"The clinic provided information that has already proved helpful in day-to-day customer interactions," said Marion Ertmer, GROWMARK manager, propane marketing & electronic payment systems. "I have already received word that a new propane motor fuel fleet account was acquired as a result of this training, and another employee used the information they gained to teach other propane personnel who were unable to attend."

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to examine a propane-powered Ford F-150.

Calling All Family Members!

Some say the GROWMARK System is like a big family. Working together to improve the profitability of our member-owners fosters lasting friendships and a culture of helpfulness.

But what about the real, flesh-and-blood kind of families? I know there are husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children, making their careers within the GROWMARK System. The May/June issue of Spirit is focused on a variety of relationships, and I'd like to include family ties as well.

I'm looking for photos of those relations. If you'd like to participate, please send them to Karen Jones at kjones@growmark.com or 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701. Paper photos will be scanned and returned. Please use good taste when sending your pictures.

May 15 is the deadline to send your photos. If you could include with them the names, job titles, and cooperative/subsidiary/division where each person pictured works, as well as your family tie, I would appreciate it.

Questions? Call Karen at (309)557-6184. Thank you!

Evergreen FS Wraps Up "Goals for Gas" Promotion

Evergreen FS, Inc., Bloomington, Ill., recently completed its Goals for Gas promotion with the Blooomington Prairie Thunder hockey team. The program gave hockey fans two cents off per gallon of gas for each goal the Prairie Thunder scored at home games at participating FAST STOP locations in central Illinois. Patrons could also enter to win a $500 gas card at the last home game of the season.

The grand prize winner was Ed Ruhrup, a regular FAST STOP customer. He received his prize on the ice during the second intermission from Don Herring, energy department manager, and Monica Thomas, energy marketing assistant. Thomas also participated in the pre-game honorary puck drop.

McGinnis Honored by ISU College of Business

Retired GROWMARK Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Services Vern McGinnis was recently inducted into the Illinois State University College of Business Hall of Fame.

McGinnis served as president of the college's Advisory Council for 10 years and was instrumental in establishing leadership programs for GROWMARK employees and directors through the College of Business faculty.

At McGinnis's induction ceremony, GROWMARK CEO Bill Davisson also announced the formation of the GROWMARK-Vern McGinnis Endowed Leadership Scholarship Fund to support outstanding sophomore or junior students enrolled in the college.

ILMA Scholarships Available

GROWMARK and FS member cooperative employees and their children are eligible for scholarships from the Society of Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA).



To be eligible, applicants must: be a citizen in a North American country, attend or be enrolled in a college or university in North America, register as a full-time student, and have a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average. Preference will be given to those with majors in math, science, and engineering.



For more information and an application, visit http://www.ilma.org// and click on the Scholarship Program link on the left side of the home page.