When I was reminded this would be the ‘Holiday’ edition of our Leader magazine, it was like a cold splash of water in my face. My first reaction was, “Wow!” Where did the time go? Then I thought to myself, it’s been that kind of year with so much going on, so many things to do and so many places to be. The calendar’s open, then it’s not. No wonder time passes so fast. And now, what do I say in this year–end message? What kind of year has it been? Our performance? Our people? The outlook for the future? Sounds good to me, so here goes.
2007 Performance, not Bad, not Bad at All
Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day grind we don’t stop to appreciate what’s going on around us. Yes, we measure and report our performance each month to our board and staff, but you can’t really tell how you have done until all the pieces of the puzzle have been placed together. And now we have enough of the pieces in place to safely say 2007 will be another solid year. Maybe not as eye catching as the most recent years, but maybe, considering the economy, more acceptable from a long-term point of view. The Association should end the year meeting, or exceeding, previous year’s performance in almost every category including earnings, asset quality, asset volume, asset administration quality and customer satisfaction. Considering 2006 was a record year, and considering the economic slow down, our staff and your Association will have a solid 2007.
Our People
Our directors and staff continue to amaze me. They “own” their jobs and are committed to making this organization the best it can be. Countless hours are given to provide outstanding and dependable customer service and financial services. Financial services with the intent of maintaining long-term relationships and financial stability to all parties involved. Remember, Farm Credit of North Florida has been serving our North Florida community since 1933 (some say 1916). Our goal has always been long-term service, not short-term gain.
Our community is very important to all of us. Our customers, our board and our staff play huge roles not only in the economy of North Florida, but also in the well being of its people by providing leadership and participation in countless civic organizations and charity campaigns. Chambers of Commerce, March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Children’s Miracle Network (Log-A-Load for Kids) and many more are part of our daily efforts to make our community a better place to live for all of our neighbors. During the second week of October, more than 40 of our employees were involved in helping raise over $30,000.00 for Shands Children’s Hospital and $3,000.00 for the American Heart Association. All of our staff worked hard supporting these campaigns, but none worked harder than Billy DeVore and Don Dean. Both of these gentlemen have given to this Association and our customers for many years, and both will be retiring later this year. Just a note about Billy and Don:
Billy deVore has been “The Face of Farm Credit” in North Florida for 40 years. He has set an example of integrity, honesty and dedication to the Association, our customers, our community, and most of all, to his family. Billy has done whatever has been asked of him and has always gone the extra mile to serve Farm Credit. We celebrate with Billy over his retirement. He has paid his dues, done his job and made us all better for being around him. We wish him well and promise to provide him a first-class rocking chair when he visits. And, we pray for his wife Kay, who will be seeing much more of him.
Don Dean will be retiring at year-end after 20 years of service. Don, as our marketing and public relations manager, has worked tirelessly to promote the Association and serve our members and our community. Don has given many, many hours to promote, organize and carry out the hundreds of events we participate in each year. The Florida Forestry Association, Log-A-Load for Kids golf tournament, county fairs, youth livestock shows, and many more have all benefited from Don’s dedication and energy. And like Billy, we wish him well. He has paid his dues, done his job, and helped make this a better place to work.
We sincerely appreciate both Billy and Don’s service. Who knows, maybe we’ll provide both of them rocking chairs, set them out front and let them welcome everyone. We would all benefit.
2008
Don’t really know what’s ahead for any of us. We’ve all read about the economic storm clouds and the “sub-prime” problem impacting the financial markets. Please understand, we did not venture into the sub-prime market. All I can say is that we will continue to follow our core values, the values that have served us and our customers well for many years. Please remember, we understand that sometimes financial plans do not always work the way we had hoped. Crop failure, weather, illness, economic slowdown or a job loss can’t always be counted for. The best way to address financial difficulties is through early and thorough communication with your lender. Usually, when there is good communication, a solution can be found. We are a strong financial institution with outstanding, experienced lenders who know financial management. Because of our diversity and solid asset base we do not expect significant problems, but we are also realistic and good listeners.
We all have much to be thankful for. Let us all use Thanksgiving to take time to realize our many blessings and give thanks for where we live and what we have. And let us all say a prayer for the men and women who are protecting us, the place we live and our freedom to say our prayers.
And let’s wish all a Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth. We are truly blessed.
Thanks very much to all of you,
J. Charles Thompson
President and Chief Executive Officer
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