Grain Journal - January/February 2009 - (Page 69) OPERATIONS PROFILE Dennis Neeland Operations Manager Great Bend Coop Association Great Bend, KS • 620-793-3531 Best cost-cutting idea: “Improve efficiency in grain handling equipment. We upgraded several facilities with faster legs, drags, and bigger pits. We also added additional dump pits at several locations.” Best new product/service: “Point of Scale computer program to automatically post incoming and outgoing grain. This does away with hand tickets. Installing additional storage and equipment. By upgrading from a 6,000 bph facility to a 15,000 bph facility, we were able to reclaim lost customers.” Biggest challenge: “Figuring out how to justify additions and improvements at locations.” Best grain quality idea: “Myself and branch managers train employees at the scale and elevator on what to look for in grain quality, both in inbound and outbound shipments.” Biggest influence on career: “From previous and present general managers, I have been able to glean the best styles and remember the worst.” Hobbies: “Traveling, hunting, fishing, and walking our dogs.” Notables: “Instilling a good work ethic in my children. Being fair and equitable to patrons and customers I deal with.” If I wasn’t in the grain industry, I would: “Be involved in the petroleum industry.” Response No. 691 Years with company: 32 Years in industry: 32 Born: Oct. 21, 1955; Great Bend, KS. Family: Wife, Rosalind; daughter, Hillary; son, Graham. Education: 1974: Great Bend High School. Career: 1976-80: General labor, Great Bend Coop Association, Great Bend, KS. 1980-96: Feed department manager. 1996-2008: Operations manager. Best employee relations idea: “Listen to their ideas, and give credit where credit is due. Spend time on workers’ compensation issues to make the workplace safer and reduce claims.” Key to success: “Keep customer-focused and be fair and equitable.” Best management idea: “Lead employees by example. Try to coach, not dictate.” J/F GJ 69 http://www.westeel.com http://www.westeel.com
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