In this behind the scenes, two GreenStone employees share their work and passion to serve on GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth committee. The committee has been instrumental in the recent expansion of the program that serves young, beginning and small farmers (YBSF).
Matt Alt Senior Financial Services Officer 7 years of service
How does your role tie into your work with the development of the new CultivateGrowth program?
As a loan officer, I am meeting and talking with young, beginning and small farmers often. I have the opportunity to discuss what is working for them as well as any pain points they may be running into when applying for credit or starting their farming career. This gives me a great perspective.
Why are you passionate about supporting YBSF?
Growing up on a farm, I have many family and friends that are YBSF right now. They face the same obstacles and challenges that we are trying to address with this new program.
How will the expanded program benefit your customers?
I think the program offers a lot of great educational opportunities. They can apply𠊏or a grant to assist with costs of conference registration, industry educational classes or general finance classes. Also, we have a mentor program that can pair them with another farmer to learn and gain experience.
What change in the program are you most excited to share with YBSF customers?
I am excited to share the many different options YBSF applicants will have with the expanded program. Each request and situation is different; some may be best suited for a direct GreenStone loan, others may benefit from joint financing with GreenStone and FSA. We want to work together to establish a structure that meets their goals and sets them up for long term success.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. We like to go camping and hiking in Northern Michigan in the summer and try to get out ice fishing as much as we can in the winter.
Zachary Nielsen Credit Analyst 4 years of services
How does your role tie into your work with the development of the new CultivateGrowth program?
My job is to analyze financial statements and outline strengths and weaknesses of our borrower’s financial position. With this program, we have been working to help customers better understand their financials and key metrics to help them improve their businesses.
Why are you passionate about supporting YBSF?
I do not have any farm background. This gives a firsthand perspective on the barriers to entry in the farming industry that many beginning farmers face.
How will the expanded program benefit your customers?
This program will provide some financial incentives as customers gain knowledge through educational conferences and courses. By working with their financial service officers, some members will be eligible for an interest rate reduction for qualifying loans. This reduction will be given upon completion of various activities. Many of these activities are regarding their business plan and financial statements. This not only helps the customer better understand and manage their business, but also helps GreenStone better understand their business and financial position. This process is mutually beneficial.
What change in the program are you most excited to share with YBSF customers?
My favorite parts of the program are the interest rate reduction and educational activities that help them qualify for the reduction. This will be mutually beneficial for everyone. It also provides the customer time with our GreenStone staff that will lead to relationships that will last for generations.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
To view the article in the online 2022 Winter Partners Magazine, click here.
