Brexit, Farming & Healthcare with Nick Young

It's not very often that we hear directly from a citizen of the United Kingdom about...business. Here you will meet a returning guest, Nick Young the founder of  Nick Young Tractor Parts located in Lincolnshire who has plenty to say about the difficulty and expense associated with Brexit.  How just to sell a tractor or tractor  part to someone in Europe is not only time consuming but also expensive. We also chat a bit about farming there and I asked about the healthcare system in this wide ranging conversation from the NTPDA 2023 Conference and Trade Show held in Nashville. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Intersection of Faith and Business

It's a subject that isn't often discussed. Here you'll meet Dr. Greg Gilbaugh who was a guest during a recent episode of Insight on Business the News Hour, a program that is co-sponsored by NTPDA and hosted by Michael Libbie. After staff listened to the broadcast it was decided that you might enjoy hearing what Dr. GIlbaugh had to say about faith, business and family. Here Greg offers up some thoughts about leadership, mission, employees and how faith can have a role...everywhere. Learn more about Dr. Greg Gilbaugh here and listen to what he has to say...here:

Thank you for being with the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association. As always we're anxious to hear from you.  Coming up soon a conversation with Pat Russell the founder of Russell's Tractor Parts. We think you'll enjoy that as well.

The Summer Bulletin is Out and Online

The newly designed NTPDA Bulletin should be in your mailbox within the next week or so. Inside you'll be able to "Remember When" with some great photos, learn the "financial literacy" secrets to building a more successful business with author Jack Stack. And, yes there is an NTPDA connection. Jack's company owns NTPDA Member Global Recovery Corporation based in Missouri. You'll also hear from our financial advisor Craig Shaver about the importance of trust when it comes to investing. President Trey invites you to join us for our Summer Board Meeting this year in Scottsboro, Alabama. There is some news about the Farm Bill in a Washington, D.C. report. In "Staff Notes" you'll learn what Kim and Michael have been up to over the past several months.

And what is really neat is that you'll be able to meet our 2022 NTPDA Scholarship Recipients. The Board increased the number of students able to receive funds and it's really interesting to read what each of our "Class of 2022" are seeking to do with their education. 

Finally, a big THANK YOU to our many Bulletin advertisers. We've been able to outpace our Spring Edition as more of our members have come to understand that The Bulletin is a great way to showcase products and services and it is mailed to every member in the U.S. and Canada. For those of you who are in other nations know that you can access The Bulletin by clicking this link or simply going to the tab at the top of our website.

Remember, we're here to help you share news and information about your company. Our deadline for the Fall Issue is 17 August. Feel free to send your news and your ads directly to Michael at [email protected]

Here's to a profitable summer!

Meet Our Members - Caterina Ciani & Agri Parts

The wonders of technology can put people together from all over the planet. Today we're in Bologna, Italy with our guest Caterina Ciani the marketing person for Agri Parts. (Who joined NTPDA late last year.) Caterina moved from South Africa to Italy and landed a job with Agri Parts. We talk a bit about this manufacturing hub in the northern part of the country, plus the family business aspect of the company and the issue of high quality parts for agriculture.  We'll also chat a bit about how the company has been able to drive new sales records. A delightful conversation...join us. Oh, and if you've got news about your business let's talk! We would love to share your story. 

Thanks for coming by!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

Meet Our Members - T-Force Logistics with John Roehl

We've all been witness to what has been happening with regard to supply chain issues. Much of what has been going on deals with the trucking industry, dock
workers, mega container ships, high fuel prices and a lack of drivers.. There are multiple issues. Here, during our Annual Conference and Trade Show, we visit with John Roehl from T-Force Worldwide a third party logistics provider doing business globally. So many questions and so many answers plus some thoughts on how to engage younger people into the profession. This is well worth your time....

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

A Global Giant in Ag Parts - Worthington Ag with Mike Winter

From very humble beginnings nearly sixty years ago, Worthington Tractor Parts Inc. has evolved into a company that sees its subsidiaries doing business not only in the Western Hemisphere but also in Australia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Italy and more. My guest is Mike Winter the President of this vast company. Here we talk about the early days, the business growth, what they offer to their customers and some interesting details about a corn-head many farmers laughed at back in the 1980's...but no longer.  Oh, one other thing, Mike gave us an exclusive about a new development that deals with Capello Corn Heads and the U.S as well as he concern about Ukraine. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Nashville 2021 Annual Meeting - Cancelled

In what was a tough decision by the NTPDA Board of Directors the 2021 Nashville Annual Meeting has been cancelled. Over the past several weeks it was becoming more clear that the vast majority of our membership had made the decision to skip the event. This past weekend President Scott and Vice President Trey had some discussions about the numbers and, of course, the bombing which happened just blocks from our hotel. 

President Scott sent a note to each Board Member asking for their input and the group voted 8 to 2 to cancel. President Scott did not vote and would have only done so if there had been a tie.  We will be holding a Board Meeting Conference Call during the time that we had been scheduled for Nashville to accomplish the business of the Association. 

In addition if you had pre-paid your registration we'll be making reimbursements as soon as Kim gets back in the office.  If you made room reservations we urge you to call and cancel as soon as possible.

What's Next?

Now your staff is working to make sure we connect with each member who had indicated they were going to go to Nashville. We are also connecting with the hotel, the restaurant, transportation, the Jack Daniel's Distillery and others involved.  In addition we're also changing up The Bulletin and removing information about our 2021 event.  That issue should be in your hands in the next couple of days.

Now it's on to making plans for our 2021 Summer Meeting which is scheduled for Portland and our 2022 Annual Meeting and Trade Show which is scheduled for California. Our focus will be to create some outstanding events that will help each of our members and their businesses.

On a personal note you need to know that we worked hard to make this happen but in the end it was not to be.  You should also know that NTPDA Leadership took on the task to, behind the scenes, continue to keep everybody in the loop. We've had near daily phone calls and text messages.  Our thanks to President Scott and the entire Board of Directors for their input and work.  Thank you too for being an NTPDA Member...it matters.

Got News?

Every weekday we, at NTPDA, reach out to our current, former and potential members just to check in, thank them for their membership, encourage membership and better explain the benefits of membership. But, long before we get into all of that we explain the reason for our call, "Hi, and thanks for taking our call. We reach out to our members, potential members and past members just to check on you and your business. Tell me, how are things with you and your family?"

We can tell you that the overwhelming response has been very positive. Somebody actually cares and is willing to take the time to reach out. And nearly every call we've been making we're hearing reports that business in the agriculture world is solid. It could be a combination of farmers/ranchers having the time to focus on repair or it could be lower prices are forcing many do DIY or it could be that they are seeing value in their relationship with their parts supplier.

In other words...business is good.

We share that with you for a reason. On each call we learn more about our members and their unique place in their community and how they reach out to customers old and new.

Just like with everything else, if you stay in touch with your customers and keep your business "top of mind" they will more likely continue to do business with you. But, just like we're doing with our membership it all takes time. But, the rewards can be very positive.

One other thing.  Have you got news for us?  

From time to time our membership forgets to let us know about what's going on so that we can share that through our robust social media efforts, here in our
business blog or with other news outlets.

Just a reminder...if you've got news about your business or a story you want to share...like the onion story we heard last week from our member Steven Sparks at Nyssa Tractor & Implement. Check that HUGE yard!  Did you know that the biggest user of onions isn't the consumer but schools and restaurants?  And because so many restaurants and schools have shut down many farmers are having to "dump" their onion crop because it's way too expensive to try to hold them. And...Outback Steakhouse uses those "jumbo onions" for their famous "Bloomin' Onion" and many of them come from onion patches near Nyssa. (Photo - Chicago Tribune)

Who...knew?

So, if you've got a story send it along, we'd love to share.  You can send it to [email protected]

Stay safe and well!

Business News from SparexUSA

In our ongoing effort to keep the members, and friends, of the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association (NTPDA) advised of business updates we’ve asked that you send us valuable news items. This week we spoke with Jim Hopp from member company SparexUSA who offered this information:

SparexUSA, headquartered in Aurora, OH, wants to let their valued customers know that currently we are operating at normal levels. The office and warehouses are open, and we are shipping and receiving product as usual. We are following the mandated rules of spacing and protection during the Covid19 pandemic.

One note, some transportation carriers are having a tough time meeting their published delivery deadlines.

The outside sales force and some office personnel are working from home, linked into the mainframe computer system, and working with customers.  “Will Call” at the warehouse sites remains open, however we have implemented extra cautions to minimize person to person contact when picking up fulfilled orders.

“Our goal is to provide our valued Customer Service, while providing for the safety of all.”

We can be contacted at:

Customer Service – 800-443-6472

Email – [email protected]

“Thank You for your business – Please Stay Safe!”

Thanks, Jim

216-233-6982

[email protected]

Business News from K&M Manufacturing

The National Tractor Parts Dealer Association (NTPDA) encourages our members to share information about their ongoing business development with us so we can share the news far and wide over our expansive social media presence and by email.

Today we heard from Mark Ziemann of K&M Manufacturing headquartered in Renville, Minnesota.  Mark tells us that the company has implemented a “no travel” order for the outside sales force and those folks, along with the inside sales people and office personal, are all working from home and in contact with their customers.

K&M has set their phones to automatically roll over direct extensions to cell or home phones so there is no lag in making contact with the company.

As for the manufacturing and shipping departments they are fully operational and following government guidelines.  All orders that are received are being entered and fulfilled as usual.

Yet there have been some changes: All personal plant and office visits to the company facilities have been suspended ad all “will call” customer pickups have also been suspended until further notice.

Mark tells us that K&M is working with their vendors to insure that the supply chain remains viable and intact.

And, in case you were wondering, K&M Manufacturing has been declared an essential business.

Mark added, “Our goal is to provide for the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and the community at large.  We are doing our very best to provide the high quality customer service you have come to expect from K&M.  While you may experience some longer than usual wait times due to a high volume of calls, and the current situation please be patient and bear with us. You can always send orders and get support via email to: [email protected].”

Mark said that customers can contact him via his cell phone or email if you have questions or concerns and added, “Please let me know if I can help, even if it is an out the ordinary request.  Please stay safe and we wish you the best during this situation. I am very proud of everyone in the industry dedicated to keeping our farmers and construction workers viable during these times!”

Mark Ziemann Cell Phone: 612-570-2653

Mark’s email: [email protected]