July 2007

Keith Heim
resigns as FSC General Manager

Gary Jahn named Interim Manager by FSC Board as General Manager search process begins. 

FSC’s long-time manager, Keith Heim, submitted his resignation to FSC’s Board of Directors in late April.  Heim had been General Manager for 19 years, accepting the position in February of 1988.  Prior to becoming General Manager, Keith had served as FSC’s Grain Division Manager.

Under Heim’s leadership, FSC has seen considerable growth. Grain expansions took place at both Manilla and Denison, with construction of a new grain elevator in Atlantic in 1990.  Retail locations and operations were added in other communities including a Feedmill at Ida Grove and an Agronomy center at Moorhead.  Heim was instrumental in forming FSC/ADM LLC, a joint venture with ADM that has generated significant financial returns to FSC.  FSC/ADM LLC later sold its Denison grain facility to Amaizing Energy (ethanol plant), but the LLC continues to operate locations at Manilla and Atlantic.  FSC also entered into a feed joint venture with NANCO, creating Progressive Nutrition, which markets equine and other specialty feeds on a national basis.  FSC has significantly expanded its computer retail service, FSC Computers, over the past few years, in addition to building Cardtrols in four area communities. FSC has never been positioned better in terms of equipment and ability to provide energy, feed and agronomic products and services to members.

One significant event that Heim had to address was handling the impact of the Farmland bankruptcy and sale in 2004.  During the period Heim served as manager, many other ag-retail businesses closed their doors or were acquired by someone else, however, FSC continued to grow and prosper.  Keith credits FSC’s Board of Directors for their deliberative and diligent decision-making processes which he feels have led to changes that have been beneficial to all members, not just a few.  “Even when difficult decisions had to be made the Board stepped up and made the choice that was in the best interest of its membership,” Heim remarked.  Since Heim took over as Manager, FSC’s member equity has grown from $4,109,159 to $9,110,883.

Heim leaves FSC to become General Manager of MaxYield Cooperative, West Bend, Iowa.  The Board has initiated a search process for a new General Manager with Hamilton and Associates of Des Moines.  Until a new General Manager is selected, long-time FSC Assistant Manager Gary Jahn will serve as the Interim Manager at FSC.  Jahn, has been employed at FSC for over 38 years, has served as Assistant Manager for 25 years, possesses a solid background in credit and finance and knows FSC’s history and operations well.  Jahn will work with a seasoned group of division managers and dedicated employees to oversee operations until a new manager is named.  The Board is confident services to members will remain at the usual high level which members are accustomed to receiving.  Board President Duane Alff commented, “While we hate to lose an effective leader like Keith, we also know that at the same time, this will lead to other opportunities for FSC.”  Alff added, “The Board will take its time with the search process to ensure the right individual is selected to take over as Manager of FSC.” 

The FSC family wishes Keith, his wife Deb, and their family the very best of luck in the future.