A final thought: "from the home place"

Wayne Dollar

When I became President of Georgia Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliates in 1994, I was full of enthusiasm and ready to take on whatever came my way. I had been part of this great organization since 1961, so I thought I knew all there was to know about Farm Bureau.

Once you get to the president’s office, though, you realize just how big Georgia Farm Bureau is and how many different things must come together perfectly every day to make this organization function like a “well-oiled machine.” As I began to learn more about the internal workings of Farm Bureau, several issues stood out.

Back in 1994, money was tight for the Federation, and I knew we had to work to shore up the finances of the organization. Turnover among state office and county employees was pretty high, and I wanted to look at that too. County compensation was another issue needing attention. I also wanted to insure that our Insurance Company had adequate surplus funds and that its investment income was the best it could be.

So, I set a goal that we would work toward increasing Georgia Farm Bureau Federation’s net earnings, and we have -- to the point where we will be debt free when I retire. To help our turnover numbers and make GFB competitive, we instituted a 401(k) plan for our employees, and salaries were increased 64 percent over these 12 years. We even funded a retirement program for our hard-working county office secretaries and office managers. And since I took office, county compensation has increased by 104 percent. I won’t get into all the numbers, but our insurance company surplus has grown 121.4 percent since 1994 and investment income is up 135 percent. Our combined written premium was over a half billion dollars in 2005.

I’m proud of what we have accomplished since 1994, and I’d like to emphasize the “we” part. This all could not have happened without a supportive Board of Directors and Officers. They were on-board every step of the way. The management team here is second to none. They’re the ones who really make all those things come together each and every day in order for Farm Bureau to excel. And they do it through the finest employees, a diverse, dedicated group of individuals who know their number one job is serving the member.

I don’t want to forget our volunteers. You’ve heard me say this again and again. Our volunteer leaders - the county presidents and boards, and our state board - are the heart and soul of this organization. And that has been the key to Georgia Farm Bureau’s success since 1937. Our leaders are always focused on what is best for our farmers, our members and our rural neighbors. And they will continue to be.

Over the next few years, Farm Bureau will redefine itself for the next generation. All of you will play a part. I challenge you to look for new ways to better serve our membership while maintaining the integrity of our organization’s structure. As an organization Farm Bureau will face new challenges. I have every confidence that we will meet all of theses challenges and that Farm Bureau will mean as much to future generations as it has to all of us.

I may be leaving office, but I won’t ever leave Farm Bureau. Odessa and I will continue to see you at meetings and conventions where we can keep in touch. I have really enjoyed being your president. It has been an honor for me and for my family.

I know the person you elect December 5 will take office full of enthusiasm and ready to take on whatever comes his way. I wish him well.

If you need me, I’ll be at the Home Place!


(Wayne Dollar retired 12-05-06 after 12 years as GFB President/CEO)