DPNM President's Message

President's Message
Ted Boersma
November, 2003

This holiday season I look forward to spending time with family and friends. When I think of the holiday season I think of Thanksgiving, and of course I think of being thankful. When I think of Christmas, I think of a time of giving and sharing; and New Year's, a time of planning and resolutions.

During this time of thanksgiving, I want to again express my thanks to Sharon, Kaye and Susan for the job they do for us. They say the greatest assets any business can have is good employees. We have been blessed with three of the most dedicated, hard working, and loyal employees any organization could hope for. Thanks again, girls! I am also thankful for those of you willing to invest your time and energy on the board. We have seen two very much appreciated directors leave the board this year in Ken Miller and Rick Wielenga. I look forward to working with Pedram Ghoreishi and David Boschma. Also, Jerry Vaz agreed to serve again when his successor could not do it after all. Thanks, guys, for your willingness to serve.

In looking past Thanksgiving to Christmas, I am again reminded of the greatest gift of all and the opportunity to share my blessings with others. Throughout the year, DPNM has given to and supported many local and state organizations on your behalf. I want to encourage you all, even though this has been a tough year for all, overall, we generally have the ability to give beyond the average person. Look for ways to share within your families and communities. I am confident if you do so you will be the ones receiving.

Shortly, 2004 will be here and as I look at the future of our individual farms and our industry as a whole, I think that it is important that we individually and corporately plan and resolve to survive. An old Japanese proverb says, "fall down seven times, stand up eight." I know as the banks and the government change the rules of the game it makes it difficult to persevere; but I know this also, if we don't plan to survive, we probably won't.

I want to also take time to thank all of you who read this letter. I have been amazed at how broad of an audience the DPNM newsletter has. For all your concerns about my family over the past year, Tayley is doing great and we expect to get her one year release the week of Thanksgiving. Kelsi, however, is scheduled to undergo the same procedures as Tayley did this time last year on December 9. We believe that a year from now or sooner we will receive an all clear on Kelsi also. Again, thanks to all who have supported my family with your thoughts and prayers. I know you will do so again, so thank you!