Health and Safety Day gets excellent reviews

Earlier this month more than 30 FS Ontario System employees attended a full day of interacting and learning about a variety of health and safety topics held at the Holiday Inn in Kitchener.

Erin Aldred, GROWMARK Ontario Health and Safety Specialist introduced the group to a number of internal and external speakers that covered topics such as transportation updates, emergency response planning and how to conduct an effective accident investigation.

GROWMARK Senior Trainer Barry Hannah presented the final session that focused on the subject of diversity in the workplace. With the changing work force in the province this program gives staff a better understanding of how to prevent workplace inequities and create a more harmonious work environment. The program is called Drop by Drop and is now available to Ontario members who are interested.

The overall event was rated very positively by participants and Aldred plans to host this event on an annual basis. If you have suggestions on topics that you would like to see on the next agenda, please contact Erin at 519-895-5358 or email her at ealdred@growmark.com

Erin Aldred GROWMARK Health and Safety specialist (L) rewards participants that answer questions at recent Health and Safety Day. Robert Sauder senior operator and safety representative for FS PARTNERS Drayton branch receives candy for knowing general health and safety knowledge.

Cowan, Campbell and Hale elected to leadership roles with OABA

At last week’s Ontario Agri-Business Association’s Annual Convention, three representatives from the Ontario FS System were elected to prominent positions within the association.

The two day convention began Tues. Dec. 1, and was attended by approximately 400 OABA members and supporters in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

Dale Cowan, senior agronomist with Southern Co-operative Services was elected president of the Board for a one-year term after serving as vice president for the OABA board last year.

Cowan has been actively involved with OABA and its predecessors

The Fertilizer Institute of Ontario and The Ontario Grain and Feed Dealers since 1985 and has served in several leadership roles and on various ad hoc committees tackling everything from nutrient management to source water protection. He was also chair of OABA’s Crop Input Committee, a director on the board for the past five years and on the executive for the last two years as treasurer and vice-president.

Frank Campbell, GROWMARK Ontario marketing director was elected for the first time as director to the OABA board after his name was submitted by the nomination committee and then approved by the membership on Dec. 1st. Campbell will serve a three-year term.                   

Larry Hale, area manager for FS PARTNERS, a division of GROWMARK Inc. served as vice chair of OABA’s Crops Input Section last year, and has now been elected to chair the Section for a one-year term. As chair, Hale will also have a seat on the OABA board along with two other chairpersons that will represent grain and feed.

The Crops Input Committee deals with issues that impact crop input retailers and the members of the association. The committee also acts as liaison between OABA and key industry organizations such as the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI), Canadian Association of Agri Retailers (CAAR), Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) and Crop Life.

This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA). It is a voluntary, non-profit organization that serves to represent the interests of country grain elevators, feed manufacturing facilities and crop input supply business, operating out of 406 business locations throughout Ontario. The Association also represents approximately 200 associated businesses that provide products and services to the crop input, grain and feed industry.