One of GreenStone’s Core Four Values is “Do the Right Thing.” That may mean making the decision that doesn’t always benefit yourself, but those around you including our members, employees, our communities, and outside organizations that support our rural communities. We are built on our values and our employees have gone above and beyond to do the right thing for those around them.
"The appraisal department is a family who is always there to support each other, and we believe it's important to help and support other families," says Jane Thelen, Appraisal Coordinator at GreenStone. The department recently volunteered at the Greater Lansing Food Bank, where they sorted and boxed food for families in need.
Jane summarized, "The afternoon we spent at the food bank left us with a feeling of pride and gratitude, and I think we all grew as individuals. I know my heart grew a little bigger that afternoon." The appraisal department used this volunteer opportunity to support and uplift the community around them.
Speaking of family, Senior Compliance Specialist Cheryl Carlton attended and supported Charter Day at the Capitol. Each year for Charter Schools Week, schools and students are brought together at Charter Day at the Capitol in Lansing, Michigan!
"My daughter, Becky, has worked for Michigan's Charter Schools (MAPSA) for more than 15 years. I love to support her passion to make sure all children have free access to education," says Cheryl. At the event there were nine showcase tents, featuring eleven schools with their specific innovative curriculums and programs, as well as student performances.
Doing the right thing is not only a GreenStone value, MSU Extension Field Crops has been doing the right thing for growers and their community with their informative breakfast meetings that are designed to be convenient to attend. These virtual breakfast meetings cover an array of topics for fruit growers and people learning more about the industry. Kimberly Saddler, GreenStone Senior Financial Services Officer, has had the opportunity to attend a few.
Kim says, "The breakfasts help the fruit growers know what's on the horizon with pests and diseases due to the temperatures of conditions and what has been spotted in the area." MSU Extension focuses on supporting the farming community with these breakfasts, and Kimberly notes, "It is important to get involved because everyone needs to work as a community to support our farmers because they are the ones that feed the world."
The breakfast meetings started in March and will continue every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. until September! To sign up, visit this link.
Doing the right thing looks different for everyone and requires intentional effort with those around you. These GreenStone employees have set the example of what it looks like to do the right thing in the community. Visit our social media pages to see more of our staff getting involved; or to learn more about our community outreach and engagement efforts, visit Open Fields Blog | GreenStone FCS
