By Matt Reese
We’re a tight-knit group at Ag Internet Communications. You could have observed current employees additions, which is sort of a second household to me. We welcomed again Joel Penhorwood, who helped with video, radio and print. We have additionally added two new entrepreneurs who we’re very excited to work with: Joe Everett and Kristin Flowers.
In the meantime, OCJ and Ohio Ag Internet Advertising and marketing Specialist Risë Labig introduced her upcoming retirement. Over the previous 10 years, Risë has reinvented the job description of our gross sales staff, all the time going the additional mile for its clients and considering outdoors the field to serve them higher. More often than not, my inbox incorporates a be aware from Risë about one thing I can do to assist higher serve her clients ultimately. And together with his persistent insistence, we did simply that.
Throughout my time working with Risë, it has been a privilege to know her and her husband, Scott. On a number of events I’ve stayed on the lovely Labig Home lovingly nicknamed “Citadel of Risë” for street journeys when an evening in Darke County got here in helpful. These excursions all the time got here with scrumptious meals and a novel and positive mix of espresso that I had by no means had earlier than with some kind of fruit or nut within the identify, like a deluxe raspberry truffle latte or one thing. one thing like that.
Past the fervour for her clients and the excessive normal of hospitality, Risë has additionally been an excellent useful resource to raised perceive the happenings of the Ohio farming group. She all the time appears to know what is going on on, subjects of curiosity in western Ohio agriculture, and related agricultural points we ought to be overlaying. I’ll absolutely miss all of those traits she dropped at our staff, in addition to her dedication to her household, their farm and her religion. Each employees assembly with Risë included smiles and laughter. She actually loves her shoppers and it exhibits in her exhausting work, dedication and endurance in serving them and others. It was an actual honor to work with Risë and to name her a good friend. Pleased retirement Risë! At any time when I’ve the chance, I’ll give you a cup of hazelnut strawberry chocolate mocha!
Right here is one thing she wrote for the event….
Mix into the sundown
By Risë Labig, OCJ and Ohio Ag Internet Advertising and marketing Specialist
I’m a part of a era that has gone by way of enormous modifications. I can solely think about what my grandmothers, in the event that they have been nonetheless alive, would consider all of the expertise in the present day! I am in a considerate temper, as I am about to enter that magical age the place I will grow to be eligible for Medicare. I’ve to confess, the very considered signing up makes me really feel older.
Once I began in gross sales, I used to be promoting fax machines. I labored as a gross sales agent for Xerox, and it was state-of-the-art. Once I began in advertising for Ohio Ag Internet, we have been simply starting to make use of the pc completely to write down contracts, as a substitute of writing them by hand. I’ve to confess, there are nonetheless days after I’d slightly fill out a type by hand than use my telephone or laptop computer.
I grew up in a time after I knew life with out a cellular phone. I’m the youngest child boomer and all of us had grandparents who grew up with vivid recollections of the Nice Melancholy. We all know plenty of their frugal recommendation, and I believe we may very nicely survive if we have been to go off the grid. My husband swears that is why he nonetheless has a couple of tractors that do not use a pc. He’ll nonetheless be capable of mild them, so long as there may be diesel gasoline left within the reserves.
I additionally grew up at a time when my era was among the many first of our many households to attend school. It was not unusual for my classmates to marry proper out of highschool. A brand new home value a whopping $25,000 and we virtually handed out at that value! We simply completed renovating and including our home to our household farm, and I am positive my grandparents would have been shocked at the price of doing it now.
I bear in mind attending Farm Science Assessment a couple of years in the past and seeing the primary “driverless tractor”. Many scoffed on the concept, however now most farms are experiencing a labor scarcity, and the thought does not appear so excessive.
Once I was in school (BGSU – Go Falcons!), there weren’t many profession choices for girls apart from trainer, nurse, accountant, vogue merchandising ( mine), and many others Now, younger girls have selections we by no means thought potential. I used to be fortunate sufficient to work full time, keep house for a couple of years to boost our son, work half time, and are available again full time.
I’ve made my share of errors alongside the best way, and if I’ve any recommendation for the youthful era, you possibly can attempt to do it abruptly, however one thing is definitely sacrificed, and that is usually a different human being. Put household first as usually as you possibly can. I grew up on a farm and was a farm lady for 42 years, and I do know there are occasions when the farm has to come back first as a result of Mom Nature nonetheless guidelines. While you really feel overwhelmed, you possibly can say “no” or “not now.”
Lastly, it is actually good to take time for your self and recharge your batteries. None of us do it usually sufficient. One of the best factor I ever realized was to start out my day with some quiet time with my Lord. Once I do not, my day does not go as nicely. Stress will wreak havoc in your physique for those who do not handle it. It manifests in all types of sicknesses, so stroll nicely, eat nicely, and concentrate on Jesus.
In case you have not figured it out but, that is my “retirement” announcement. Sure, I made a decision to finish my profession in advertising with Ohio Nation Newspaper and Ohio Ag Internet on the finish of this yr. I can actually say that I had the prospect to work with all of our staff members. They are not solely nice to work with, however they’re all nice folks. They’re household.
I hoped to quietly fade into the sundown and probably not “announce” my retirement plans, however Matt stated if I did not write one thing he would. It scared me extra.
An enormous thanks from the underside of my coronary heart to all my shoppers through the years. You too have grow to be a household. I do know I’ll proceed to see a lot of you at agricultural occasions sooner or later. We have all actually been on this similar journey of technological evolution and seen the way it has reworked our every day lives and our jobs.
In the intervening time, I haven’t got any particular plans for retirement. My farmer instantly thought that meant he had a full-time tractor and grain cart driver. I guarantee you that’s not the case. The plan is to take a couple of months to get pleasure from hotter climate in the course of the winter after which see what occurs. I need to spend extra time with mother, who lives a couple of hours from my home, and who cannot wait to see me a little bit extra usually too.
I’m so blessed as I mirror on the previous 10 years with this staff and these shoppers. Thanks!
