Deere plant topic at Rotary meeting

Doug Frohlich introduced David Bradford, factory manager at the John Deere Plant in Valley City, at the Rotary meeting. Bradford was transferred and appointed manager on Feb. 1. He has more than 14 years experience in the ag and turf division and the construction and forestry division. He now has his family living in Valley City.

John Deere was started 175 years ago in Moline, Ill., by John Deere, who was a blacksmith from Vermont. He designed a blade which would turn over the soil. The green and yellow colors are recognizable to everyone, Bradford said. The Valley City plant was a partnership between John Deere and local investors. It opened in 1996. Later, the plant became wholly owned in 1999 by John Deere. Bradford said he is proud of the work done in this plant and shared some of the awards and recognition the plant and the employees have received over the years. There is more than 225,000 square feet under the roof and 300 employees. Bradford announced they will be expanding the plant, adding 55 to 65 new full- and part-time employees. This is significant to the greater Valley City community and surrounding area which will include Jamestown, Bradford said. There are currently a number of people driving from Jamestown to Valley City. The expansion will allow the plant to have year-round work rather than the seasonal working shifts it currently has had. This will be a real boost to the local area, Bradford said.

Quincy Backen chaired the meeting. Larry Hoffman gave the table prayer, Gary Riffe and Gina Dahl led the group in music and Katie Andersen collected numerous “Happy Dollars.” Guests at the meeting were Butch Knittel and Milton Rolle, members of the Minot Rotary Club. Marv Tokach gave the two minute talk, sharing he grew up in St. Anthony, N.D., and attended North Dakota State University, where he received his degree in pharmacy. He spent 33 years working and traveling with the White Drug Company. During his career Tokach was in charge of hiring all of the Pharmacists for the corporation 40 stores. He also was licensed in five states. Tokash said he loves coming to Rotary meetings and is an advocate for Camp Rokiwan.

Backen shared with the members the need for five air conditioners no larger than 10,000 BTUs to be used for Camp Rokiwan.

Mike Smyth has today’s program. The invocation will be given by Harvey Huber, music, Gail Martin and Sergeant at Arms is Blaine Bergstedt.

Tags: life, clubs