b'Giving over gettingWhile efforts can pay off in marketing and public relations, companies that commit to building a community-minded culture see community service as an integral part of their business, not just a means to an end. Community service is a work of heart, says Bethany Gremel, director of culture and brand experience for Becks Hybrids. She explains that Becks Hybrids com-mitment to supporting farmers across America includes a strong focus on part-nering with employees, local communi-ties and non-profit organizations through sharing time, talents and resources.Our culture is a service-based culture so its natural for each of us to look for ways that we can use our talents and gifts to serve, Gremel says.Financial support and philanthropic giving is often an important element in a corporations culture and position in their community. Whetherdirecting dollars or investing in ways other than monetary, its important to stay connected to the causes.Building trust by investing in our local communities is not necessarily through a monetary donation. Trust is built byBecks Hybrids contributes to the coming alongside another person andcommunity through education scholarships sharing in their why: believing in whatBethany Gremel, director of culture andand supports staff donating time to local they believe in and helping to elevatebrand experience for Becks Hybrids. causes.PHOTOS: BECKS what is important to them, Gremel says. She says it is extremely important to work with local employees and seed deal- from a large-scale basketball tournamentminds to enter the ag world and it makes ers to identify the community needs thathosted each year to intentionally hiringsense to support that program, Cornelius align with company values. local teens each summer to work on thesays. At the most basic level, this createsfarm. Sanders says their employees are an environment or culture that promotesWe hire as many local students as wecommitted to the future of ag as well, something other than our individualcan during the detasseling season. We dogiving their time to teach and encourage selves, Sanders agrees.our best to be a part of our communitythe next generation of farmers. In addition, it builds connection andand support it in any way that we can,In addition to financial support for goodwill within the organization.Cornelius says. youth ag groups like 4-H, we encour-Serving provides another opportunityAnother way a seed company mightage our folks to actively interact with the for our team members to work togethersupport the up-and-coming generationgroups we support, he says. We are on something other than their everydayis via a scholarship fund. These programsjudging at Future Farmers of America jobs, he says.can start small and grow to have signifi- (FFA) contests and participating as cant impact.volunteer mentors, judges and speakers Commitment to the Next Generation We want to encourage young peoplein college ag curriculum at North Dakota Chris Cornelius, executive assistant forto further their education, especially in agState University as well as other smaller Cornelius Seed, says their support ofeducation, which is near and dear to ourag-focused colleges. young people in their community rangeshearts. Were looking for young brightThe Beck Foundation, a non-profit 18/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'