Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2015 13 M anitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC)isinthebusinessofhelpingfarmers. MASC's employees are able to witness the results of their work every day, says President andCEONeilHamilton. "When extreme weather conditions affect farmers' crops, our insurance programs are there to assist with the loss. With our lending programs, staff can see how those funds assist young farmers to start and build their operations," he explained. "Our field staff live and work in the same community as their customers and can see the benefitsoftheworkwedo." MASCistheproductofamergerbetweentheManitoba CropInsuranceCorporationandtheManitobaAgricultural Credit Corporation. By amalgamating two key financial services – insurance and specialized lending – MASC offers a unique and efficient way of serving Manitoba's agriculturalproducersandruralbusinesses. The organization offers insurance programs to mitigate the risk of loss for most crops, as well as price insurance for livestock. MASC's lending programs provide farmers, especiallyyoungfarmers,withreasonableaccesstocredit through direct loans and loan guarantees. Over 70 per centofMASC'stotalloanvolumeforthe2013-14yearwas provided to young producers, helping the next generation ofManitoba'sfarmers. Some of MASC's other programs include the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, which provides compensation for loss due to wildlife and waterfowl, and the Farmland School Tax Rebate Program, which provides tax relief to farm families by way of a tax rebate onfarmland. "Our work is very focused and very close to the people we serve. We tend to embrace rural communities and fit rightintothesocialfabric,"Hamiltonsaid. Thecompanybelievesinofferingplentyofopportunities for advancement. Five out of six of their executive management team have worked their way up in the organization. For example, the Vice-President of Finance and Administration started with MASC 25 years ago administering a price stabilization program. He held two different positions at the company before becoming part oftheexecutivestaff. "We'reextremelysupportiveofprofessionaltrainingand development, with lots of opportunities for advancement. Weprefertodevelopandpromotepeoplefromwithin,"said Hamilton. "We have employees who have remained with usfor40years.Youdon'tstaywithacompanythatlongif you don't feel that you provide value and are appreciated foryourwork." MASC employs 150 full-time staff and 195 casual employees. The company has 28 offices across the province, including corporate offices in Portage la Prairie andBrandon,providingopportunitiesforpeoplewhowant toliveandworkinruralcommunities. "MASC sees you as an individual and a part of a team, not just a role in the company. They make you feel like you are more than just your position," said Rochelle Dickson,whoworksasaresearchassistantinthePortage corporateoffice. Regularcommunicationwithitsstaffisahighpriorityfor the organization, including one-day orientation sessions for its new employees every six months. The CEO, vice- presidents and senior managers make presentations at the sessions, which are designed to provide information onMASC'sprograms,structure,culture,humanresources, promotions,informationtechnology,andcorporateservice guidelines. "I travel to each office every year to meet with the staff," Hamilton said. "I'm just going to make a personal connection, to get to know them and so they can get toknowme." MASC staff enjoy a defined benefit pension plan that the company contributes to, and support and funding for training and development, ranging from workshops to post-secondary programs. Leadership development training is available as well. Employees start with three weeks of vacation, and a maternity leave top-up isavailable. "We offer an excellent health benefits program with a healthcarespendingaccount,andwevaluetheimportance of work-life balance. We have flexible hours, and we're prettyflexibleaboutwhereyouwork,"saidHamilton. MASC's Staff Relations Committee and Social Committee are continually planning fun events for the employees,includinggolftournamentsandbarbecues. "We have long-term service recognition awards where we recognize staff at five-year increments, starting at 10 years," Heather Shwetz, Manager of Human Resources said."It'sagreatplacetowork." Altona MASC insurance agent James Nickel started with Manitoba Crop Insurance in 1988, working as an adjuster,teamleaderandasactingsalesmanager. "Throughallthoseyears,thetwothingsI'veenjoyedthe most is the staff I've been able to work with and working for the agricultural producers of Manitoba," Nickel said. "I've made many close friendships with staff who have nowretiredafterhavingtheirownlongcareerswithMASC, and as new staff have been hired, new friendships have developed. And to be able to work closely with Manitoba producers and deliver sound financial management tools totheirfarmshasbeenequallyrewarding." ByHolliMoncrieffforTheFreePress MANITOBAAGRICULTURAL SERVICESCORPORATION MASCstaffthriveonseeingbenefitsforfarmsector StaffparticipatesintheManitobaMarathonRelay. FormoreinformationaboutrewardingcareeropportunitieswithMASC,visitwww.masc.mb.ca JoinusinBuildingaStrongRuralManitoba LENDINGANDINSURANCE

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