Daviess and Martin County CEO Cohorts Visit Grain Processing Plant
On November 20, 2024, the Daviess County CEO Cohort, along with the Martin County CEO Cohort, embarked on an enriching experience at the Grain Processing Plant (GPC). They were warmly welcomed by Shannon Dalton, the Plant Manager, and Jason Fry, the Production Manager. This visit provided the cohort with valuable insights into the plant's crucial role in the manufacturing landscape and its significant impact on the community.
Jason highlighted the visionaries in Daviess County who played an instrumental role in bringing the Grain Processing Plant to the area. With 200 full-time employees and several contractors, GPC has become a cornerstone of the community, significantly contributing to the local economy and fostering growth. Shannon Dalton and Lisa Klopfenstein, the Human Resource Manager, actively participated in the session, answering questions emphasizing the importance of fostering connections with the CEO Cohort.
The plant processes over 100 semi-loads of corn daily, equivalent to approximately 100,000 bushels. The cohort was particularly amazed to learn about the plant’s monthly utility expenses, which underscored the massive scale of its operations. GPC operates as a subsidiary of its parent company, KENT, and has been a vital player in the industry for more than 70 years.
GPC’s diverse product portfolio encompasses contributions to the food, beverage, nutraceutical, personal care, and industrial markets. The company’s longstanding commitment to exceptional service and superior product quality has enabled it to transform the Midwest’s agricultural abundance into essential ingredients.
During the visit, engineers Aaron Korff, Frank Delgadillo, and John Essex delved into the intricacies of the plant’s milling process. They explained how every part of a corn kernel is utilized, highlighting the continuous efforts to enhance efficiency and innovate processes. Their presentation demonstrated the plant’s dedication to sustainability and technological advancement.
The interactive session also addressed the essential components of assembling and maintaining a great team. The engineers shared actionable insights, including:
** Show up every day: Consistency builds trust and ensures reliability within the team.
** Be a good person: A positive attitude and mutual respect create a harmonious work environment.
** Do the right thing: Integrity in decision-making fosters accountability and strengthens team cohesion.
** Understand your role: Clarity in responsibilities enables effective collaboration and individual contributions.
** Foster fair relations: Building equitable and respectful relationships enhances team unity and productivity.
The Daviess and Martin County CEO Cohorts expressed their gratitude to Shannon Dalton, Lisa Klopfenstein, Jason Fry, Aaron Korff, Frank Delgadillo, and John Essex for their informative and engaging session. The visit not only provided valuable insights into the manufacturing processes but also underscored the importance of community collaboration and innovation in sustaining a successful business.
