As you are all very well aware, the Covid-19 (coronavirus) has impacted the nation in a previously unimaginable manner. PCA has not been immune to this impact and unfortunately we simply do not know the full extent of what might be possible.

 Earlier this week, out of an abundance of caution, we closed our offices to the public, removed sales staff from the road, separated working groups to reduce intercompany interactions and developed a company-wide contingency plan with additional safeguards. We did this in an effort to not only protect our valuable staff, but also our customers. At PCA safety is our number one concern. Our focus is to continue with whatever means necessary to protect our employees and their families. With regard to that, we’ve taken further measures to help ensure the continuation of our business operations, which is only achievable with a healthy workforce.

 Effective Saturday March 21^st, we are enacting our contingency plan which calls for our staff to be apportioned into three teams. These teams will work in complete isolation of one-another in a daily rotation, so that we always have two teams at home with less public interaction. While this may be an overreaction, with so much uncertainty I know we cannot afford to underact.

 During this time, for the job duties that allow for telecommuting in whole or in part (i.e. accounting, sales, and merchandising) these employees will continue normal business operations from their homes, or as much of normal as possible to continue to meet the needs of our customer. We have remote access applications installed on laptops and are utilizing our internet phone system to push and transfer calls to the correct department via cell phone. As a customer making a call to our offices, you shouldn’t realize any difference.

 Our feed manufacturing will continue at both mills, although lead times will likely increase, please keep this in mind when ordering livestock feeds. We are continuing to operating our full fleet of delivery drivers in feed, fuel, propane and grain due to the reduction of human interaction these drivers will have. Please keep in mind our drivers have been informed to eliminate all contact with customer and other employees, please don’t see them as being unfriendly, they are simply doing as told.

 Our grain facilities will continue receiving and shipping grain and as noted fuel and propane deliveries will also continue. Obviously due to weather, our Agronomy operations are not in demand, however this too will pass and when it dries out, we’ll be ready to get to work supporting these demands.

 While we currently do not know how long we’ll need to continue this plan, we’re prepared and nimble enough to hopefully endure however long necessary. We’re taking this day-by-day and as with anything it’ll get easier to facilitate our full range services as we go.

 Lastly, I’d like to thank our employees and customers for their understanding and cooperation during these trying times. It’s been taxing on everyone, and may very well get worse before it gets better, but I’m confident we have the right people in the right place to continue providing great service to our customers.

**NOTICE**

From: Brice Elnicki, GM and CEO of Producers Cooperative Association

In light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are taking proactive steps to address a number of business concerns. First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe workplace for our valued employees and are adopting practices to protecting the health of patrons. We also want to ensure the continuity of business operations during this pandemic.

During this time, we are requiring our staff to follow virus prevention strategies such as regular hand washing, avoiding close personal contact with others and following pre and post duty sanitizing of work stations. We are also requesting our patrons and vendors avoid close personal contact (social distancing) at all of our locations to minimize the risk of exposure. Each of our locations are implementing procedures to reduce or eliminate contact with customers by utilizing phone, text or email communication whenever possible. If visiting, you’ll see signage directing you to the proper area to conduct business. We’re utilizing outside drop boxes to accept payments and emphasizing open air visits. At the designated areas, we have employees stationed to come outside to assist you with business. We want to ensure our valued customer that we are open for business and by implementing these steps, hope to continue normal business hours and operations. With so much uncertainty, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution.

We are continuing to watch this serious situation as it evolves, but we please ask that business be done with our cooperative via phone, email or text if at all possible.  This precaution will limit the exposure for everyone. As we continue providing excellent customer service, temporary adjustments are being made while monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak carefully. Any communication can be found on our Facebook page as well as at www.pcacoop.com

Please contact Brice Elnicki with any questions or concerns at 1-800-442-2809 x114

Important and up-to-date COVID-19 information can be found at www.cdc.gov and www.khdhks.gov.

Contact Information is as follows:

Girard, KS                                                                

1-800-442-2809 PCA Toll-Free Line                                      Liberal, MO 1-417-843-6465

Option 2: Feed                                                                       Waco, MO 1-417-642-6123

Option 3: Grain                     

Option 4: Agronomy 

Option 5: Fuel/Propane         

Option 6: Farm Store            

Option 7: Administration (Billing/Accounting)

Back by popular demand, KCC Co-op Camp registration is now open for 2020! Co-op Camp is designed to educate young people on the cooperative principles. This summer program will provide a fun and engaging cooperative experience for students entering their junior and senior year of high school. Students will be self-selected by KCC member cooperatives.

The 3 day, overnight camp, will be held on July 8-10 at the historic Rock Springs 4-H Center, south of Junction City, KS. Early bird registration fee of $850 will include lodging, meals and all activities at the camp.

Here's what you need to know:

• Registration is limited to the first 20 students and will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. We will accept the first 20 commitments. Any commitments received after the list is full will be placed on a waiting list and offered first right of refusal on any cancellations.
• Each KCC-member cooperative is responsible for the selection of their participant(s).
• Please respond to this email with your interest. This will hold your place until you can select your student(s).
• Should you need help with the selection of your attendee, please contact the KCC.
• We have included a flyer below to use for help in marketing this camp in your local area. You can also download the form here. Please feel free to use this to help attract your students.

COOP CAMP FLYER

 For more information, please contact:

Jamie Boggs at council@kansasco-op.coop or 620-802-0731.