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Times-Advocate, 1988-06-22, Page 19Times -Advocate, June 22, 1938 Page 7A OBPMB's Charlie Broadwell honoured .tor zu year By Yvonne Reynolds For the past 20 years, Charlie Broadwell has devoted most of his considerable energy and skill to pro- moting and marketing the white pea bean. He is the first - and only - manager of the Ontario Bean Pro- duccrs Marketing Board. 1rr1967, bean producers had voted in agency marketing and were look- ing for someone to run the system. Broadwell was hired as manager in April the following,year. Broadwell recalled the scenario when he was first hired. Before agency marketing, a levy of 77¢ per 100 cwt. was deducted on delivery. At the end of the year, the levy was used to support export sales of un- sold beans. "We were literally at the mercy of the dealers; if they couldn't sell, there was nothing you could do", Broadwell said. Under agency marketing, all pro- ducers shared equally on the basis of quality, and were not subject to the whims of the market. Pooling compensated for changes over the year. One big hurdle in the beginning was the question of who set the price. Giving responsibility to the board, the executive and the chair- man were'all tried. In cases where fast decisions were required, all three options proved cumbersome and unworkable. Working within a framework agreed to by the board, Broadwell wanted the price set at $3 plus or minus the open price. The board wanted $5. Broadwell protested "that's more than enough to hang me", and the board replied "that's exactly where we want you". "That's the way it's been ever since. The board establishes poli- cy; I manage the system We all know how it operates, an:. it works. Our system is unique to this or- ganization, but every commodity is unique in its own way", Broadwell remarked. "I give my board the best information available, and they make the policy decisions." Equipped for the job Broadwell's previous upbringing, education and experience all contrib- uted to equipping him for his job. He grew up in Kingsville, and after- school jobs were in agriculture - planting, cultivating or picking to: matoes, cucumbers, melons and other products of that area's famous greenhouse farming, market garden- ing and orchards. Broadwell's parents encouraged their only child to become the first in the family to get a university ed- ucation. of his friends had enrolled the previ- ous hprevi- ous year and gave one of Canada's CHAPARAL FENCING R.R. Lucan Ontario NOM 2J0 ALLTYPES FREE ESTIMATES Back Yard Fence, Patio & Chain Link, Farm & industrial Phone Bob Hard 227-4160 foremost agricultural college ravel reviews. During those years, Broadwell's leadership qualities became appar- ent. He was elected president of the student council in his sopho- more year. He was played on the intramural championship football team, and in the badminton finals. (He packed away his guns after mar- rying his wife Noreen, a fellow stu- dent at Guelph, as she objected to his hunting.) Guelph dividends Broadwell is still harvesting the benefits. He is on a first -name ba- sis with many people he first met during his years at Guelph - Clay Switzer, now deputy minister of ag- riculture; provincial minister of ag- riculture Jack Riddell, former mini- ster Bill Stewart; federal minister John Wise, and his predecessor Eu- gene Whelan. Aiming for a career in canning, Broadwell spent his summer breaks working in that industry, first for Alymer Delmonte in Kingsville, then Canada Packers at Niagara on the .Lake, and his final vacation at Campbell's Soup in Chatham. - Broadwell applied to all three after graduation, but no jobs were availa- ble, so he turned to another sector of agriculture. Broadwell's first job once he had obtained his BSA was as assistant field man for Canada and Dominion Sugar at Chatham. He soon took over as field man for the district. Other rungs upward in quick succes- sion were mechanization overseer, director of research, and district su- pervisor. In a change of pace, Broadwell was sent overseas in 1959 and 1960 as head of a team of medical, securi- ty and immigration personnel and interpreters to select immigrants to come to Canada to work on farms. "I am proud to have been part'of that experience, a heart-rending one I won't forget", Broadwell recalled. For years afterward, cards kept com- ing from those he and his wife had assisted in adjusting and settling in a new country. Change of job At the end of 14 years with the Chatham company, at a point when Broadwell felt he wasn't far away from a vice-presidency, Ontario's sugar beet industry was torpedoed by cheap imported sugar, and the company closed. Broadwell narrowed his job offers down to two, the bean board and an- other which he would not reveal, though he confided he had watched the progress of the person who took the other job. "I made the right decision, and Kirkton AgriculturalSociety Field .Crop Competition Anyone wishing to enter their wheat, com or beans in the Field Judging Competition Contact Burns Blackler Jim Nairn Ewart Crago Minimum of 10 acre field `JOHN DEERE Cash ,Discounts Up to $200 if you hurry Spring is here. And so is our terrific lineup of John Deere lawn and garden equipment. Choose from riding mowers to lawn and garden tractors - complete with manufacturer's cash dis- !counts of up to $200.00. Offer ends June 30/88 U Law, & Gardend HURON ("L\TRI; EXETER HWY NO 4 N 1.519) 235-1115 BLYTH HWY NO 4. N (519) 523-4244 WALKERTON COUNTY RD. 3. W (519) 881-2231 I've never looked back", Broadwell asserted. From the outset, he wanted a challenge, and challenge has always been the one consistent factor in the business of selling white beans. Legal dispute One of the biggest challenges oc- curred 11 years ago. The Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board handled an average of 1.8 million bags for the five years prior to 1977, and bean production in Onta- rio hit a high in 1977. Then disas- ter struck. The OBPMB became involved in a legal dispute with some dealers. The litigation continued for seven years. This hurt the industry and resulted in a drop in production. It has taken 10 years to bring produc- tion back to the pre -litigation level. Broadwell believes the fluctuation in acreage during that period facili- tated the development of the rival bean industry in Minnesota -North Dakota. "Looking back, the parties to the dispute should have been put in a room, had the door locked, and told to solve their differences", Broad- well reflected. Marketing one of Huron Coun- ty's most famous products through trade shows and trade missions has taken Broadwell around the world. The main market has been the UK, but the white pea bean has been promoted in Pacific Rim coun- tries, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, as well as Russia and Bul- garia' Marketing firsts "We were the first commodity to go to ANIMA in Germany and SIAL in Paris. This is the biggest. food trade show in the world, and we were there before Canada was represented as a nation", Broadwell said proudly. Recently in-store displays were set up in two supermarkets in Kua- la Lampur. People bought beans by the case. Realizing the country could use help with canning, Broad- well arranged for food technician Gary Dymetrow from St. Clair College, Windsor, to pass on his technical expertise at a seminar in Kuala Lampur. This year has presented another challenge. Producers have had to take into consideration the one -and - one -half to two million bag carryo- ver from the largest crop in history, and uncertainty about a tripartite stabilization plan. The plan was drafted in early April, but couldn't be released until a series of meet- ings produced consensus among producers and federal and provincial ministries. Tripartite plan A settlement on tripartite was fi- nally reached earlier this month, giving producers $192.53 per metric tonne on the 1987 crop, and a pre- mium of $22.17 a metric tonne on this year's. Broadwell foresees a bright future for beans, predicated on vigorous promotion. He wants more focus on marketing, now that a strong re- search base is in place. A Canadian Bean Council is be- ing formed to ensure close liaison among the marketing board, Agri- culture Canada, OMAF, Foodlands Ontario and the canners. A "substantial amount of money" is being contributed by each group to set up a three-year program with the objective of setting up a game plan aimed at stopping the decline in bean consumption. "We must look at the programs which will affect the industry", Broadwell said. Government plays a role, and must be part of the long-range plan- ning. Broadwell stresses his belief the Ontario white pea bean can compete anywhere, except in a battle with other countries' treasu- ries. He quoted figures obtained from Ottawa at the beginning of the year putting Canadian intervention at 29 percent, 35 percent in the US, and 41 percent in the EEC, but there is argument over the present levels. "Producers would rather take mon- ey from the market than the govern- ment, and roll with the punches", Broadwell noted. Looking ahead, Broadwell's appe- tite for challenge will not be sated for awhile yet. In the white bean industry,something is always either simmering away on the back burn- er, or being unexpectedly put on the bean board manager's plate. And he .savours it all. ■ Other activities Broadwell has found time in a busy life to serve his profession and his community. He is past presi- dent of the Ontario Institute of Agrolog-ists, a member of the Cana- dian Society of Extension, and pres- ident of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the highest elected position in professional agriculture in Cana- da. He is vice-president of the Inter- national Pulse Association. He is also past president of both the Chatham and London Forest City Kiwanas Clubs, fund-raiser for the University of Guelph and its Alumni Association, and a member of the London Chamber of Com- merce. He has served as chairman of the Lutheran Church in Chatham and London, vice-chairman of the Kent County area school board, and a three-year terns on Guelph Univer- r sity's Senate. Broadwell has been married for 34 years. He has one son, two daugh- ters and a grandson. One daughter is a teacher at Robertson Public School in Goderich. SURPRISE - Charlie Broadwell, manager of the Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board, was presented with a cake, a Shaeffer pen and a set of silver coasters to mark his 20 years with the board in the midst of the June meet- ing. Broadwell (right) and OBPMB president Allan Siemon sit at the board room table. Around them are directors John Walls, RR2 Denfield; Ken Carnochan, RR4 Seaforth, Allan South, RR3 Palmerston, Lloyd Taylor, RR6 St. Thomas, John Gaunt, RR1 Belgrave, Tom Consitt, RR1 Varna and George Sitter, RR1 Thedtord. Missing:Cecil Desjardine, RR1 Grand Bend. Granton, Mrs. E. Summers GRANTON - St. Thomas Angli- can Church celebrated their 60th an- niversary, Sunday. The church was beautifully decorated. with roses and peonies. Rev. Beverley Anne Wheeler was in charge of the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist Service assisted by Kayleen Roloson as Server. John Herbert was Crucifer. Silver collections plates were de- dicated for use at St. Thomas An- glican Church from Greenway An- glican church due to closure. These plates had been dedicated to Green- way church in loving memory of the late Richard' Hodgins Sr. by their great, great grandchildren. Per- cy Hodgins presented the plates and Rev. Wheeler made the dedication. A beautiful oak cabinet for collec- tion plates was made and presented for dedication by Richard Acres in loving memory of his mother, the late Betty Acres. Lisa Moore read the two lessons and the gospel was read by the min- ister. The choir rendered a beautiful anthem "1 am praying for You". A solo, "Abba Father" was rendered by Geoff Woodcroft. Rev. Wheeler described in her ser- mon how we need God's help in our everyday life and He shall be our guide for evermore. Following the service, a time of fellowship was enjoyed in the church hall. Refresh- ments were served including a large 60th anniversary cake. Service next Sunday will be at 8:30 a.m. Personals Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hodgins attended the 60th wedding anniver- sary of Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer McClinchy of Parkhill. The cele- bration was held in the new Leisure hall, Parkhill. Mr. and Mrs. Robert McNamara and baby daughter Kristina of Ed- monton, Alberta are spending a couple of days with Eileen Sum- mers and also with Mrs. McNama- ra's father Kenneth Garrett, St. Mar- ys and Bob and Liz Garrett. Parkhill park ban EXETER - An alcohol ban will be implemented at the Parkhill Conservation Arca on June 30, July 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Ausable Bay- field Conservation Authority Exec- utive Committee approved the ban at its June 16 meeting. There was no alcohol ban on the Victoria Day weekend at the conser- vation arca. Excessive noise led the Authority to exercise the alcohol ban on the Canada Day weekend. The A.B.C.A. Executive anticipates that the ban will result in an enjoy- able weekend of camping. Anyone wishing further informa- tion should contact the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority at 235-2610 or the Parkhill Conserva- tion Arca at 294-0114. Reminder Notice ._ The Council of the Township of Stantey will hold a public meet- ing on Tuesday, July 12, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stanley Town- ship Community Centre (west of Varna) to discuss a rezoning proposal on Pt. Lot 4, Concession 1. The applicant proposes to establish a farm implement dealership on Part Lot 4, Conc. 1 (north of Kippen on the Highway #4) and change the zoning from "AGI - General Agriculture" to "AG3 - Agricultural Commer- cial -Industrial". The zoning on the remaining farm would also be changed to a special "AG 1-4 - General Agriculture" to recognize a reduced lot area and frontage. The attached map shows the property location; any further infor- mation may be obtained from the Township office or the County of Huron Department of Planning and Development. KIPPEN TOWNSHIP OF HAY Ir t N ® Zone change from AG1 to AG3 Zone change from A01 to A01-4 200 0 400 metres 100 200 500 0 1000 INIFIONNF=61119 feet 250 500 !sod Attention Property Owners and Tenants in the County of Huron WANT TO APPEAL YOUR ASSESSMENT? You still have time to appeal your 1987/88 assessment if youfeel your home or business property has been improperly assessed. Your assessment is important because the amount of property tax you will pay in 1988 • depends on it. The assessed value of your property is multiplied by the municipal and school mill rates to deter- mine your property taxes. Notices of Property Valuation were mailed to all property owners and tenants in the County. Open house informa- tion sessions were held in your area to give you the oppor- tunity to ask questions and correct any errors. The Assessment Roll was delivered to your municipality on June 10, 1988 and will be used to calculate the taxes you will pay in 1988. You can review the Roll at your municipal office during regular business hours. If you believe your property has been improperly assessed and you have not yet registered an appeal, you still have until July 4,1988 to mail or deliver your appeal to the Assess- ment Review Board. And remember, even if you did not receive a Notice of Property Valuation, you still have the right to appeal. Appeal deadline — July 4, 1988 The Assessment Review Board is an indepe dent tri- bunal under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Minis, of the Attorney General. It is intended to provide you ith an additional opportunity to have your assessment reviewed if, in your opinion, it is not fair and equitable with the assessment of similar properties in your area. The Review Board is more informal and relaxed than a regular court of law. You may present your own case, retain a lawyer, or ask a relative or friend to speak as your agent. To help you in filing your appeal, Notice of Appeal forms are available from the Assessment Review,Board, your Regional Assessment Office, or your municipal office. You can also use the reverse side of a Notice of Property Valuation, or write a letter giving the property address and roll number along with your reasons for appealing. Appeals should be forwarded to the Regional Registrar of the Assessment Review Board at the address shown below. In those parts of Ontario designated for French Lan- guage Services, you can appear before a bilingual (Eng- lish/French) Appeal Board. Please check the space provided on your appeal form if you wish to use this service. Ministry of Revenue Ontario Regional Registrar ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD MINISTRY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 426 Third St . 1st floor London Ontario N5W 4W6 r