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• We own a fair amount of property, and even other companies, and provide a service
vital to the economy. We also provide that service in several different ways (cold
rooms, ice machines, or just straight ice). Plus, there doesn't seem to be a lot of
direct competition in the area. Many local growers acquire their ice either from us
or from our tenants.
• We operate and have contacts across the country and internationally.
• We have computer programs that are catered to operating our facility and
accounting that both operate well most of the time.
• Our employees are all union, which again, helps keep positions here attractive.
• We have a great safety program that is constantly on the lookout for threats and
tries to keep employees safe and unhurt.
• We have private wells on site, which has helped a lot to be less affected by the
drought than others.
• Our name.
• People know who we are. People everywhere, not just here. That part of town used
to be called the Growers Ice District.
• Employees.
• Fiercely loyal. Everyone wants to see the company succeed. Good people.
• Fun.
• This job can be incredibility fun. We learn every day. We both know the importance
of employees that enjoy their jobs. Every day is something new. "Fun" is an
important dynamic.
• Talent.
• The company draws an incredibility diverse amount of talent and experience.
People that strive to be better.

Weakness

• Managers have a wealth of knowledge and no one to pass it on to, and unfortunately,
no one to train to take their place.
• Union rewards mediocrity. The lowest common denominator seems to be
acceptable.
• There are no redundant systems for ice production at the cube. If the delivery screw
from Merrill fails and Merrill storage is full, ice production stops!
• Unable to find qualified technicians for the Refrigeration Department. Anytime one
leaves it is a strain on the rest of us.
• Our Maintenance Department has always been reactive versus proactive. Several
pieces of equipment do not work correctly or have no follow up.
• Installations on the ice dock do not get finished or are not installed correctly.
• We could use a better cross training program.

Prepared for Growers Ice Company, Inc.
9
Jim White, PhD --- JL White International