As we enter the last quarter of the year, we reflect on our progress thus far and begin to plan for next year. Carolina Farm Credit is experiencing another good year.
Our financial performance is currently exceeding our projections, both in loan growth and net income. Planning for the future is integral to our success. We spend dedicated time with our board of directors and staff to establish strategic objectives that will help us continue to support agriculture and our rural communities for years to come. I encourage you to take the time to plan in your operations as well. Research shows that taking time to plan and writing down goals exponentially improve your chances of success. This time of year also brings about election time for your Carolina Farm Credit directors.
You should have received your 2018 Annual Meeting Information Statement in August and ballots are being mailed in mid-September. This year there are two seats up for election. Take time to complete the ballot and return by mail. Having a stockholder elected board of directors is a vital part of being a cooperative. This is your opportunity to have a say in how your cooperative is governed. Polls close on October 10th.
It was our good fortune to have four great college interns that worked in various branches throughout the summer. Amber Brown, a Master’s student at NC A&T State University worked at our Brown Summit Branch. Sarah Justice, a rising senior at NC A&T State University worked at our Rural Hall Branch. Nick McGlamery, a rising senior at Appalachian State University worked at our Wilkesboro Branch. Kaylei Scott, a rising senior at the University of Mount Olive worked at our Shelby Branch.
In addition to working and learning about Farm Credit, they worked on a project completing market research in our territory. These four individuals have bright futures ahead of them and we are grateful for our time with them this summer. Thank you for allowing us to be your lender and provider of financial services. We are proud to be part of the agricultural industry in North Carolina. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you!