•• SEE MORE •• Listen to Greg Kruger talk about his experiences at www.chsinc.com/c. Tired, But Optimistic “If you haven’t been here, it’s hard to under-stand that there are many issues and some of them are a challenge to solve,” Kruger says. “It’s our job to educate policymakers on the issues at home and how those issues affect us.” While congressional offices are the focus, Kruger, the other CHS directors and key staff members also use the Washington week to build other relationships. Visits to the European Union, Ukraine and Swiss embassies — all with ties to expanding CHS global operations — and a dinner with key agriculture, energy and cooperative orga-nizations were essential to promote understand-ing of the company’s positions, Kruger observed. With his first week on the Hill behind him, Kruger found himself with tired feet and an optimistic outlook. “The surprise for me has been acceptance of our positions and of CHS as a company,” he says. “These officials are connected to rural America. They want to understand the issues we’re facing and want to help us if they can. “Being here is a wonderful opportunity. Now when I see Washington, D.C., on TV, I’ll have a different perspective of what actually takes place here.” Chair Describes 2009 CHS Legislative Focus With more than 15 years of visits to Capitol Hill under his belt, CHS Chairman Michael Toelle has honed his skills as an advocate for the company and its stakeholders. In 2009, he got to practice his skills as a teacher. “This is a time of unprecedented critical and complex decision making for Congress,” says Toelle, a Browns Valley, Minn., producer. “As our senators and representatives consider these issues, it’s essential that they have a clear understanding of the needs of rural America and the vital agriculture sector.” The 17 CHS directors, all full-time farmers and ranchers, visited nearly 100 congressional offices during their mid-March week on Capitol Hill. Greg Kruger, left, discusses how to approach a lawmaker from a new CHS area with fellow director Bruce Anderson of Glenburn, N.D. “This year, with a new administration and Congress in place, we’ve spent a lot of time not just learning, but educating them on issues of concern to agriculture, cooperatives, rural America and energy,” Toelle adds. “We are particularly concerned about extending the benefits of the economic stimulus program to rural America, the impact of farm program cuts in President Obama’s proposed budget, and the likelihood of a carbon cap-and-trade program to address global climate change.” CHS Chairman Mike Toelle says successful Capitol Hill visits balance educating and listening. Your CHS Connection 21