A fitting tribute

The News-Register staff turned the spotlight toward a most deserving subject this week with our annual workforce recognition edition.
Ask any entrepreneur, corporate executive or local manager what makes or breaks the bottom line and you’ll get the same answer no matter what the industry, current economic climate or location. It’s the people, the boots on the ground workforce, that gets things done.
The hard-working men and women who turn the soil, manage the store, teach our children, fix our vehicles and in various ways keep the economic engine of Hamilton County humming along are indeed the backbone of our community, state and nation. It’s fitting and oh so important to tip the hat once in a while to the local workforce, which we’re proud to do with this week’s special edition.
This project has taken a number of different approaches in that regard over the years, featuring long-time employees who bring years of experience to the job; then and now -- comparing today’s work environment with yesteryear; night shift workers and the challenges they face; and last year’s tribute to military veterans and the unique experiences and expertise they bring to the workforce. There are so many different aspects of the workforce it’s not hard to find a tale worth telling.
This year we took that boots on the ground angle quite literally, seeking out the men and women who work the soil or support the local ag industry in some way.
You don’t have to look hard to find people and jobs that are directly or indirectly tied to agriculture in this neck of the woods. The News-Register staff enjoyed seeking out eight people at random to share their stories and perspective, representing a cross section of jobs in the community including farmers, harvest workers, mechanics, ag teachers, seed salesmen and corporate employees.
It’s as true now as it’s been for decades that the ag economy ripples directly through our community, thus the local men and women dedicated to supporting the state’s No. 1 industry deserve a day in the spotlight. This is that day.
The News-Register’s workforce salute also recognizes where your friends and neighbors go to work every day. We think you’ll enjoy scanning through the many staff photos from local businesses, connecting the dots on who is behind the scenes of Hamilton County’s business world.
Thank you, one and all, for the job you do and your contributions to our community!
-- Kurt Johnson