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New manager takes helm at Osage Cooperative Elevator
by David Namanny, Press-News Editor
OSAGE -- A North Iowa native who moved away years ago has come back to take the helm at the Osage Cooperative Elevator.
Gayle Melcher, who grew up west of Charles City, succeeds Jerry Herrick as General Manager of the local independent ag cooperative. Herrick retired last fall after serving 26 years.
Melcher and his family come to Osage from Clarinda in southwest Iowa, where he was manager of the Clarinda Co-op Company. He and his wife Joy have three children, two of who are grown and living in the Minneapolis area, as well as one son, Jordan, who will be a senior this fall at Osage High School.
"I'm glad to be back here - it's a good ag production area," said Melcher. "Osage is a beautiful town and has one of the few, strong, single location co-ops left in Iowa. "
"The Osage Cooperative Elevator has done well over the years. In fact, it's one of the most well thought-of co-ops in the state of Iowa = and that's a result of a great team of employees, as well as former manager Jerry Herrick" Melcher added. "I want to thank the Osage Cooperative Board of Directors for their confidence in my leadership in this new position."
Melcher's qualifications for the job are extensive. After graduating from Charles City High School in the 1970s, Melcher earned an Associate's Degree in Ag Business from North Iowa Area Community College.
He then started his career working for Sunray and the Rudd Co-op. He was also Coop manager for a number of years in Pipestone, Minnesota. He also served as manager of the Colwell Co-op and has been manager of the Clarinda Co-op for seven years.
As well as being closer to their two grown children and their roots in this area, the Melchers have other strong connections in Osage and the surrounding area. Gayle's mother lives at Faith Lutheran Home, and his sister, Darcy Mullenbach and her family also live in Osage.
Joy's mother, sister and family live in Manly.
In fact, the original Melcher farm west of Charles City, which is where Gayle grew up, is where he is currently staying until the rest of his family moves here this summer. He said they plan on buying a home in Osage.
"Osage Cooperative Elevator, like all co-ops are faced with new challenges, such as ethanol plants and increasing need for capital," concluded Melcher. "I look forward to the challenges and opportunities to manage and lead this co-op."
Story created Mar 18, 2008 - 10:51:31 CDT.
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