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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – North American Green announced today that President Jim Niemeier will retire from the company on Oct. 31, 2005.
As president of North American Green for the past 20 years, Niemeier was responsible for business planning and management of North American Green activities. Jim joined North American Green at the time of its incorporation in 1985. Through his business and marketing experience, North American Green developed its position and plan to become a world leader of erosion control solutions. Throughout his career, Jim was also active in the erosion control industry, serving as past two-time president of the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) and a Cornerstone Member of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).
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“I have stayed on past the traditional retirement age and while we are both still in good health, I want to spend time with my wife Ruby traveling and enjoying the remainder of our retirement years together,” Niemeier said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with North American Green and feel honored having the opportunity to help build a company from scratch that now ranks No. 1 in the erosion control industry. But, more importantly, I have enjoyed the relationships I have had with all our employees and distributors.”
| NORTH AMERICAN GREEN: 20 YEARS WITH JIM NIEMEIER |
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Under Niemeier’s leadership, the following are but a few of the milestones throughout North American Green’s first 20 years that have had the greatest impact on the company, our customers and the entire industry:
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Niemeier’s business philosophy from the beginning was “Our strength lies in the ability to communicate with those we do business with. Distributors are unique, they can make the job of product introduction and selling much easier, but you must always understand that they are independent businesspeople. Using leverage with distribution is a sure way to destroy a relationship. The philosophy by which we operate is simple; we must be personal in our relationship but firm in our convictions."
At North American Green’s 20th Anniversary Distributor Conference in January 2005, Niemeier said, “From our new manufacturing facility with dramatically increased production capabilities, our unique design capabilities through our ECMDS (Erosion Control Materials Design Software), our strategic partnership with Tensar, and to our constant quest to push the limits on product performance, North American Green is the only manufacturer with the capabilities required to design, supply and service erosion control products worldwide. We are positioned to meet the challenges of the next 20 years.”
Neimeier adds that his legacy is one of honest business practices, noting that he has always tried to take a practical approach to business, keeping things as simple as possible and not looking down on anyone in the process.
“I believe I've been down to earth with everyone and have always had an appreciation for distributors and their business problems,” Niemeier said. “In regards to the future, given the right acquisitions, distribution, and new product introductions, the company has the opportunity to grow well beyond its present level. However, maintaining the distribution is definitely a necessary key to growth.”
Upon Niemeier’s retirement, Tim Lancaster will assume the role of president of North American Green. Currently executive vice president, Lancaster has been with North American Green for 17 years.