PERRYSBURG – Agribusiness was the focus of the keynote address at Wednesday’s TMACOG general assembly
business meeting.
Daniel T. Anderson addressed members of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, focusing on
the topic of Agribusiness From local fields to global yields – the economic impact of agriculture.
Anderson serves as vice president, corporate operations services and president of the retail group of
The Andersons, Inc.
During his talk held at the Holiday Inn French Quarter, Anderson briefed those attending on the company’s
history and growth over the years.
"We are an agricultural company at its base," he said, adding that the very core of their
business is service.
Anderson noted the board of directors focuses on four distinct areas and drew some laughter from those
attending when he said, it is impossible to please all four integers, namely the customers, the
employees, the community and the owners.
"The customers are the lifeblood of our business," he explained, but noted ultimately they have
to please the owners with the bottom line.
The officer said the former family-owned business is now owned by the stockholders, yet still maintains
many of the standards and principles as set forth by the family when it was founded. Those principles
can be found in the mission statement which still includes a strong reference about those principles
being founded by a belief in God.
Anderson noted the company does not require any beliefs and fully understands that not everyone will
share that faith system or belief.
"Despite that, we are still as committed as always to our principles. I’m tickled there are
fundamental principles that we can rely on," he stated receiving a spontaneous burst of applause.

For example, he says the retail store does not sell tobacco products including cigarettes.
Though not family owned, he said there are still many third generation Anderson family members on the job
and even some fourth generation employees.
As for the future, he shared how they have always been willing to look to expand its base of operations.
From its origins as a grain distributor to the retail stores, rail work, ethanol plants and plant
nutrients.
He explained that in his mind and as he has seen, there really is no food versus fuel debate in the
ethanol base. According to Anderson, there is far more corn being produced and the corn which is grown
for the ethanol plant is not designed for food. He explained the increased yields is what makes it all
possible.
"It’s not in acreage, it’s in the yields," he said. "We simply don’t see it as a food
versus fuel debate." Environmentally, he noted how they have been removing the phosphorous from
fertilizers for years.
In closing, Anderson again emphasized the principles in their mission statement, noting, "The
company is proof of having concerns for others can help us be successful."