Photo (from left): Holding the oversized scissors are Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO, and Chief Bob Gloade of the Millbrook First Nation at the FCC Millbrook office grand opening.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image courtesy of Farm Credit Canada
Earlier this month, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) officially opened its new office on the Millbrook First Nation in Millbrook, Nova Scotia.
On September 15, 2023, Justine Hendricks, FCC President and Chief Executive Officer, was joined by Chief Bob Gloade of the Millbrook First Nation to inaugurate the first FCC office on reserve land.
“The Millbrook First Nation FCC office is an example of our commitment to investing in Indigenous communities,” Hendricks extolled. “Today is a community celebration, and it’s very fitting that we celebrate history being made close to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.”
From employment opportunities to advisory services, the FCC office in Millbrook will catalyze Indigenous involvement in agriculture and food for generations to come.
“We’re excited to welcome this new FCC office. Having the first FCC office in an Indigenous community shows the willingness of a Crown corporation to work with Indigenous people. This office will provide FCC employees with the opportunity to experience working here in beautiful Millbrook. We encourage staff to learn about our community and participate in local events. We look forward to working with FCC to identify employment opportunities for our community members as they arise,” said Chief Gloade.
Added Hendricks: “We have an opportunity to learn from Indigenous Peoples and their close connection to the land. This will not only help the industry to innovate and evolve but also enhance Canada’s ability to feed the world. With more producers and entrepreneurs at the table, achieving zero hunger becomes more possible.”
The Millbrook office serves more than 360 customers with a total loan portfolio of $133 million in agriculture and $5.5 million in agri-food. The new office space has allowed the local FCC team to grow and better serve the needs of customers and the agriculture industry, bringing the number of employees in the Millbrook office to nine. The 4,500-square-foot space was leased for five years, beginning in February 2023.
FCC is known as a Canadian leader in agriculture and food lending, dedicated to the industry that feeds the world. Its employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food by providing flexible financing, AgExpert business management software, information, and knowledge.
The FCC provides a complement of expertise and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of food businesses. As a financial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit www.fcc.ca.