MJE prioritizes investing in the future. Using our time, talents, and dollars, we seek out ways to improve the communities where we live & work. For example, we encourage young people to consider trade work through education & scholarship opportunities. Another way we invest in the future is by investing in ourselves through leadership training. A growing company looks ahead not only for work opportunities but to leave a positive lasting impact in our wake. Headquartered in rural Montezuma, KS, we’ve worked with other local business leaders to found a local Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues facing the many diverse businesses in our small town.

Investing in the Future – Youth & Education

Since MJE Livestock Equipment’s inception a few years ago, LE has been committed to supporting Young Guns Youth Rodeo. Young Guns is truly a family affair. Parents and kids continue to develop their mission to bring timed rodeo events to the youth of the midwest. There is something for everyone with events for kids from under 6 to 18 years old. This organization truly embodies the spirit of the West.

MJE invests in the future by participating in the Southwest Kansas Entrepreneurship Collective alongside Joe Coles and Southwest Plains Regional Service Center. Business leaders from across the region host events showcasing career opportunities for students upon High School Graduation.

Quarterly events are split into clusters, focusing on Education, Healthcare, Trades, and other Vocational pursuits. The emphasis is on growing our own future employee base by showcasing the incredible local opportunities for motivated kids who prefer to stay in Southwest Kansas.

Supporting Gray County 4H is another way that MJE and MJE Livestock Equipment invest in the future. Many of our employees have students that participate in 4H, and we always have supporters at the annual auction each summer. Support also includes loaning out panels and pens from MJE livestock Equipment.

Investing in the Future – Community

In 2020, business leaders (including COO Heather Jantz and PR Director Megan Elsey) saw an opportunity to invest in the future of Montezuma. After several preliminary meetings to develop a mission and discuss objectives, the Montezuma Chamber of Commerce was founded. Membership continues to grow, and a joint marketing event was held alongside Sublette and Cimarron Chambers.

For 2022, the Montezuma Chamber of Commerce plans to increase our membership & spotlight a new business each month. The Business of the Month will be featured in our local newspaper, have an opportunity to present information & events to the group at the monthly meeting, and receive extra promotions on social media. MCoC members work as a team to promote our businesses and support the progressive Montezuma community.

A collaboration of businesses to grow and promote our community by serving new and existing residents through online and tangible resources. – MCoC Mission Statement

If you’re ready to invest in the future of Montezuma, join the Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Investing in the Future – Leadership Development

MJE employs nearly 200 people with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. Over the last few years, investing in the future of MJE & LE has taken the form of Leadership Development Training. Our administrative teams and directors met with local Leadership expert Joe Coles to develop an internal mission and create a culture of growth.

ALL-IN is an acronym for the most important qualities our staff exhibits.

• Aim High
• Leader
• Loyalty
• Innovative
• No Excuses

The All-In Approach is a reference point we use to reinforce what it means to be a part of our forward-thinking team.

Our Chief Operating Officer, Heather Jantz, leads the charge in learning new skills and developing leaders from the inside out. A 2021 member of the LeadershipKansas class, Heather was able to network and learn from remarkable Kansans in various settings. She also serves on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a Kansas Contractors Association Board Director-at-Large.

CONCLUSION

Investing in the future is the path to growth for our employees, our business, and our region. Many of our employees seek opportunities to share their talents, time, and money with local youth initiatives and community endeavors and become better leaders themselves. MJE offers scholarships and leadership development to our workforce. These efforts translate to a higher quality workforce and more reputable company clients can trust.