AgWest notes 20th year in business; open house Friday

    When AgWest Commodities was founded, a producer could sell a bushel of corn for $2.19 with a phone call to the Chicago trading pit, as long as the dial-up internet wasn’t interfering with the line.
    While much has changed over two decades, AgWest’s dedication to their customers has not, company officials say.
    On June 21, 1999 Steve Knuth opened shop in the basement of his home in Alma with the goal of scratching out a living for himself, helping farmers with their marketing.
    To celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary, Imperial’s AgWest Commodities office at 101 Holland Street is holding an open house Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. with cake and refreshments.
    In addition to Imperial, AgWest operates nine other locations across Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota with a team of nearly 50 people.
    “We invite our valued customers to stop and say hello.  We truly appreciate their business and would like to say thanks for allowing us to be a part of their operation,” said Joel Gockley, office branch manager in Imperial.
    AgWest first opened its Imperial office in 2001, and moved to their current location in March 2012.
    In addition to Gockley, other Imperial team members include Ashley Eskew and Kale Gockley.  Todd Siverson, who is part of AgWest Land Brokers, has an office at 101 Holland Street, as well.