When we moved to Waitsburg in 2017, my husband, Ray, hired on to the Blue Mountain Team of the McGregor Co. Once a year, the company invites their employees and their spouses to a weekend at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for their annual Company Dinner, and this past weekend, I got a brief look at the ins and outs of a company that keeps the agriculture world growing; quite literally.

Founded in 1882, the McGregor Co. has its roots deep in the little town of Hooper, Wash. What was once a sheep raising business, the company is now known for its seed care and research, as well as its trusted advice on raising a healthy crop. The company spans from northeastern Oregon, through eastern Washington, and in to Idaho. The company provides carefully researched fertilizers, as well as seeds. They also have their own Risk Management division.

This was our second year attending the Company Dinner. Last year, we went up Saturday morning, but this year, we decided to go up a day early and enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation. We made a leisurely drive to Coeur d’Alene, which was surprisingly pleasant. We have a two year old (who stayed home with my aunt), and we couldn’t remember the last time we took a drive that length without at least 4 stops.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort is pleasant from the moment you walk in. You’re met with soft lighting once inside, and the lobby is home to a gift shop, large fish tanks, the Whispers Lounge. The 32,000 square foot resort is home to the Hagadone Event Center, which looks out over Lake Coeur d’Alene. A night at the Resort ranks in on the more affordable side, with rooms starting at $139/night.

Our weekend started when we met up without friends, Garrett and Maddi Barber, at the Whispers Lounge in the Resort. I, personally, had never spent much time in a cocktail lounge like Whispers, with its waterfront view, and the fires that are lit every night. The lighting behind the bar was very attractive, and it played well into warm, low lighting throughout the lounge. I ended up falling in love with a 2017 Santa Cristina Rose, which is a huge step for me, because I am very partial to Waterbrook’s Icon Rose. Our drinks ranged from $7 up to $14 per drink, which seemed very appropriate for what we had. There were drinks available that were slightly less than what we were buying, and there was a selection of high end scotches that were priced higher. The service was top notch, and we were all surprised at the range our bills fell in.

Saturday morning, we grabbed coffee at Starbucks in the Resort, met up with the Barbers, and went out shopping. I have to commend the guys real quick: They spent a fair amount of time in Cabelas and walked out with only hats. I wish I could say the same for myself when we went to North 40, but, unfortunately, I cannot. We saved our appetites for the upcoming company dinner, so I can’t provide any recommendations for good eats.

Back at the Resort, Ray and I split up. He went to a McGregor Co. business meeting, and I went up to our room and got ready for the evening. When I met back up with my husband, the conference halls were filled with an incredibly diverse group of people that make up the McGregor Co. People from all backgrounds, with all sorts of stories, gathered. There were men dressed in suits and ties, and others in jeans and a nice button up. The ladies' attire varied from flared trousers to dresses to shimmery jumpsuits, and everything in between. Boots were welcomed as footwear, which is one of my favorite parts about the gathering.

We talked with people from all over. I met a fun couple from Pendleton, and another toddler mom that lives here in Waitsburg. Everyone was happy, and enjoying themselves. It was a great sight to see, especially after all the difficulties experienced across the company with the late spring and funky seasons.

Our dinner was excellent. Well-prepared beef, roasted asparagus, and mashed potatoes that were to die for were a few of the items being served, and the resort staff that helped with the catering were excellent. They worked quietly, ready to answer any and all questions. Dishes were refilled before they ever got empty. There was no waiting on food at any point. The bartenders and servers were wonderful, as well. All the staff was welcoming, and it seemed like the crowd of 350+ of service techs, managers, and “office bums” didn’t phase them.

The McGregor Co. was built by farmers and ranchers, and the current leadership has not forgotten the amount of time and effort it takes to keep the farms alive and well. The company makes it a point to recognize the employees who go above and beyond. Adam Scott, of Dayton, received an award for his outstanding dedication to the company and his job. Mark Welter, who manages the Blue Mountain Team, received recognition for the time and effort he has put in to maintain a successful team. Ray even had some nice words said about him in a moment of recognition.

Alex McGregor, who has quite literally poured his heart and soul into the company and agriculture industry, was recognized for all he has done. Alex, as he is fondly known by the employees, has taken a company that has roots in the sheep raising world, and turned it into a key part of the grains, vegetables, and fruits that we grow and enjoy. There was a brief history lesson, that gave the newer employees a fresh look at the company, how much it has grown, and just how important what they do really is. The story of Alex McGregor and how he became a leader in the agriculture industry, is truly inspiring.

After all the awards were given out, Alex McGregor thanked all of his employees for all their hard work. Hard work is an understatement; there have been times that Ray has been home long enough to grab a bite to eat, and go to sleep, just to get up long before I exist in the morning and get back at it. This can be said for pretty much anyone in the company that has anything to do with the fertilizing at any point. From the guys working at the train stops, unloading the chemicals, to the plant managers working to coordinate trucks and deliveries for the customers, the employees at the McGregor Co aren’t strangers to long hours and hard days.

The party didn’t end with the conclusion of the dinner. Many people stayed in the conference rooms afterwards and shared drinks and conversation. It is incredibly refreshing to see management that makes an effort to get to know their employees away from the workplace. Ray and I stayed out for a couple hours after the conclusion of the dinner and socialized with people from all ranks of the company. From fellow service techs and truck drivers to retirees, it was nice to get to know the people that my husband works with and for.

The entire weekend was nice. Simply put, it was an escape that Ray and I needed. Even though we were surrounded by coworkers, it felt more like an evening with friends, which is something that I really appreciate about the McGregor Co. The company cares about those that they hire, and they embrace the importance of diversity. I’ve been lucky with my workplaces, and I’m glad that my husband works for people that he is happy with. My only complaint was completely self-inflicted: I had so much fun, I forgot to take pictures!