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A Proposal in a Hotel Parking Lot Instead of a Romantic Weekend

2024-12-10

In a whirlwind of love and unexpected moments, Sara Rowe Mount's story unfolds. Her journey with her now-husband began on eHarmony and quickly turned into a passionate relationship. The anticipation of a proposal during a weekend away was palpable, yet it took an unexpected turn.

Love's Surprises in the Unlikeliest Places

Meeting on eHarmony

Sara and her husband met on eHarmony, a platform that brought them together after years of searching for love. Their first date was on a cold December day, filled with simple yet meaningful activities like having lunch at a diner and browsing at Barnes & Noble. From that first encounter, she knew there was something special about him.

It was a last-ditch effort for both of them before giving up on online dating. But little did they know that this chance meeting would lead to a life filled with love and surprises.

The Whirlwind Relationship

Their relationship moved at a rapid pace. They met in December and got engaged in August, followed by a wedding the next December. It may have seemed fast to some, but for them, it was clear that they had found the one.

During the summer, they started talking about getting engaged. Sara wanted to have a say in the ring, so they went ring shopping together. She found a ring that she loved, and he ordered it without her knowing.

The Weekend Away

The first weekend of August, they drove a few hours away so her now-husband could perform with a quartet. Sara went into the trip with the hope of a proposal, but as the weekend ended and night fell, she began to doubt it.

However, as they were driving through rural Delaware, a song came on that seemed like a proposal speech. But still, no ring. He just expressed his love and wished he could hug her.

The Surprise Proposal

About a mile up the road, he pulled into a Holiday Inn Express parking lot. Sara was surprised, as she hadn't been serious about pulling over. But he had a different plan.

He got out of the car, reached into the back seat, and proposed to her again, getting down on one knee. She was overcome with emotion, laughing and jumping with joy. It may not have been a traditional proposal, but it was perfect for their quirky relationship.

Even now, after nine years of marriage, she still looks back on that moment with a smile. Love truly has a way of surprising us in the unlikeliest of places.

Elders Limited, a prominent player in the industry, has recently taken a significant step by entering into an agreement to acquire Australian agribusiness Delta. This acquisition holds great importance for both companies and the agricultural sector as a whole.

Uniting Agribusinesses for Enhanced Service and Growth

Delta's Operational Network and Customer Base

Delta, founded in 2006, operates a vast network consisting of 68 locations. It serves around 40 independent wholesale customers, offering a comprehensive range of farm inputs. These include essential items such as crop protection, seeds, animal health products, fertilisers, fuel, and general merchandise. The company's extensive reach and diverse product offerings make it a key player in the agricultural supply chain. It not only provides these products but also markets its own private label brand of agricultural chemicals and animal health products. This allows Delta to stand out in the market and offer unique solutions to its customers. Additionally, Delta's team of agronomists and Precision Agriculture specialists provides farm advisory services, adding significant value to its operations.The acquisition of Delta by Elders Limited is expected to bring several benefits. As Mark Allison, the managing director and CEO of Elders, stated, "All decision making at Elders is underpinned by an ambition to provide the best service for our clients and customers, and the acquisition of Delta supports that." Delta provides Elders with greater exposure to key local retail markets, especially in regions such as New South Wales, North West Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. This expanded market presence will complement and extend Elders' existing products and services range, enabling them to better serve rural and regional customers.

Integration and Future Prospects

Under the terms of the integration with Elders, Delta's leadership and operations will remain unchanged. Both companies will continue to operate independently, maintaining the current structure of their networks. This ensures that customers receive the same level of service from both Delta and Elders. Allison further added that the agreement will enhance Elders' existing technical service network and its offering in Ag Tech and precision agriculture. Elders has a proven track record of synergy generation through backward integration, and it is anticipated that this acquisition will create meaningful value for Elders shareholders.Delta management and employees will also remain unchanged, in line with Elders' light touch integration strategy. As Gerard Hines, the managing director and co-founder of Delta, mentioned, "There is strong cultural alignment between Elders and Delta, as two trusted agribusinesses seeking to create value for our customers." The management team will continue to lead Delta, and they are excited to be able to provide customers with innovative and value-adding business solutions with the added support of Elders.Completion of this acquisition is subject to customary conditions and ACCC clearance. It is expected to occur in the first half of calendar year 2025, marking a significant milestone in the growth and development of both Elders and Delta. This acquisition has the potential to reshape the agricultural landscape and bring new opportunities for both companies and their customers.

Foodfolk Australia, a Western Australian family-owned and operated business, is experiencing remarkable growth with the support of a government investment. This investment is enabling them to expand their operations and put their delicious ready-made meals on more in-flight menus.

Government's Investment Unlocks New Heights for Foodfolk Australia

Government Support and Business Expansion

The Western Australia Government's investment of $1 million through the Value Add Investment Grant is playing a crucial role in Foodfolk Australia's growth journey. This grant is allowing the business to undertake its ambitious $10 million expansion project. By relocating and upgrading their operations at Perth Airport, Foodfolk Australia is setting the stage for significant growth.The introduction of new state-of-the-art technology, advanced equipment, and automation will enhance the capacity and efficiency of the business. It will enable them to triple their meal production, increasing their share in the Australian aviation and non-aviation markets. This includes sectors such as mining, events, hospitals, and aged care. Moreover, it opens up opportunities to attract new international air-carrier customers.

Ethos of 'Less Waste, More Taste'

New processing and packaging equipment will be a key aspect of Foodfolk Australia's expansion. This equipment will support their ethos of 'less waste, more taste' by extending the shelf life of fresh packaged meals from five days to 20 days. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that customers can enjoy their delicious meals for a longer period.

Job Creation and Local Economy Boost

The expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs over the next three years, with the potential for a further 100 jobs within the decade. This job creation will have a significant impact on the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of local supply chains.The Value Add Investment Grants program is not only helping Foodfolk Australia but also a diverse range of agrifood and beverage businesses across the state. These grants are enabling them to take on large-scale expansion plans and provide a much-needed boost to local economies.As Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said, "It's truly exciting to support Foodfolk Australia, which started as a small business, to reach new heights and put more of WA's incredible produce on the menu." The Cook Government's continuous support for the growing food industry is evident through programs like the Value Add Investment Grants.Foodfolk Australia's story is a testament to the power of government investment in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. With their expanded operations and increased production capacity, they are set to make a significant impact in the food industry.