Roger Apple of M&S Implement Co. visits Harrisburg Kiwanis

Roger Apple of M & S Implement Company served as the guest speaker for Harrisburg Kiwanis Club, which met Dec. 27 at Ponderosa.

Apple discussed his business on Illinois 145 South in Harrisburg. He has been involved in farm equipment for about 40 years and has operated businesses in Carmi, Equality and now Harrisburg. M & S was started by his father and another individual in Carmi.

After working in the business, Apple and his wife, Donna, purchased half ownership from his father's partner and began operation as a family-owned business. This continued through their moves to Equality and later to Harrisburg. More recently, Apple's father decided to retire. This gave an opportunity for his two sons to take over their grandfather's share of the business, allowing it to continue as a family-owned business.

Although Apple was very positive about both of the earlier locations for the business, he said the decision to move to Harrisburg has proven to be a good one. The business has experienced growth, mostly from a larger shopping base, but also from increased traffic along their business.

Apple shared information regarding changes in the agricultural economy over the past 40 years. He also discussed his ongoing support for Kiwanis and other local service organizations.

He said his family has always had a strong belief that a business has an obligation to support the community in which it operates.

"People have been good to us and we always try to give back," Apple said. He and his wife live in Harrisburg.