At our annual kickoff meeting, I shared our 2020 objectives, Route 66 initiatives, competitive landscape, company challenges and my confidence in this team to rise to the challenge and find a way to win. However, since then, our world has been profoundly changed by a devastating global pandemic unlike anything we have seen before, and we have placed the safety and health of our employees, dealers and customers above all other goals. Even though we now face the most uncertain of times, my confidence remains strong as this company has faced unforeseeable adversity in the past and successfully navigated through uncharted waters with agility, guided by the enduring values Kubota was founded on. We will persevere and succeed. I want to thank everyone for their resilience, creativity and unwavering spirit to keep our Company moving forward during this global health pandemic. The power of collective teamwork is essential in unprecedented and challenging times, and you have remained united, connected and supportive of each other. I am very proud of what has been achieved together, as One Kubota. 

Although we are experiencing lower than planned sales in some segments, we have delivered on our promise of “On Your Side” to our dealers and customers by keeping our doors open and providing necessary products, finance programs, service, parts and additional support. We will continue to fulfill our duties under our designation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as essential to the critical infrastructure of the nation with a strong heart.  For more than 130 years, Kubota has operated under the underlying principle of “challenge the unknown with creativity and courage.” This enduring pillar has been the key to our longevity and success. Particularly during these unprecedented times, we will remain steadfast and true to our core values and they will guide us through the difficult challenges that lie ahead and on to a promising future. 

As our world, families, communities, economies and businesses begin to heal we must be prepared to serve the needs of our customers and societies by aiding in the production of food and rebuilding our infrastructures. Kubota has always been at the forefront of innovative products and services that enhance people’s lives in the areas of Food, Water, and the Environment and this time will be no different. We must stay the course and recapture much of what we have lost in the second half of this year, working diligently toward our goals. My dream to become a leading company is clearer than ever. Although we have hit a major road bump in our journey, our core values continue to be deeply rooted in our daily business practices and will drive us on our Route 66 path to Flagstaff this year. Stay safe and healthy.