EFC Systems’ Ernie Chappell: What It Means to Be a Part of PACE
October 3, 2022 
We spoke with PACE Advisory Council member Ernie Chappell with EFC Systems to hear his thoughts on the inaugural PACE Executive Forum and why it is important for the industry to come together this October. The PACE Executive Forum is a new conference born out of CropLife Media Group’s longstanding PACE Initiative. For over 25 years, the PACE Advisory Council has been effective in breaking down silos among the many sectors of agriculture and ag input distribution by sharing challenges and opportunities, learning from one another, and developing strategies for future action.
CropLife: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Ernie Chappell: I’m Ernie Chappell, the Founder and President of EFC Systems. I come from a background in accounting and software development prior to starting EFC Systems 34 years ago.
CL: How long have you been a member of the PACE Advisory Council?
EC: I have been associated with PACE for the past five years.
CL: What made you want to be part of PACE?
EC: PACE gave me the opportunity to engage with a variety of other company leaders that I might not otherwise have had a chance to interact with.
CL: Have you attended past PACE meetings? What value came out of those meetings for you?
EC: Yes, and the value was related to discussion trends as a group.
Ernie Chappell, EFC Systems
CL: As a board member, why do you think it is beneficial to have opened this forum to a larger group of delegates?
EC: This forum will widen the conversation and go even further into collaboration.
CL: What are you most looking forward to this October?
EC: As with each year, seems like a lot of change has occurred and it will be great to be in person again which will be a much more effective form of conversation.
CL: What would you tell your colleagues about PACE?
EC: PACE provides a great opportunity to engage outside your circle of contacts on the important issues and trends facing the industry.
CL: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our industry today?
EC: The need for ag retailers to diversify their services and value to growers while coping with labor shortages.
CL: Considering these challenges, why do you feel this event is critical to attend?
EC: Education and exploring new ideas along with collaborating with other people will be of utmost value to bring more ideas forward. The PACE Executive Forum will be a great setting to do just that.
The PACE Executive Forum taking place October 27-28 in Kansas City, MO. To view all conference speakers, the full agenda, to learn more and to register, click here.
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