We’re in the swing of the annual meeting season. That means we are preparing information, putting together our trustee election, and going through the processes that make being a cooperative member different. I’ve been asked, “why should I go to another meeting?” The answer is simple. It is more than a meeting. It’s an opportunity to engage with your cooperative because we work for each of YOU.  

YOU Elect Trustees  

Each member has a vote. Trustees represent you each month around the board room table. They are members like you who take on the responsibility of financial security for the future. Trustees review and conduct due diligence on policies that will affect every member of FreeState—including themselves. They are not shareholders, they are members. While they are compensated for their time, they are fairly elected by the entire membership to serve three-year terms. And any member can run for a trustee position. While our trustee candidates for the 2023 election have already been slated, consider serving your cooperative in the future. If you have any interest in serving your cooperative, let us know! We will make sure you get the information you need.  

 YOU Are the Focus 

When we plan annual meetings, we keep our members at the top of our minds. We realize that some of our members may have never been to their cooperative offices, and we want to showcase the annual meeting as a place for members to get information on how the cooperative has done over the past two years. It is a place to celebrate milestones, discuss industry trends that may impact members, and serve as a place of accountability. Each year FreeState puts together an annual report that is available to each member that includes financial information, and insight into the overall performance of the cooperative. Annual meeting gives you an opportunity to ask questions and connect with FreeState trustees and staff directly. We want our members involved. We encourage engagement, and dialogue. We work for you, and we do our best to provide each member with an avenue to get the most out of your cooperative membership.  

And, we’ll provide a meal and a free gift while supplies last. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 25. We’ll see you next month in McLouth!