One of the Seven Cooperative Principles is Democratic Member Control. Our members guide the cooperative’s direction as we navigate the complex future ahead. Our annual meeting is the primary expression of this democratic control. During this meeting, members vote on bylaw changes and elect representatives to the board of directors. Each year, three of the nine members of our board of directors are up for election. This year, director seats for districts two, six and eight will be decided. We hope to see many of our members at this year’s 80th Annual Meeting. 

The 80th Annual Meeting will take place next month on Aug. 22 at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, west of Flora. Leading up to our annual meeting, we want to remind our members about our annual scholarship opportunity. Each year at the annual meeting, we draw three $500 scholarships for the children of our members. To be eligible, they must be members of the graduating class of 2024 with plans to attend an accredited 2- or 4-year college or trade school. The form for the drawing can be found on page 6 and must be returned to the cooperative by mail or in person by Friday, Aug. 16. More details about the 80th Annual Meeting will be provided in next month’s magazine.

This year is particularly special as we celebrate our 80th Anniversary. The meeting will feature live entertainment by local talent Guy Ash, and we will have additional door prizes drawn at the end of the business meeting. Oil Belt Christian Service Camp will once again be our gracious host. Registration for the annual meeting, including entertainment and a pork chop or chicken dinner, will begin at 5 p.m., with the business meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Door prizes and scholarships will be drawn at the conclusion of the meeting. We look forward to seeing all our members there.

Remember to keep an eye out for your member number hidden within this magazine. We’ve placed three member numbers throughout the pages. If you find yours and give us a call, you’ll receive a $5 discount on your next bill! Happy hunting!