Ninety years of growth celebrated at AGRIS Co-operative AGM

“Celebrating 90 years of farmer-owned innovation” was the theme presented to more than 150 member-owners, supporters and friends of AGRIS Co-operative at its Annual Meeting in Chatham, Ontario earlier this year with Jeff Solberg, CEO of GROWMARK there to pass on his congratulations.

“We are very honoured to have you speak to our group especially knowing that this is the first annual meeting you have attended in your new role as CEO of GROWMARK,” said David Malott, AGRIS Co-operative president.

Solberg told AGRIS Co-operative members that they should be very proud of their accomplishments in reporting solid financial results. “A co-op has to be profitable to be able to grow and provide patronage refunds back to its farmer-owners and AGRIS is doing a great job of maintaining a high level of success.” The co-operative reported annual sales of nearly $50 million for 2010, income of $2.1 million and declared patronage refunds of $500,000 to its members for the second year in a row.

Solberg reiterated the strength of GROWMARK’s commitment to support and serve its members by saying, “GROWMARK values and sees every dollar we handle as a farmer’s dollar.”

During the meeting, AGRIS Co-operative filled four open board positions from a selection of eight strong nominees. “This was a great example of true democracy in action!” says Jim Campbell, AGRIS Co-operative general manager. “Seeing this many candidates come forward confirms that being farmer-owned and having a say in how the business is run means a lot to our members.”

The annual meeting also marked the retirement of the co-operative’s president David Malott from the board of directors, after more than 30 years of involvement with the co-op. Larry Pajot, of Windsor was elected as the new president.

Also attending from corporate GROWMARK was Davis Anderson, vice president grain, Marshall Bohbrink, vice president risk management and treasurer, Joe Kapraun, manager grain marketing division and Eric Smalley, grain business operations director all in support of Great Lakes Grain, a grain partnership between AGRIS Co-operative and GROWMARK.

As part of the 90th anniversary celebration, a tribute to past presidents was recognized, new testimonial banner displays and posters were displayed and a new video production was presented to the audience.

GROWMARK, Inc. Chief Executive Office Jeff Solberg brings greetings from GROWMARK at AGRIS Co-operative’s Annual General Meeting and 90^th anniversary celebration.