The Edon Farmers Coop Board of Directors held their 92nd. Annual Meeting at the Edon Northwest School Auditoria. A delicious steak and ham dinner was served to the members and guests. The school personnel prepared the meal with assistance from the FCCLA and FFA members.
After the meal, Pastor David LaDuke gave the invocation. Students of the Edon Northwest School performed several selections from the upcoming musical “Anything Goes”.
The minutes of the November 13, 2010 annual meeting were approved as read.
Chairman of the nominating committee, Chuck Howard, presented the following candidates for election to the board of directors: Indiana area: Keith Crowl, Herb Howard and Greg Smith and the Edon area: James Gearhart, Jon Hake and Mark Trausch. Mark Trausch, Jon Hake and Keith Crowl were elected.
Rod Stoller, CPA with Arend, Laukhuf & Stoller, Inc. gave the financial report. On sales of $ 101,911,590 there were net margins after taxes of $2,363,120.
Marcus Cordonnier introduced various guests and retired employees.
Chairman of the Board, Chuck Howard, gave an overview of the past year. He thanked the patron members for their business this past year. He reported that the following young people received $1,000 scholarships for 2011: Joey Brown, Edon, Rachel Headley, Edon, Natalie Appel, Edgerton and Ashlie Kryder, Hamilton.
Retiring board members Corey Hug and Chuck Howard received watches for their 9 years of service on the board.
Marcus Cordonnier addressed the members. He reviewed his background prior to accepting the position as CEO and General Manager of the Edon Farmers Coop. He shared his thoughts or the business for 2010. He introduced the new Grain Merchandiser, Abby Wensinic. He shared that she would be buying grain and he would be selling the grain.
The following employees were honored for their years of service: Gary Oberlin, 40 years; Art Herman, 30. years; Don Kimpel, 15 years; Dean Goeitenieuchter and Andy Stickney, 10 years and David Belknap, Michele Reeder and Chad Livensparger, 5 years.
Marcus Cordonnier introduced Rick Dunbar, retired General Manager, to the members. He presented Mr. Dunbar a watch for his 11 years of service to the Coop. Rick addressed the members. He reflected on his time with the Coop and his retirement. He thanked the members for their business and thanked the employees for their support over the 11 years at the Coop.
Kay Vollmer was introduced to the members. She told of the funding problems with the 4-H program in Williams County. The extension budget is cut 50% for 2012 and will be cut to 0 in 2013. This will eliminate the agriculture and 4-H programs in Williams County by 2013 if no funds are raised. She reported that 901 boys and 917 girls are in the 4-H program this year. In an effort to continue the 4-H and agriculture programs in Williams County, a .3 mill levy will be put on the March 2012 ballot. This will cost the property owners $9.20 per year for each $100,000 of valuation. If anyone has any questions or would want to contribute, contact Elaine Willibey.
Mike Bever and Kylene Nester drew the winning tickets for the door prizes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.