September 10, 2008

Dear Voting Member:

 Re: 2008 Annual Membership Meeting
    Countryside Cooperative began use of mail balloting at its 2005 Annual Meeting. Our governance protocol requires certain voting member communications at certain times- with this letter the first in a series relevant to the 2008 Annual Meeting. The purpose of this letter and information packet is two fold. One is to formally announce our 2008 Annual Meeting will be held 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 10th at the Off Broadway Banquet Center/Stout Ale House, 1501 North Broadway, Menomonie. Registration & Buffet Dinner will begin at 11:30 am. 
    Its second mission is to provide each Countryside Cooperative voting member with a Nominating Petition. This form can be used if you are interested in running for a position of Director on our Board. Your Board sincerely encourages your consideration of serving both your cooperative and your peers within the cooperative community as a fellow Director.
    Under the Plan of Merger related to the December 1, 2007 merger of Countryside Cooperative with Goldstar Cooperative, five member voting regions (click here to view map) have been authorized by your Board of Directors.  Two elections- occurring in Regions “C” and “D” are slated for 2008- each for a full three year term. Also occurring as of December 10^th is a “downsizing event” for your Board with as its constitution will lessen from the present sixteen seats to ten. Beginning at our 2009 Annual Meeting, either three or four director elections will be held.  Each director will be elected to a three year term.   
    If you seek election to the Board and reside in Region C or D, the Nominating Petition must be returned by October 10th - including the signatures of two voting members supporting your candidacy. For more information on Board service or assistance on furthering your candidacy, please contact any member of our 2008 Nominating Committee whose names- and phone contact numbers- are listed below. Ballots declaring the official candidate roster will be mailed to all voting members on November 10, 2008. Ballots can be returned via mail or hand delivered when you attend the Annual Meeting. Future mailings will include candidate profiles and more specific information pertinent to the Annual Meeting agenda.
    Please don’t hesitate to contact George Rude, General Manager, or Carole Jean Baier, Election Coordinator, at the Durand Business office (800-236-7585) should you seek further information pertaining to Board eligibility or duties. He or she could also direct you to your regional director(s) for further assistance.  Again, we encourage your consideration of Board service. As always, thank you for continued support and patronage.                                                        
                                   Sincerely,
                                  Greg Kruger - Board Chairman

2008 Nominating Committee -  
Randy Styer (Alfa Lawn Farms)            715-505-8162
Rod Baier (Baier Creek Farms)            715-495-3855
Marty Hallock                                        715-495-2812
Pat Schaffer (Cedar Ridge Enterprise)  715-215-0558 

 2008 Nominating Petition Form
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