Red Lake County Co-op annual meeting

Red Lake County Co-op held its Annual Meeting on Thursday April 6th.  The meeting was held at the Brooks Community Center in Brooks.   A breakfast of pancakes, sausage and eggs was served by the employees at 8:30AM with the meeting following at 9:30AM.  

Chairman Todd Wieland called the meeting to order.  Secretary Chuck Flage read Proof of Notice and previous year’s minutes.

The Audit Report was read by Scott Stephens CPA with Hennen and Associates.  Total sales for 2016 were $17,021,072 less Cost of Sales of $13,309,270 leaves a Gross Margin of $3,711,802.  The company ended the Fiscal Year with a Local Net Savings of $249,514. Patronage received was $350,970 leaving a Net Savings before taxes of $600,484.  

Chairman Todd Wieland presented the board activity for this past year commenting on fixed asset purchases and items discussed throughout the year.  Fixed asset purchases were a loader, three fertilizer spreaders, a propane tank trailer and a commercial mower.  Todd thanked director Gary Weiss for his 30 years of service on the board.

Co-Manager Michele Longtin introduced the employees of the co-op and talked about Doug’s retirement date of January 31, 2018.  Michele informed the patrons on distribution of stock this past year.  Dividend total paid on 2016 purchases was $400,000 we paid 40% or $163,000 in cash patronage.  Stock Retirement at age 72 was a total of $195,000, Estates paid was $38,500 and Revolving Stock from years 1962-1974 was paid out totaling $38,000. The co-op had another successful year thanks to a great team of employees and direction from our board.

Co-Manager Doug Knott gave a review on the history of the company.  The merging of the Brooks and Red Lake Falls Stations.  Then he gave a history of when all locations came to be.  Doug talked about the first board of directors and members of the Co-op that started this business.  Doug also spoke on the sales for each product and department.

Election of three directors was held with Kevin Amiot, Conway Olson and Ogden Farder elected for a three year term.

There was no old business.

Ken Pazdernik, with Minnesota Farmers Union talked on the new President and the meetings they have been having around the State.   He touched on projects the organization was working on and the benefits of them.

Jesse Gagner, Agronomy Manager gave a speech and drew names for door prizes donated by Helena Co.

Door prizes were won by Nick Knott, Kevin Amiot, Todd Wieland, Al Wieland, Robert Landsverk, Rudy Finseth, David Hamm, Gordon Syverson, Pete Stich, Henry Wieland, Gene Schmitz, Randy Weiss, Leo Schmitz, David Kiecker, Don Stenberg, Jeff Klaven, Beverly Plante, Marlys Brovold, Bruce Eskeli and John Stich.  A gift was given to everyone in attendance.