AdC, I agree with you. Shareholders elect people to a board and entrust us with their money. We have to be accountable to them for where it goes and why. The comments in my last e-mail were from board members I know in other coops. We're open with shareholders and educating them is ongoing. We don't have newsletters but we have "issue letters" in which we explain an issue and related costs. We also send them to shareholders to keep them alert to issues we have to face, like soaring fuel prices or a major capital project so nothing is a surprise and they understand what's involved.

We have "open forums" - lobby meetings a few times a year so: 1) shareholders can discuss any issue with us, and 2) new shareholders can assimilate into the "community". Our people also feel comfortable calling mgmt with questions because they they get straight, logical answers. By annual meeting time, we aren't battered by irate shareholders because we "brought them along" with us and didn't keep them in the dark about important things.

You're right, AdC. Educating shareholders is good strategy. Reminds me of what my dad used to say that has no meaning here: Education is the horse and experience is the jockey. Just a passing memory. :-) There are always people who won't understand, or only see what they want to see, but I believe being open, honest, communicative and professional can't be anything but good for a board - and for a coop.