(Ames, Iowa) — The deadline for voting on the Farmers Cooperative Company, West Central Cooperative merger is approaching, and both cooperatives are urging members to vote.
The deadline for dropping off a ballot at a West Central or FC location is Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. If members need assistance returning a ballot, they should contact their location cooperative location.
For a merger, Iowa law requires 50 percent of each membership to vote, with two-thirds of those votes cast to favor the proposal.
“We need all our members’ voices to be heard on this important issue,” John Scott, FC Board President, said. “Don’t sit this out, because a stronger, merged co-op is the key to providing services and maintaining the cooperative way of life in this increasingly competitive environment. Your vote will make a difference.”
“A vote for this merger of equals will mean our farmer-owned cooperative can grow and innovate to continue serving member-owners today and tomorrow,” West Central Board Chair Sue Tronchetti said. “Having a progressive, forward-thinking, farmer-owned and controlled cooperative is more important than ever. This merger will enable us to compete with the multinationals and take advantage of business opportunities that might not otherwise be available.”
The votes will be counted at a special meeting slated for December 18.
