Back Issue

Monthly Headlines, August/September 2004

Front Page: Keeping Boards Vital
Co-ops Use a Variety of Methods to Attract, Retain Good Directors
Cooperative have an ample arsenal in the battle to attract and retain competent board members. But in one area—requiring contested elections—they still have a big hill to climb.

Cooperative Business Journal talked with dozens of co-op leaders and consultants and reviewed several studies to learn what cooperatives do to recruit good boards and keep them from getting stale.

Page Three: Proposed Sale of Omaha Bank Rocks Farm Credit System, Ignites Debate

The proposed acquisition of an Omaha Farm Credit association by the Dutch banking cooperative Rabobank rocked the Farm Credit System and ignited a heated debate in rural America.

If successful, Rabobank could potentially control the largest single portfolio of U.S. farm loans.

Governance: Effective Boards Through Effective Orientation
An effective board of directors is an essential component of a vibrant and healthy cooperative.

Recognizing this, how can we ensure that all board members, especially new directors, contribute to that effectiveness? What do new board members want and need before beginning their tenure? How do veteran board members convey essential information in a way that helps new directors participate productively sooner rather than later?

.Coop: DotCoop Board Chair Steps Down
Harvey C. Sigelbaum of New York City has stepped down after nearly three years as chair of the dotCoop board of managers.

International: Improving Democracy in Ghana is Goal of USAID Grant
The first African nation to gain its independence from British colonial rule, Ghana today is recognized as one of the continent's leading democracies.