Innovation in Equity and Capitalization: An Issues Forum

Main Points of the Forum

• How other cooperatives are approaching capital and equity challenges
• Exchange of ideas on innovative (and sometimes controversial) solutions
• Understand the implications of changes to equity policies
• How to communicate with members on equity policy changes

Program

Why the Concern Regarding Capitalization, Equity Capital Management and Business Conversions of Agricultural Cooperatives?

Rod Nilestuen, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Equity Capital and Equity Management: A Recent Survey of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin Cooperatives

Bob Cropp, UW Center for Cooperatives

What Does Your Lender Look for in the Balance Sheet and Operating Statement and Why?

Robert Doane, Regional Manager, CoBank

Alternative Approaches to Building and Managing Equity Capital (Part I)

Andy Fiene, Manager, Premier Co-op
Craig Heineman, Secretary of the Board, West Central Cooperative
Jerry McGeorge, Director of Cooperative Affairs, CROPP

Lunch

Alternative Approaches to Building and Managing Equity Capital (Part II)

Martin Hillert, Manager, Adams-Columbia Electric
Larry Romuald, CFO, Cooperative Resources International
Bob Lowe, Manager, Country Horizons
Bob Cropp, UW Center for Cooperatives

Reactor Panel: Building and Managing Equity Capital for Now and for the Future

Ron Hillman, Manager, Mid-County Co-op
Bret Clostermery, CFO, Landmark Cooperative
Bob Topel, Board Vice President, Foremost Farms USA
Joel Dahlgren, Lindquist & Vennum, PPLP
Jeff Brandenburg, Clifton Gunderson, LLP
Robert Beerup, Illinois Agricultural Auditing Assn.

Closing: A Message to Boards of Directors and Managers of Cooperatives