Time of Changes

Jeff Kushkowski, Wheatsfield Board of Directors

October is a time of changes. Time to put the patio furniture away. Time to get sweaters out of storage. Time to start raking those pesky leaves!

October is also a time of change at Wheatsfield. A highlight of the month is the Annual Meeting of the Members, which will take place on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:30 – 8:00pm at Torrent Brewing Company in downtown Ames. This is a chance to connect with fellow members and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. Other activities at the Annual Meeting of the Members include hearing from board of director candidates, giving out some awards, having the opportunity to ask questions, and (most importantly) eating! Member-Owners are encouraged to attend the annual meeting.

Another change for the Co-op in October is the Annual Board Election. Members of the Board of Directors serve three-year terms, and three directors are elected each fall. Information about the candidates is available on the Wheatsfield’s website. Candidates will be giving statements about why they want to serve on the board at the Annual Meeting.

With board candidates comes the opportunity for members to vote in the Annual Board Election. Voting begins electronically or by paper ballot on Monday, October 2. Voting will continue until 9pm on Tuesday, October 17. New board members will be publicly announced as soon as all candidates have been notified of the results.

Here are other upcoming activities in October:

October is Wheatsfield’s Annual Member Drive when we aim to add 50 new members to our ranks. It’s also National Co-op Month when we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by those who work in or benefit from co-ops. Members know the power of co-ops to make lives better – encourage people you to know to join during October!

Another highlight of October is the fall Bulk Sale, happening Thursday, October 12 through Saturday, October 14. Member-owners and student discount program participants save 15% on regular priced bulk products and non-members save 5%.

To end the month, there will be Trick-or-Treat at the Co-op on Saturday, October 28 from 11am – 1pm. Bring your children (or yourself) in costume and join us for a fun, spooky time at the Co-op!

To recap the changes coming this October: patio furniture, sweaters, raking, Annual Meeting, Board Election, Member Drive, buy in bulk, Trick-or-Treat. Have a wonderful month!