2008 Board of Directors

Curt Eischens
Minneota, MN

Neil Christy
Plymouth, MN

Dennis Hunwardsen
Jackson, MN

Dave Hoelmer
Mankato, MN

Tom Hayes
Lafayette, MN

Mary Buschette
Roseville, MN

Al Krysan
Lakeville, MN

William L. Oemichen
CEO
St. Paul, MN

Amy Fredregill
Sec/Treas.
St. Paul, MN

August 6, 2008

Dear Co-op Representative:

We ask all Minnesota Association of Cooperatives (MAC) members to consider making a contribution to our annual fund drive for the MAC Education Foundation. The Foundation conducts important work to help broaden co-op initiatives and promote understanding of the cooperative business model. The Foundation was established in 1986 as a non-profi t corporation to honor the work of long-time cooperator and former MAC Executive Director, Edward Slettom.

A direct gift can be made by co-ops or individuals or cooperatives can disburse unclaimed patronage dividends and capital credits to the Foundation. Please see our website, www.wfcmac.coop, for more information about disbursing unclaimed patronage.

Among other events, the Foundation has sponsored the Big MAC Youth Leadership Conference (pictured at right), a two-day senior high school program on cooperatives and leadership. Feedback from conference participants include:

“Two of our seniors went last year and had a great time. The indicator of a true test was when they asked if the conference was going to be held again and if they were eligible to attend twice.” – Scott, New Ulm-area agricultural instructor

“What’s a co-op? That was my fi rst response to this conference when I had the opportunity to attend. But not only did I learn about co-ops but I gained leadership skills that I will use all my life! It’s an opportunity that you would not want to miss.” – Ksana, University of Minnesota freshman 2005 and 2006 conference participant

Three years ago the Foundation awarded the fi rst-ever Slettom Cooperative Leadership Scholarship to a student pursuing a career in cooperatives. The Foundation now offers three types of scholarships annually. As the fi rst recipient, Janelle Marie Laska of Winona, Minn., (pictured below) was awarded the 2005 Edward Slettom Cooperative Leadership $500 scholarship. For the last two years, however, due to diminished funds in the Foundation accounts we were not able to award as many Slettom Scholarships as we would have liked. Your contribution will help award more scholarships.

The Foundation has supported a number of other activities to meet its goals, including:

These and other important activities need your support. Please donate now either as an individual or as a cooperative by completing the attached contribution form and mailing in your contribution. Also, please remember the Foundation when your co-op decides to disburse unclaimed patronage dividends and capital credits.

Sincerely,

Curt Eischens