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WILLIAM OEMICHEN SELECTED AS UNITED FCS DIRECTOR
Former Senior Minnesota and Wisconsin state official will join board of directors
WILLMAR, Minn. – William L. “Bill” Oemichen, former Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the former top state Trade and Consumer Protection official in Wisconsin, has been named as an outside director by the United FCS board of directors. Oemichen’s strong local roots and extensive experience in agriculture, agri-business and rural issues were the leading factors in his selection among a highly-qualified field of candidates.
 “Bill’s professional and personal background offer the membership of United FCS a director who is well equipped to serve the business interests of our shareholders and who brings a personal understanding of the needs of rural communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin,” said Mark Parker, Chairman of the United FCS Board of Directors. “We look forward to having Bill join the board and are confident that his experience and skill set will build on the positive results already achieved since the formation of United FCS and the many benefits and services offered to farmers and the communities we serve.”
As an outside director on the United FCS board of directors, Oemichen will join with members of the Board in setting strategic direction, developing Board policy, and providing oversight of its business affairs and ensuring that the Association fulfills its public mission while continuing to operate in a safe and sound business manner. Board members are expected to have a broad awareness of and business experience in relevant areas, including agriculture, general corporate governance, finance, and strategic and business planning.
“I am very pleased to join the United FCS Board of Directors because of the extremely important role United plays in financing Minnesota and Wisconsin agriculture and the strong commitment United has demonstrated toward keeping agriculture as one of the leading industries in each state,” said Oemichen.
Oemichen is filling an existing outside director position on the board and will be formally seated to a four-year term in September following the United FCS 2009 Annual Meeting. His extensive experience in this field is expected to align well with the United FCS board responsibilities. This experience includes:
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Raised in Swift County, Minnesota where his parents owned and operated a farm and relatives who farm in Clark County, Wisconsin.
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Currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Cooperative Network, a trade association for more than 600 cooperative businesses in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Served as an outside director for Greenstone FCS for more than six years and serves on the Board of FCCServices.
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Former Deputy Commissioner and Chief Legal Counsel for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
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Former Wisconsin Trade & Consumer Protection Administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
“In a Cooperative structure, solid board governance plays a major role in laying the foundation for a successful organization,” added Marc Knisely, CEO, United FCS. “I commend the Board’s Nominating Committee for putting forth a slate of highly qualified candidates for the position.”
About United FCS
United FCS is headquartered in Willmar, Minnesota and serves a primary service area of 22 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin through 12 retail branch locations. United FCS is a locally-owned cooperative with over 4,600 members and more than $1 billion in total assets. For more than 93 years, the Farm Credit System (FCS) has provided loans, leases, insurance, accounting services, and numerous financial services that benefit agriculture and rural America.
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