jul-aug-2020

significant time commitment for the three-year position. Day- long board meetings occur typically five times each year. Directors also participate in various committees of the board, which typically occur the day before a board meeting. Also, attendance at Grower Liaison Committee (twice a year) and Advisory Committee (once a year) meetings is common practice. Additionally, the board and management have an annual three-day strategic planning session. Invitations to represent Blue Diamond at political fundraisers and other events and meetings also commonly occur, as well as opportunities to attend industry-related conferences. Preparation time for board and committee meetings and the travel time to meetings and events need to be considered. Directors should: •Act in a manner consistent with their fiduciary duties of loyalty and care. •Demonstrate integrity and independent judgment, including the ability to understand and exercise sound discretion on issues related to the cooperative’s goals. •Have business or professional skills and experience that will contribute to the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. •Intend to foster long-term value for the cooperative’s members. •Act in the interest of all members rather than any particular member constituency, while understanding and balancing the concerns of other stakeholders, including team members, customers, and communities. •Be willing to challenge management constructively about corporate strategy, the adequacy of internal resources and the soundness of controls, and to insist upon a management tone and environment that values accuracy in accounting, transparency in reporting and integrity in business conduct. •Be able to work as part of a team in an environment of trust. •In light of their other commitments, be willing and able to devote the time and effort necessary to serve as an effective director, including preparation for board and committee meetings. Requirements for nomination: •A petition signed by 15 members from the district in which the potential nominee wishes to run, filed by September 1 . •An optional statement of candidacy (written statement of not more than 500 words stating the candidate’s qualifications and interest in being a director) filed by September 1 . Get Involved in the Grower Liaison Committee Blue Diamond ’s Grower Liaison Committee (GLC) comprises of nine growers elected by the membership in their respective districts for three-year terms, plus three members appointed by the committee. Three GLC positions in each district are up for election each year. Of the twelve committee members in each district, up to three can hold a non-member purchase and sale agreement with Blue Diamond . These committees serve as communication links between members and the board and management of Blue Diamond . They meet twice a year with their district director and management to discuss issues of concern and crop status but may request additional meetings. 9/1 Deadline for filing petitions and a candidate statement of not more than 500 words. 9/10 Ballots mailed for primary election of directors. 10/5 Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for receipt of all votes to be counted for Primary Election. 10/9 Results of the primary election are mailed to members in districts having primary elections. 10/16 Ballots mailed for general election of directors. 11/11 Deadline (5:00 p.m.) for receipt of ballots in statewide election of directors and grower liaison committee members. 11/18 General election results announced at 110 th Annual Member Meeting. 2020 Election Deadlines & Procedures 11 J U L Y – A U G U S T 2 0 2 0