Oneota Coop members elect Cross and Hensley to board

Cross and Hensley

The annual meeting of the Oneota Community Cooperative was held with about 25 members present on Thursday night.  At that meeting the result of the recent board election was announced, with Johnice Cross and Gary Hensley elected as new board members. 637 total ballots were counted in the election.

Coop manager David Lester reported that "We had a great year!" Lester noted that the 10.4% growth in annual sales resulted in about $3.55 million in total sales, with a net positive income of over $51,000. This was the first positive net income since the coop moved into their new Water Street location. Lester was also pleased to note that 21 percent of sales came from selling locally (within 100 miles) produced goods.  Lester said the coop will be providing more specific news releases about the sale of local products, as well as other matters of broader interest to the community.

Outgoing president Steve Peterson noted numerous examples where he thought the coop was on the "cutting edge" as he reported to the group regarding board activities and directions through the year. Peterson and the other outgoing board member, Joan Leuenberger, were recognized by the group for their longstanding contributions to the coop.