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Almond Facts
JULY | AUGUST 2016
Blue Diamond
members are encouraged to
exercise one of their rights and responsibilities
as owners of the cooperative: electing members
of the Board of Directors and Grower Liaison
Committees. The annual election is an
opportunity for members to help shape policy
through the ballot box or run for a seat of their
own. Member involvement is crucial to the
success of any cooperative and is even more so to
Blue Diamond
as it competes in a fast-changing,
highly competitive industry.
Blue Diamond
Offers Members
a Number of Ways to be
Involved and Affect Policy:
• Participation in district and annual meetings
• Discussions with district directors and field supervisors
• Voting in elections
• Service on a Liaison Committee, the Advisory
Committee or Board of Directors
You will have an opportunity to participate in several of
those activities between now and the end of the year. While
the summer round of district meetings is held in July, you will
have an opportunity to attend
Blue Diamond’s
106th Annual
Member Meeting in Modesto, Wednesday, November 16,
2016. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend.
Board of Directors
Being a director on the board of
Blue Diamond Growers
provides a unique opportunity for a grower-owner to be
a major contributor to the ongoing success of the leading
grower-owned cooperative and marketer of almond
products. The cooperative’s business continues to grow
and prosper due to product innovation, new international
markets, cutting-edge technology and a powerful brand that
is unmatched in the industry. There has never been
a more interesting time to consider running for a seat
on the Board of Directors.
As representatives of the cooperative’s grower
members, the Board monitors the performance of
the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates with
the CEO and
Blue Diamond’s
Leadership Team on
strategic direction with the mission of maximizing
the return for each grower that entrusts their
almonds to
Blue Diamond
. Serving as a Director is
a significant responsibility, requiring the time and
commitment to carry-out the powers and duties
of the Board of Directors as defined in the corporation
bylaws and to prepare for, attend, and actively participate
in scheduled
Blue Diamond
meetings and events.
Annually, three board seats are subject to an election
either to re-elect the incumbent or choose a new director.
Each seat represents a specific district. The director
position from Districts 2, 8 and 9 are those that will stand
for election during the 2016 cycle.
Those considering running for a director position should
understand there is a significant time commitment for the
three-year position. All day board meetings occur typically
five times each year. Directors also participate on various
committees of the Board which typically occur the day
before a board meeting. Attendance at Grower Liaison
Committee (twice a year) and Advisory Committee (once
a year) meetings is also 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/meetings
also commonly occur. Preparation time for board and
committee meetings and the travel time to meetings and
events needs 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
judgment on issues related to the corporation’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
corporation’s members.
Election 2016
Co-op Election
Season Kicks Off
