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 30 consecutive years of refunds
Apr 1, 2012
Much to my own pleasure and satisfaction, the Blue Ridge board of directors recently gave its full approval to a management recommendation to pay capital credits again this year. As a result, checks totaling $1,000,000 are to go out this month of April to those who were cooperative members in the years 1985 and ’86. Each of those members will receive a pro-rata share of the refunded margins.
With this payment, Blue Ridge will have returned capital credits in each of the last 30 years. These annual refunds continue to mount up. To date, the cooperative has distributed more than $20 million in patronage capital to its members.
The co-op way
Recently, I told our employees that these capital-credit payments would flow right back into local communities, helping families and stimulating businesses. In view of the way our economy continues to struggle, I observed that this was a particularly positive action to take. At the same time, I reminded our employee team that this was the co-op way of doing business.
Cooperative member ownership has some real advantages. Capital credits represent one of the more prominent benefits that accompany that ownership.
A good portion of the space in this month’s edition of South Carolina Living and in the accompanying “wrap” is devoted to the cooperative’s May 7 annual meeting. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the information provided within these pages. An annual meeting is both educational and fun-filled, and it’s also an excellent example of democracy in action. You have the privilege, as well as the voluntary obligation, of joining your fellow members there. I hope you’ll do just that.
Just the ticket
We’re also using the April issue of the magazine to provide a taste of what all will transpire at our Blue Ridge Fest charity fund-raiser on May 11. Whether you like classic cars or enjoy the musical sounds of legends like Bobby Rydell and Jimmy Clanton or all of the above, Blue Ridge Fest is just the ticket. On top of that, the price you pay for admission or for any concession items you might consume that evening will help to support 13 deserving, local charitable organizations.
Next month in South Carolina Living, we’ll give you the complete Blue Ridge Fest preview. In the meantime, you can find out more for yourself by visiting blueridgefest.com. You’re also welcome to E-mail, call, or come by any of our Blue Ridge offices for further details. I hope you’ll do that too!
Sincerely,
Charles E. Dalton
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