Over 320 members and guests attended Garden Valley Telephone Company’s
112th Annual Membership Meeting on June 6 in Erskine.
After registering and receiving an attendance gift, members were treated to coffee, donuts, and musical entertainment provided by The WoodPicks.
The Annual Meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the business session with confirmation, by Corporate Secretary Arlene Novak, that a quorum was present. Secretary Novak also reviewed the Official Notice of Meeting and presented the minutes of last year’s Annual Meeting for approval by the voting members.
Corporate Counsel Chuck Fitzgerald reviewed a resolution to amend Article 111, Section 1 of the Cooperative’s By-Laws. The resolution, if adopted, would make any former employee ineligible from becoming a Director. After questions and discussion, registered members voted by ballot for or against the resolution. The resolution to amend the By-Laws passed.
The business meeting included reports from President Jerry Freitag, Treasurer Jim Ferden, and CEO/General Manager Tim Brinkman.
Corporate Counsel Fitzgerald reviewed By-Laws information relating to Director qualification and voting; the election of Directors for Districts 2, 5, and 8 was held following the recess for district caucuses.
Recognition was given to retiring District 2 Director Joe Sandberg for his 33 years of service and District 5 Director Edgar Olson for his 42 years of service.
Lee Hoaas of Erskine was elected to fill the 3-year term as director for District 2 (Brooks, Erskine, & Mentor exchanges).
Casey Holland of Fosston was elected to fill the 3-year term as director for District 5 (Fosston & Lengby exchanges).
Incumbent Director Jerry Freitag of Plummer was re-elected to serve the 3-year term as director for District 8 (Gully, Oklee & Plummer exchanges).
Prizes were awarded (see page to the right for the list of winners) and upon adjournment, a hot meal provided by Quality Catering was served.
Garden Valley employees were also on hand during the day to answer questions about the Cooperative’s many products and services.
