PAI15R. ALASKA
Dorothy M. Boll,Editor
Published every week at Palmer, Alaska, for the Matanuska Valley Farmers’ Cooperating
Associption for the purpose of giving news of the Associations TTork, Problems and
Accomplishments as well as news of genoral interest to the Valley.
SUBSCRIPTION RATE $1.75 . _Single Copy 10?
"Then ;ive to the world the best you have, And the best will come back to you.”
How. many of the Co-op ills can bo laid directly at the door of the members? If a
Co-0'-' is not functioning as efficiently as we think it should-who is to blamo?
Is it the Ikard of Directors?-the management? or does a lot of the blamo reflect
back on the members? -Of course the membors oloct tho Board of Directors—who in
turn hire tho omployecs-and it is a3 likely that the Board can make mistakes Q3 it
is that the members made a mistake then they elootod .the Board.
’"henover you hoar a member running down his own business—the Co-op—ask him a few
questions. How much support docs he givo his business? How much responsibility docs
he feel toward the selection of Board members? Did ho attend the last Annual meeting?
Does he. expect special privileges just because ho Is a mombor?
It mi. ht bo well at this point to reflect a littlo on what Mr. Eugene. L. Hcnsol has
to say about Co-ops in his ”Codo for Co-ops”.
"Tho farmers’ cooperative is tho Magna Charfca'of American Agriculture. It is his
constitutional guarontCo against exploitation, bondago and serfdom. Respect it, de
fend it and cherish it. With pride and affection, pass it on to the generation yet
unborn."
Hero arc some import'-.nt points outlined in Mr. Honsql’s Code.
1. Constant vigilance mist be exercised in the management of the cooperatives bus i
ncss. Avoid poor business practices. Don’t maintain overloaded and unnecessary in
ventories; keep accurate'records and accounts; have regular audits made; keep waro
houscs, store and ofiico, neat clean and attractive; and at all times have your o
qiiipmcnt and plant .in efficient r-.'pair,
2. Keep the cconorativo as licuid as possiblo. Encourage cash trading, and discour
age excessive credit extension.
3. Keep the membership constantly informed not only of what tho eo-op is doing, but
vhy it is'doing certain things. An intoll igor.t under straw iug by the members of the
functions, objectives and activities of tho organization is the bulwark and strength
of all cooperatives. Keep before than always the Proposition that tho‘Coop is a
service organization, of tho farmer, by the farmer, and for the farmer. Once the
membors are thoroughly inbued with this basic principle you may to assured of"their
loyalty 'nd their support in time of stross'ond storm, as noil as tranquility.
4. 3”cn e.t the expense of being repetitious, impress upon your mombers and prospec
tive members that the Co-op is not just another trading center whore certain prico
advantages may bo enjoyed. Holp'thcm to realize tha.t tho co-op Is as much a part of
their daily lives as their farms, their homes-and their families.
5. Constantly strive to maintain tho good will of the entire community in which tho
Co-op is'located. The people should realize that the co-op is a port.of tho commun
ity life, and its success will be reflected in .the. betterment .of the. welfare of tho
whole community. Public relations axe most important. The position of tho co-op
must be clarified to the public. ‘ • ,
6. D n’t boast and brag about how big and strong you are. Your .good deod3 will speak
more eloquently than words.
7. Above all don’t criticize and attack your competitors. He has as muchrigjit to
demonstrate his position in the world’s affairs as you have.
8. Keen your head in the aim—keep your cyos on the stars—but,-koop your foot on
the ground.
Serenely, confidently end calmly go about doing the job designed for'you, and the
extent of your success mill bo measured only by the effort nut forth.
Remember that'every individual cannot have his may in everything. Be loyal even .
though some things arc'not done as you rould do them. This is essential in all co
OT>or”tive undertakings.
Remember that intelligent cooperation pays. History proves it*
A good"cooperator is a good citizen and a good neighbor. Ho helps improve his com
munity.