We are pleased to announce that, effective March 1st, 2016 Central Valley Cooperative will merge with Watonwan Farm Services. From this date the combined companies will conduct business together under the name Central Farm Services, with main offices located in Owatonna and Truman, MN.
A special meeting was held today, December 22nd, for the exclusive purpose of tabulating votes cast on the proposed Plan of Merger. The official election judges for each party have certified the ballots and confirmed that the owners of both cooperatives have approved the motion of unification. In tabulating the votes, it was found that both memberships were overwhelmingly in favor of the unification and exceeded the state required two-thirds majority (67%) vote with 74.86 percent of the Central Valley membership ballots cast in favor and 75.86 percent of the WFS ballots cast in favor of the unification.
This is a merger of two innovative and professional companies which have a history of successfully working together since 2007. They hold similar values and philosophy for doing business, and accomplishing excellent results for customers, with an emphasis on honesty, integrity and the importance of doing our best for our member owners. Though we will now operate as one company – Central Farm Services – you can still rely on the working relationships that you have had in the past.
We understand that this merger represents a change in our company name, but we want to ensure you that our services will not be negatively affected in any way, but rather, will only grow stronger through this merger.
Please note that our existing phone numbers will remain the same. Also, please continue to address inquiries and business transactions to your current sales and customer service representatives.
Our goal is to, more efficiently, continue delivering innovative, high-quality products and services to our members. To accomplish this, we will continue to provide similar offerings as in the past while simultaneously exploring opportunities to help enhance what is offered today.
We are grateful to you not only for giving us the opportunity to provide you with agricultural services but for your loyalty and friendship, which have enriched our relationship. We are confident that our new affiliation will serve us all well.
Sincerely,
Eric Schrader, Central Valley Cooperative Board Chairman
