About
The Co-op Directors Forum is going virtual! During the month of December, the UW Center for Cooperatives and Cooperative Network will host two interactive webinars on the following topics: Ensuring Governance Continuity and Elements of Board Oversight.
Governance training is critical to developing a productive and forward-thinking board, increasing productivity of the cooperative, and ensuring a positive relationship between the board and management.
Format
Webinar with interactive breakout sessions
Who should attend
The forum is designed for board members from all types of cooperatives.
Registration
There is no cost to attend. However, registration is required to attend the webinars. Please use the links below to register,
Webinars will be recorded and posted to the UWCC website at a later date.
PROGRAM
Ensuring Governance Continuity
Wednesday, December 9, 10:30 – 12:00 CT
One of the key characteristics of good governance is that it is sustainable through periods of significant change. In this session, we will review the crucial ingredients to creating a resilient board that can weather challenging periods and one in which all directors have the tools to meet their responsibilities as directors. Topics will include:
- What you “need to know” vs. what “would be nice to know” as a director – The quality and timeliness of information that the board receives directly affects its ability to perform its oversight function effectively.
- How to ensure continuity of knowledge with director turnover – how can boards maintain board performance by transferring knowledge, skills, and culture to new board members
- Governance in uncertain times
Speakers:
Emily Anderson, Director, Twin Cities Co-op Partners
Ann Hoyt, Board Chair, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
Steve Schlangen, Board Chair, Associated Milk Producers Inc.
Elements of Board Oversight
Wednesday, December 16, 10:30 – 12:00 CT
One of the fundamental roles of the board of directors is to hire, oversee, and evaluate the CEO or general manager of the cooperative. In many co-ops, the manager and board of directors function effectively as a leadership team. Serving the different functions of strategy versus execution, their work must be aligned and coordinated. In this session, we will discuss best practices and pit falls for effective board oversight. including: supporter versus enforcer roles of directors, effective oversight of general manager, and strong policy/arm’s reach governance.
Speakers:
Dorothy Harms, Director, Central Star Cooperative/Select Sires
David Lee, Vice President, Board of Directors, Outpost Natural Food Cooperative
Ole Olson, Worker-Owner, Isthmus Engineering and Manufacturing