FCEC Merger Vote Fails By One Vote

Membership from the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator Company headquartered in Garden Plain, voted on the proposed merger with Kanza Cooperative Association at a special meeting on April 15. The vote required a 2/3 majority or 114 votes to pass. There were 113 affirmative votes and 57 negative votes, failing the proposed merger.

“This project has been a great opportunity for two strong cooperatives to explore how we could work together to increase strength and provide better services to our members,” said Alan Woodard, CEO of Kanza. “We are disappointed to have missed this opportunity by such a narrow margin.”

Both cooperatives will continue with business operations as normal. Both organizations staff and boards will continuing to explore ways the best ways to ensure long term health and stability for their cooperatives and members.