Trl-County Cooperative Market Association Inc. 



Tri-County Cooperative Market Association at Hightstown was organized 

 and incorporated as a cooperative in January 1933. Basically, it sells 

 members' produce through the auction, although a small quantity is handled 

 through direct sales. Another service includes sales of baskets and 

 crates to members. 



Organizational Structure and Facilities 



Membership totaled about 350 in 1968. Although all members are required 

 to sell some of their produce through the cooperative, the average 

 quantity handled by the cooperative is only about 25 percent of the members' 

 total volume. 



The board of directors sets the overall policy for the cooperative. It 

 is the responsibility of the manager to carry out the board of directors' 

 program which includes supervision of all operations. 



Major facilities utilized are in good condition. These include the 

 office, auction block, platform shed, and potato building. The coopera- 

 tive also has an egg building and two refrigerated coolers currently 

 leased out. 



Eligibility for Membership . --Requirements for membership include an annual 

 fee per member of $5 and active participation in the production and 

 marketing of agricultural commodities through the cooperative. 



Marketing Contract . --The cooperative has no marketing contract with its 

 members. Growers who are members apparently want a free reia in the 

 disposition of their produce. 



Financing . --Methods of financing include use of capital surplus and 

 equity certificates. 



Board and Management . --The cooperative has a nine-member board of directors. 

 The 3-year term of office is staggered so that three new members are 

 elected each year. 



At the members' annual meeting, the board of directors elect a president 

 and vice-president who must be members of the board and a secretary 

 and treasurer who need not be in the association. The board also 

 appoints a general manager who is responsible for conducting the 

 executive and administrative duties of the association. 



Committees appointed by management include auditing, finance, membership, 

 land and building, policy, and fruit and vegetable. 



37 



