As one of the nation’s largest, oldest, most profitable and most respected farmer cooperatives, GROWMARK has always been ahead of the curve, so it is an appropriate theme for this year’s annual meeting, coming up August 27-28 at the Hilton Chicago.

“We do think that GROWMARK and the FS System are ahead of the curve,” says GROWMARK Corporate Relations Manager Amy Bradford, who has been among those on the planning committee for the event this year. “Ahead of the curve really means that you’re leader of the pack and we believe that’s what we are.”

The annual meeting is attended by the shareholders of GROWMARK, which is made up of the FS System member companies who serve as delegates. At the meeting, they will listen to updates and results of the cooperative over the past year and elect directors for three year terms.

In addition, Bradford says this year they will have a keynote speaker – Kat Cole of Focus Brands, a company that includes such well-known names as Cinnabon, Carvel, Auntie Anne’s, and McAlister’s Deli. “She really has a great story to tell,” said Bradford. “She’s a very young leader in a business that can be pretty cut-throat.”

She may have a great story to tell, but so does GROWMARK, staying ahead of the curve every year to help their farmer members continue to grow and prosper.

Listen to my interview with Amy here: GROWMARK's Amy Bradford on upcoming annual meeting