The official purpose of the annual meeting is to review the program and the business of the cooperative for the past year, to elect officers, and to plan future activities. An annual meeting is a legal requirement.

The order of business is generally outlined in the association's bylaws. It includes reading the minutes, presenting annual reports of business operations, and of officers and committees, electing directors, outlining unfinished business, and suggesting new business.

Each program should provide for participation by the members and other interested persons. This basic principle should govern all annual meeting planning.

The annual meeting gives members a chance to ask questions and offer suggestions. It provides management the opportunity to explain and discuss operating policies and listen to member comments.

Management has an opportunity to instill more firmly in the mind of each member these thoughts: 'This is my association. I share in its ownership and control. It is being operated for my benefit. I have a direct responsibility for its success."

Members exercise control of the cooperative at the annual meeting by electing their directors, receiving and accepting the reports of their officers, contributing comments and suggestions on the conduct of the business, and voting on articles of incorporation or bylaw changes, resolutions, and matters of policy.