The information part of the meeting includes presentations by association officials, financial reports, discussion periods, and of ten "outside" speakers.

Reports and exhibits should bring members up to date on the business affairs of their association and the conditions under which it operates. Reports and exhibits should be timely and easily understood. If the membership was considering the purchase or sale of fixed assets, the use of 35mm color slides focusing on the proposal would help members reach an informed decision. Items requiring major repairs, or equipment used in delivering member services could be visualized by the use of slides or illustrations. because of location, some members may never be exposed to the components being considered in the discussion. A properly moderated discussion during or following the viewing of quality visuals will give members an opportunity to offer suggestions, make comments, or ask questions.

Although annual reports are matters of business information, they should be interpreted. A treasurer's report, for example, might properly consist of a statement of operations, balance sheet and statement of cash flow.

Skillfully prepared overheads or 35mm slides help members understand sometimes complex accounting statements. The visuals should present slides of the statements that might be overlooked by a member not trained in double entry accounting. Footnotes to the various statements and opinions expressed by the auditor not usually found on condensed financial statements help member comprehension and evaluation.

Previewing of visuals to be used and testing and proper positioning of projection equipment makes sure all members can see the projected visuals. The light level of the room, size and shape of type or illustration and background colors all affect the quality of the projection. Quality graphics and illustrations help to present a clear and accurate picture of what accounting statements mean or emphasize points speakers want to make.

The president's and the manager's report is an accounting of the past year's operations. Woven into each report should also be a review of the organization's mission statement, objectives, goals, operating policies, and any changes, accomplishments, problems, and unmet needs. To the members, the future financial plans for the cooperative is of importance. The annual budget projection for the current fiscal year, and a 3-to-5 year projection is of interest. Purchase or sale of assets, addition or deletion of services or operations prepare the membership for changes management feels necessary "Surprises" implemented by board and management either in operations or philosophy can cause membership dissatisfaction and discord.