Most cooperatives will wish to invite various public officials, business leaders, and friends. This is excellent public relations.

The invitation list may include a wide range of cooperative and educational leaders, such as State agricultural marketing specialists, the executive secretary of the State cooperative council, the State extension director, the State vocational education people, and other State and district leaders. It may also include the local mayor, superintendent of schools, county extension agents, local teachers of agriculture, local editor, the local banker, local ministers, and service club leaders. Not to be overlooked are managers and directors of neighboring cooperatives.

Good public relations require that the general manager send written invitations to guests. Someone should be assigned to see that guests are greeted when they arrive and that they are formally recognized during the course of the meeting.

Upon arrival, members should be greeted by an individual or a welcoming committee. This committee strives to make every member and family feel at home. It shows them where to place wraps and to register. It also supplies programs and identification cards and makes introductions to guests.