Global Business Club of Mid-MichiganCreating Brand Recognition in a Global MarketMarch 24, 2009Patricia Anderson, CEO Cooperative Elevator Co.

ESTABLISHED NOVEMBER 15, 1915Vision and mission today are similar

VisionWe develop long-term relationships with customers and the community that exceed their business expectations

MISSION We provide quality service, products, and markets to enhance the value of the Cooperative

Motto In Unity There Is Strength!

Quick FactsOwned by 940 producer membersEmploy 140 full-time and 30-50 seasonal employeesDuring 2008 over $92,000,000 was paid out to members for commodities grown$65,000,000 investment in facilities and equipmentOver $176,000,000 in annual sales

Quick FactsExport Beans and GrainExport Markets Include Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, South Korea, Sedan, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom

Key ElementsMembersBoard of DirectorsManagement and Employee TeamEquipmentFacilities 16,500,000 bu. storageMarkets Global and DomesticRelationships

Team

Ready to Serve

Beans

Grain

Agronomy

Petroleum

Feed

Ready to Serve and Committed to Michigan!

Facilities Throughout the ThumbAkron Bad Axe Elkton Fairgrove Gagetown North Branch Pigeon Ruth Sebewaing

Akron

Bad Axe

Elkton

Elkton Terminal

Fairgrove

Gagetown

Pigeon

Pigeon Colored Bean Plant

Ruth

Sebewaing

Markets, Central de Abastos, Mexico

Warehouse, Mexico

Central de Abastos, Mexico

Our Branded Product

Package Retail Product

RelationshipsMichigan Department of AgricultureLegislatureMichigan State UniversityMichigan Crop Improvement AssociationMichigan Bean Shippers AssociationMichigan Agri Business AssociationFood Export Association

Premium Quality Bean Video

Why Do We Export?Demand from ethnic cultures for our quality productsFreight advantageOffer enhanced markets to our patronsDiversify our businessTo develop global brand recognitionWe like challenges

Export ChallengesTariffsLetters of creditCredit worthiness Different accounting standardsCurrency risksCultural differences Different business practicesLanguage barriersFreight

Export Opportunities

Markets where you can achieve base hit results quicklyPopulationNiche marketsBalance profitability with risks, cost and timeWin-win attitude

Export HelpValue added grantsBrokers Knowledge of the culture Knowledge of the customer Representation in the marketplaceExport hotlineBranded program Access to trade shows and people Marketing cost sharingInternational attorneys-trademarksCredentialing offices - labeling

Export Rewards2006 named Michigan Ag Exporter of the YearIncreased inquiries from additional countries for all commodities

Export ChecklistCollect information about potential export markets Gather information on a broad range of markets Research a selection of markets in depthMake comparisonsUse a formal matrix to weight questions according to importanceMake decisions

Questions

In Unity There Is Strength! Thank You!