Board and Cooperative Leadership That Invites Investment

Abstract

The purchase of distressed loans to corporations at discounted rates provides a well-known opportunity to many investors. But lenders often shy away from similar opportunities in cooperatives because of weaknesses built into the different governance structure. Through policy changes and diligent efforts in education and communication, cooperative boards can overcome their disadvantages, become attractive to investors, and set positive leadership examples to their corporate counterparts. Drawing on the recent successful turnaround of Southern States Cooperative, which was led by the author, this article discusses what investors should look for in co-ops and what co-ops should strive for in restructuring their governance culture.