Nebraska Cooperative Development Center Director Training – Phase 1 provided by The Nebraska Cooperative Council

Today’s Facilitators n Dr. Mike Turner, Retired Ag Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln n Ed Woeppel, Nebraska Cooperative Council n Rocky Weber, Managing Partner, Crosby Guenzel LLP law firm, Lincoln n Matt Williams, President, Gothenburg State Bank

Today’s Agenda n Leadership Roles Within a Developing Company n Roles and Responsibilities of Directors n Legal Foundations--Co-op vs LLC vs partnerships n How To Start A Business

Leadership Roles in a Developing Company n Stages of Development--#1 Selling the Concept n The Challenge – Championing of the Idea (Visionary)

Selling the Concept n Actions – Convincing others who share a common interest or need n Value added: n Commodity--Product n High Volume/Low Margin n Lower Volume/High Margin

Selling the Concept n Leadership Style – Charismatic – Convincing – A Sure Winner – No Question of Success – An Answer for Every Question – Paints with a Broad Brush

Leadership Roles n Stage #2--Making the Idea a Reality n The Challenge – Organizing/Directing

Making the Idea a Reality n Actions – Creating a Business – Bankers n Business Plan n Equity Financing n Fund Drive n Debt Financing

Making the Idea a Reality n Creating a Business – Attorneys: n Business Type n Articles of Incorporation n By-Laws n Distribution of Earnings n Business Control

Making the Idea a Reality n Creating a Business – Auditor: n Accounting Procedures n Tax Obligations n Ownership Records n Distribution of Earnings

Making the Idea a Reality n Leadership Style – Working with a Steering Committee – Seeking Advice from Experts: n Bankers n Attorneys n Auditors n Consultants

Making the Idea a Reality n Leadership Style – Attention to Details – Patience – Compromise – Open to Learning

Leadership Roles n Stage #3-- On Going Operations n The Challenge – Delegator/Monitoring Progress

On Going Operations n Actions – Separation of Responsibilities – Manager’s Job Description – Sharing the Plan – Hiring a Manager – Delegation of Responsibilities

On Going Operations n Leadership Style – Setting Directions – Monitoring Progress – Delegating Operational Responsibilities – Evaluating Progress – Taking Corrective Action – Being Part of a Board of Directors