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National Grape and Welch’s have a unique operating relationship that reflects our strong commitment to focus on evolving consumer preferences and to maintain the highest product quality. This consumer focus shows in Welch’s ability to sell grape juice, not as a commodity, but as consumers prefer to buy it – in a variety of value-added juices, drinks, concentrates, and jams and jellies. The tremendous brand equity in the Welch's name, and the company's skill in manufacturing and marketing, provides Cooperative members with a reliable market for their grapes. This and National's resolve to provide and deliver premium quality grapes, has enabled Cooperative members to receive earnings in excess of the average cash prices paid by other processors for grapes. boards of directors National Grape and Welch’s are governed by a unique, two-board system. Thirteen members of National Grape from four areas serve on the National board. Tons received and the number of members from each production area determine the geographical make-up of the board. Members elect directors within their respective areas on a one-member, one-vote basis. The National board has general charge of the affairs of the Cooperative. Its responsibilities include operation of the Cooperative in terms of member and raw product issues. The board establishes policy over this range of areas to guide the organization. The board elects the officers of National Grape annually and appoints a general manager to implement board policy and oversee Cooperative operations. In addition, the board exercises control over Welch’s by annually electing Welch’s board of directors. Four National directors, two executive officers of Welch’s, and four outside professional people serve on Welch’s board of directors. delegates National also has a delegate body of 13 members elected by the grower/owners within 13 geographical districts. The delegates are charged with representing the members of their respective districts at each annual meeting of the association and any special meeting of the delegates. Their additional responsibilities include reviewing and changing the Cooperative's bylaws and acting as a vital link in communications between the membership, the board, and management of the Cooperative. They also chair membership meetings within their respective districts. advisory committees Key to National Grape’s internal communication efforts are the 103 people who serve on advisory committees. These members are elected by their peers within 103 geographical sections. Special efforts are made to keep them advised on the activities of the organization, and their views are considered to be representative of the membership in general on issues of interest to the Cooperative. Advisory committee member meetings are held four to six times a year at the local level. viticultural staff In each growing
area, a staff of trained viticulturalists employed by National administers
the policies of the Cooperative, manages the annual harvest, and works
with members to aid them in grape production efficiency. |
