Agricultural Retailers Association

“The executive committee shall consist of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, four (4) at-large members who shall be comprised exclusively from the retail/distribution member category, and one (1) member from each of the following industry supplier groups: crop protection/seed, fertilizer, and equipment. Effective january 1, 2021, the immediate past chairperson position was eliminated and two (2) additional at-large retail members were elected. There shall also be one member from industry suppliers elected at-large who may represent any of the industry supplier categories. One of the industry supplier members will serve as secretary/treasurer. There shall also be one (1) member elected by a forum of state agri-business associations who is also their representative to the board of directors. The president/ceo shall be ex-officio without voting privileges. All executive committee members must be duly elected members of the board of directors. The chairperson of the executive committee shall be the elected chairperson of the association board of directors. In the event that the chairperson is absent or unable to act, the vice-chairperson shall preside at meetings of the executive committee. The executive committee shall be nominated by the nominating committee and nominations shall be ratified by the board of directors. The executive committee shall superintend the conduct of the business and affairs of the association pursuant to provisions of applicable law, and policies established by the board of directors with the full power and authority vested in the board of directors except for matters concerning major acquisitions, sale of major association assets, and amendment of the by-laws.”

“Form 990 is reviewed and approved by the president/ceo prior to filing.”

“Conflict of interest statements are signed by the board annually and reviewed at each of three board meetings during the year. Directors should abstain from voting on any matter in which he or she has an actual or potential conflict of interest and should leave any board meetings while the disinterested directors discuss and vote on any such matters. Directors with a potential or actual conflict must disclose all material information honestly and accurately to other directors in order to allow them to make an informed decision. Staff are also required to sign a conflict of interest statement at the beginning of their employment with ara.”

“The executive committee of the board of directors reviews and approves the compensation of the president and key employees annually and includes contemporaneous substantiation of the committee's decisions. Every three years an independent compensation consultant is used for comparable data. The process of determining the compensation of the president and key employees using reports from the independent compensation consultant was last conducted in april of 2025.”

“The governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available to the public upon request.”

“Contractor fees 595,827. Professional fees 131,345.”

“Loss on investment in growing results, llc -1,430.”

“The organization has not changed its audit oversight process or its process selection of an independent accountant during the year.”