PRESQUE ISLE — Maine Potato Growers, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Patenaude announced during the 79th annual meeting, held July 28 at the Northeastland Hotel, that MPG returned another positive fiscal year, ending March 2011.
“2011 returned solid results for the cooperative continuing our positive trend,” said Patenaude.
Patenaude indicated that MPG remains focused on improving its overall business.
“We remain focused on our long-term strategic objectives and continue to grow the core segments that return higher margins and lower operating expenses,” he said. “MPG is a resilient organization with strong and loyal members and employees.
“In past years, we have faced many challenges. The commitment and dedication of our employees and board of directors has allowed us to meet these challenges and succeed,” said Patenaude. “The continued dedication to the cooperative by members has allowed us to improve our financial position and solidify our place in the market.”
Chairman Ned Berce of St. Agatha announced after a vote by members present and by proxy that he along with Keith Doyen of Mapleton and Andrew McGlinn of Presque Isle were reelected to the board of directors to three-year terms. Berce closed the meeting by thanking the board, the MPG employees and all of the cooperative’s members and customers for their continued support throughout the year.
Following the annual meeting, to ensure regional representation, the board unanimously appointed Steve Crane of Exeter to represent southern growers. Others currently serving on the board of directors are Jeff Smith of Mapleton, Greg Smith of Presque Isle, Bruce Buck of Mapleton, Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren, Darrell McCrum of Mars Hill, Ward McLaughlin of Mars Hill, and David Dorsey of Fort Fairfield.
