REI Co-op members gathered at the Seattle flagship on May 1st for the annual member meeting–a chance for members to hear from the senior leadership team and Board of Directors about the health of the co-op and the lasting impact it can have on the outdoors.
Below are a few key highlights.
REI CEO and president Jerry Stritzke kicked off the meeting by honoring co-founder Mary Anderson, who recently passed away at the age of 107. Stritzke talked about the impact she had on the outdoor community and the legacy she left at the co-op.
Stritzke shared his thoughts on how to steward the co-op for the next 80 years and beyond. He discussed how to stay relevant and compelling in the dynamic retail environment, and the role that REI and its partners play in advocating for public lands, including key learnings from his trip to Washington, D.C., last week.
REI CFO Tracie Winbigler, discussed the co-op’s performance in 2016, a year of sustainable growth. Members received a record amount in dividends and nonprofits received a record $9.3 million.
New Board Chair Steve Hooper talked about his passion for the outdoors and the role the board plays at the co-op. Hooper shared the board election results–four nominees were seated, including Sharon Philpott, Adrian Mitchell, Mary Beth Laughton and Kari Glover.