Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1178690
ALL IN | AD Today 2019 | 25 After completing its landmark transition to member-ownership in 2018, 86% of AD members have now opted to become member- owners. Seeing that ownership was not mandatory to continue being a member of AD, this high percentage is a testament to how AD members are fully engaged and feel a sense of pride in being a member-owner. According to Drew Moyer, AD CFO, "becoming an owner provides the member with an important legal status which was previously unavailable to them. While AD has always been member-governed, becoming an owner now formalizes each owner's status in a legally enforceable way and allows them to continue to participate in group governance at all levels of the organization." In terms of any changes that might be required of members, "there's really nothing that a member needs to do differently as an owner," Moyer confirmed. "That's a tribute to the already-existing governance and operating practices of AD. However, becoming an owner provides a Drew Moyer CFO AD Lenin Juarez Managing Partner Action Gypsum Supply, LP Jeff Hockin CEO Crum Electric Supply ALL IN, TOGETHER great opportunity for members to step up their engagement with the group, respond to voting solicitations, and take advantage of nomination opportunities for key roles in governance." Of the responsibilities that come with owner status, Moyer said that "owners have a responsibility to all current and future members of the group and to AD's perpetual life and value to independent distributors." Ultimately, he added, "owners are responsible for the governance of AD." OWNING THEIR OWNERSHIP Jeff Hockin, CEO of AD member- owner Crum Electric Supply in Casper, WY, feels that ownership should involve a continued commitment to being involved in AD's culture and supporting the AD suppliers. "Our organization is driven by member participation and engagement in the various governance and services AD supports us with," he said. "If you don't participate, your needs and ideas can't be incorporated into AD's direction." For Lenin Juarez, Managing Partner of AD member-owner Action Gypsum Supply, LP in Houston, TX, commitment and involvement are the hallmarks of ownership. "AD owners should make every effort to be active in the governance of the organization," he said. "With ownership comes responsibility and we should seize every opportunity to voice our continued on page 27 "AD will go where the members lead it, and as a member-driven organization, we have to serve on committees and various boards to provide insight and feedback on the current landscape." – Jeff Hockin, Crum Electric Supply