Chairman's Message

Your Voice Guides the Co-op

Message from the Chair, Board of Directors

Your board is delighted that the co-op's successes in 2010 allow us to return a 10% patronage refund to members and to dedicate 3% of operating profits in support of the outdoors and our communities. Further, REI enjoyed record member enrollment and saw a historic number of active members do business with the co-op in 2010.

The board works with co-op management to ensure that members' best interests are served. We are your voice, and we take this role very seriously: We follow good governance practices as a board, and we hold management accountable to carefully steward the co-op's operations and resources.

All the while, we balance the co-op's short-term business and long-term aspirations in service to REI's purpose — "To inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship."

While we must be successful and profitable, we define success by the value we add to the lives of our members, their communities and society overall. We are excited to continue this work and look forward to serving your future outdoor needs.

Thank you for your patronage, your engagement and your support. I urge you to take a moment to look at this packet, learn more about the co-op and the directors who serve you, and to please vote in the annual co-op election.

Anne V. Farrell
Chair, Board of Directors