Keith Berry retires from Co-Alliance board of directors

Co-Alliance LLP announced the retirement of Keith Berry from both the Co-Alliance board of directors and the Midland Co-op board of directors.

Berry, a Greencastle resident, served as a dedicated board member for 37 years. He began leadership with the co-ops in 1977, acting as the liaison of Putnam County for the Hendricks County Co-Op. Two years later he was elected to its board.

Since then, he has provided leadership and guidance to Hendricks County Co-op, Midland Co-op and Midland-Impact Co-op.

When the Co-Alliance cooperative partnership was established in 2005, Berry was elected to represent Midland on the Co-Alliance board of directors.

His retirement was recognized at the 88th annual Midland Co-op meeting on Jan. 12.

After accepting his commemorative plaque, Berry said, "It's been a real pleasure. It's been fun to see the co-op grow, to see it change and to see it continue to be able to serve our farmer members today."

"It's been a pleasure to work with Keith. I want to recognize him for all of his great leadership," CEO of Co-Alliance Kevin Still said. "It takes people like him to really make a difference and he truly did."

"Throughout all the changes (in the co-op structure) Keith has continued to be an advocate for all of Co-Alliance," said fellow Co-Alliance board member Kim Ames. "He has helped to lead the change over the past 37 years and has been instrumental in the success of the co-ops."