Warren County Oil
Warren County Oil Cooperative Association, formerly known as Warren County Oil Company, has a rich history dating back to January 27, 1927. Founded by a group of local farmers and business professionals in Indianola, Iowa, the company was established to reduce costs through collective purchasing. To become a member of the cooperative, individuals were required to purchase a ten-dollar membership, which entitled them to receive dividends on products purchased if the company generated excess profits.
Operating as a cooperative allowed members to benefit from shared profits while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Although initially limited to members only, Warren County Oil Company eventually expanded its customer base to include non-members; however, non-members were not eligible to share in the company's profits.
On March 11, 1989, Warren County Oil Company underwent reorganization under Chapter 499 of the Code of Iowa and changed its name to Warren County Oil Cooperative Association. This reorganization enabled the company to continue operating as a cooperative in the State of Iowa.
As part of this transition, customers no longer needed to be members but could still participate in governance by voting for the board of directors if they chose to become members. The cooperative is governed by seven directors who serve three-year terms and are responsible for establishing policies and procedures while ensuring overall profitability. The general manager oversees day-to-day operations as delegated by the board of directors.
Throughout its history, Warren County Oil Cooperative Association has remained committed to providing high-quality products at fair prices while delivering exceptional customer service. This dedication has been unwavering since its inception and continues to drive the cooperative's mission today.
