Rabobank Group's co-operative identity is more than just a historical fact. It is a vital force that enables the Bank to achieve its market leader ship ambition for its members and clients.The members are Rabobank's true capital.Their direct influence on the course taken by the local Rabobanks ensures innovation of the products and services offered as well as of the Bank's role in society. Strong growth in membership Greater engagement among members 22 Rabobank Group Annual Report 2002 Membership policy Members are extremely important to the Rabobank. On the one hand, they are needed for a proper fulfilment of the local co-opera tive function and for improvement of the Bank's services, and on the other hand, members on average use more services and their loyalty is greater than that of other clients. In 2002 Rabobank strengthened the co-operative's foundation in a number of ways. After the strong growth in membership from 550,000 to 825,000 (+50%) in 2001, membership increased by another 283,000 in the year under review, to 1.1 million (+34%) - doubling in two years' time. Of the new subscribers, 40,000 have become members in order to be able to buy more Rabobank Membership Certificates II, among other benefits.The reasons given by the remaining 243,000 for becoming members varied and included access to seminars, market studies, networks and non-recurring discounts on (bank) products. Of the new members, approximately half mentioned Rabobank's social role as an additional motive for joining. A minority is interested in the fact that Rabobank is a bank where members are in command.Through their membership they wish to have a say in the Bank's policy. Besides higher membership numbers, Rabobank wants members that are more engaged.The Bank stimulates this engagement through various programmes. In 2002 Rabobank Nederland issued a new magazine, 'U Extra' for exclusive distribution among the 1.1 million members of the local banks. In the year under review, a large number of the 349 local Rabobanks organised local seminars and workshops on various themes including investments, sponsoring, sustainable business and themes of regional economic interest. At the initiative of members, sector specific knowledge was exchanged in numerous informal networks. This has created various communities where people from agriculture, the retail trade or other professionals meet. Similarly, at Rabobank's initiative, a digital youth community was started, where young people can exchange views and experiences on such subjects as study or career choice. Some stakeholder groups are facilitated nationally, for example Rabobank's young people's councils, which have existed for some time.

Rabobank Bronnenarchief

Annual Reports Rabobank | 2002 | | pagina 24