| Scott Marshall | Brad Rietveld | Rob Vos | Scott De Prenger | Greg Van Walbeek | Steve Nunnikhoven | Matt Overbergen | Joel Gritters | Dennis Uitermarkt |
Board Member Spotlight: Scott Marshall
Scott Marshall joined the Two Rivers Cooperative Board to better understand Coop operations and finances. Now in his fourth term and serving as Board President, he says the experience has been incredibly rewarding—both for the knowledge gained and the opportunity to contribute to TRC’s success.
Serving has given him a deeper appreciation for the decisions that drive the Coop’s day-to-day and long-term impact. One of TRC’s biggest strengths, Scott believes, is its visibility and connection to the community. From the one-on-one service members receive to programs like the Fuel Local card and 4-H/FFA feed program, the Cooperative continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting local agriculture and youth.
He’s especially proud of the Board’s role in successfully guiding TRC through a recent leadership transition and ensuring the organization is poised for a strong future.
His advice to anyone considering Board service? “Everyone has something to contribute. Get involved—you don’t need to know everything to add value and make a difference.” Talk to a current Board member and express your interest or explore opportunities like committees, training programs, or the Associate Director position.
Board Member Spotlight: Brad Rietveld
Brad Rietveld’s dedication to cooperative leadership runs deep—following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, he served on the Otley Coop Board before joining the Two Rivers Cooperative Board. With more than 25 years of combined Board experience, Brad feels a strong sense of pride in the Coop and its vital role in the community.
Over the years, the ongoing education, relationships, and the opportunity to work alongside a top-notch team are what he’s valued most.
He believes TRC offers competitive pricing and does a great job of keeping members informed while staying grounded in its roots. “The Coop hasn’t gotten too big—it has a personal touch, and that’s something AI, technology, and automation can’t replace.”
Brad encourages the next generation to get involved—not only to serve but to learn the full scope of the operation. “If you want to understand the business, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful—get involved and do business with your Coop,” he advises. “It’s a great place to grow and give back.”
Board Member Spotlight: Rob Vos
Rob Vos didn’t win his first Board election—but that didn’t discourage him from running again, and he’s grateful he did. Now serving his second term and currently Board secretary, Rob has found Board service to be both eye-opening and deeply rewarding.
“Being part of the Board gives you a broader view of the ag industry and what it really takes to keep the Coop strong,” Rob shares. What started as curiosity has grown into a commitment to shared goals and stronger community ties. Serving on the Board has allowed him to see the business from both sides of the transaction, and his perspective has shifted over the years—it’s not just a business, it’s a network of relationships and mutual support.
Rob sees a Board member’s role as a great responsibility and cites the Coop’s recent leadership transition one of the most significant experiences. Whether through committees, the nominating process, or running for the Board, Rob encourages others to get involved. “You’ll gain insight, grow your knowledge of agriculture, and play a role in shaping the Coop’s future.”
Board Member Spotlight: Scott De Prenger
Prior to joining the Two Rivers Cooperative Board, Scott De Prenger spent two years gaining insight into the organization as an Associate Director. Now in his fourth term and second as Treasurer, Scott’s genuine curiosity about how the Coop works and a desire to contribute to its future inspired him to become involved. “I wanted to understand the business—how decisions were made and what drives things like pricing and services.”
Some of the opportunities Scott has enjoyed is being part of some of TRC’s most impactful projects – including various facility projects in Pella, Tracy, Monroe, & Otley, as well as the strategic leadership transition.
He believes a key strength of the Coop is the personal service TRC delivers and the strong member feedback that reinforces the Coop’s mission. “You’re not just a number—you’re on a first-name basis.”
For those thinking of getting involved, Scott recommends talking to Board Members and expressing an interest in the Associate Director role. “It takes a couple years to really get up to speed. Being an Associate gives you that experience without the full commitment right away.”
Board Member Spotlight: Greg Van Walbeek
Greg Van Walbeek’s journey in cooperative leadership began early—serving on the Otley Coop Board before joining Two Rivers Cooperative, where he’s now in his fifth term.
A desire to learn more about agriculture and Coop operations fueled his initial interest. “Over the years, I’ve gained so much—not just knowledge of the business, but friendships and connections across the community,” Greg shares.
He’s proud of the Coop’s continued growth and the talented employees who help drive its success. Greg especially values TRC’s role as a community anchor—supporting youth through 4-H and FFA, and partnering with local groups like first responders to address ag-related safety.
Looking ahead, Greg sees technology and efficiency continuing to shape the industry and believes member involvement is key to keeping the Coop thriving in the future. From understanding financials and business strategy to meeting fellow farmers and sharing ideas with other cooperatives, Greg says the educational benefits of Board service are invaluable—and so is the opportunity to make a difference. “If you’ve ever thought about serving, just dive in. You won’t regret what you learn.”
Board Member Spotlight: Steve Nunnikhoven
With more than four terms on the Board, Steve Nunnikhoven has gained valuable industry insights that have helped him be more effective in his role as a Board member and also in running his own operation.
He is proud of how far TRC has come since the Pella/Otley merger. Steve also appreciates that even as the Coop has grown, it still maintains a small-town feel and supports local communities. For him, the most rewarding aspect of serving on the Board has been building relationships with fellow Board members, TRC staff, and members from other cooperatives.
Steve says different ideas are welcomed at the Coop and all opinions are heard. He hopes younger members will get more involved and gain a greater appreciation of the discussions and considerations that go into in balancing the needs of both members and the business.
“If you’re curious about getting involved, ask to be an Associate Director or talk to someone already serving,” he encourages. “It’s a great opportunity expand your knowledge, contribute to the organization, and make a real impact in the Coop’s future.”
Board Member Spotlight: Matt Overbergen
Matt Overbergen’s journey to Board leadership began with two terms as an Associate Director—a role that allowed him to attend meetings and contribute to discussions without a vote. That experience, he says, was the perfect training ground.
Now in his fourth term, Matt appreciates the opportunity to work alongside fellow Board members who bring diverse ideas and share a commitment to being good stewards of the Coop. “Serving has given me a much better understanding of how the Coop works and how it differs from private business,” he says.
Seeing the Coop thrive, playing a role in that success, and working with a dedicated team of employees have been especially rewarding. He believes TRC’s strong relationships, member-first service, and community respect will be what carries it forward—even in a highly technical age.
“There will always be a market for grain with the Coop, and you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best,” Matt says. “If you want your voice to matter and to help shape the future, get involved. It’s a great opportunity—plus it’s fun being part of a winning team.”
Board Member Spotlight: Joel Gritters
Joel Gritters joined the Two Rivers Cooperative Board to deepen his understanding of agriculture and marketing, and it’s definitely been an educational experience. A former ag equipment dealer turned full-time farmer, Joel says Board service has given him a new level of appreciation for the industry.
“Farming isn’t easy—and being part of the Board has really helped me see the bigger picture,” he shares. He’s proud of the decisions the Board has made, the Coop’s strong financial position, and the direction the Coop is headed.
One of the most valuable aspects of Board service, he says, has been the exposure to national and regional events, which has allowed him to connect with other cooperatives and leaders across the industry.
Looking ahead, Joel sees both opportunity and challenge. Proactive pricing, strong relationships, and forward-thinking leadership will help the Coop stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
While serving is a commitment, Joel says he would absolutely recommend younger members get engaged and play an active role. His advice? “Don’t worry about stepping on anyone’s toes—just step up and get involved.”
Board Member Spotlight: Dennis Uitermarkt
Dennis Uitermarkt brings over two decades of Board experience to Two Rivers Cooperative, now serving his second consecutive term. His motivation to get involved came from a desire to understand Coop operations and help shape a stronger future for members.
“Early on, I saw just how hard the Coop works to support producers and their bottom line,” Dennis says. Over the past 15 years, he’s especially proud of the Coop’s growth—including the addition of the facilities in Tracy, which has significantly expanded TRC’s grain marketing capabilities.
For Dennis, one of the most rewarding aspects of Board service has been connecting with members and playing a part in TRC’s continued success. He believes the fast pace of change in agriculture brings exciting opportunities—and encourages younger members to step forward.
“It’s more than just a place to do business. TRC is a close-knit group that feels like family,” Dennis says. His advice? Take advantage of classes, committees, and Board meetings. Ask questions, listen closely, and embrace both new technology and the wisdom of past generations.