Come join the shareholders' meeting! What would you ask the panel? Leave a comment and let me know.

Last week was the 9th annual Shareholder's Meeting of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.  This event was held at the Equitable Center in midtown Manhattan.  I can hardly believe that it’s been 9 years since MSLO went public!

Shareholders come from all over the country and they seem to enjoy the beverages, tea sandwiches, and cookies we provide while they talk and mill about before the meeting is called to order.

Each year our events' coordinators try to make the display both beautiful and informative.

I am always so pleased to see smiling faces even though the shareholders reminded me that this was the third year in a row that it rained.

some of the goodies we serve to the guests

Elizabeth Estroff, Heather Kirkland, Carley Blake, and Lauren Picker - all employees of MSLO - they were responsible for much of the organization of the meeting, the presentations and the success of the day.

The auditorium is very beautiful, has good acoustics and is a welcoming place - the brightly illustrated
screen is used for visual presentations - I showed some Macy's commercials, some television segments, and some slides.

Charlotte Beers has rejoined our board of directors - she left when she took a job under Secretary of State
Colin Powell -  now that she is no longer working for the government she is back with us.

Dallas Sowers, Robin Marino's executive assistant and our new head of human resources, Nancy Ashbrooke

Susan Lyne our CEO, coming down the stairs to the stage

a very nice photo of Susan Lyne and Charlotte Beers

Liz komen and Lisa Wagner - both employees

Our CFO, Howard Hochhauser and our Chairman, Charles Koppelman

Here I am dressed in a pretty brown pants suit with a thin, but warm scarf.

one of the vibrant slides

another good slide

This is the auditorium, filling up - not too many people come to such an event, but those who do attend
have lots to say and good comments to make.

Susan Lyne at the podium

Here I am making my comments.

All eyes are on the guests who ask questions of the officers and me.

Everyone  looks very intent - taking notes and listening to the presentations.

This year we had quite a few questions asked of the panel on the stage.

Comments

[Kenn]

MSLO's annual meetings are always informative and enjoyable. I wish I could have attended this year! Thanks for sharing photos from the event.

[Josh Rich]

Awsome! I want to buy some shares just to eat the goodies!

[Deborah Westphal]

I have been a stock holder for many years. I hope to attend the meeting some time in the future. Everything looked lovely.

[Damien Hellsen]

I would ask about how the Emril deal is going.

DH

[Sue Kinney]

Hi Martha,
What new and innovating ideas are you planning with Emril? I know it will challenging to find new creative and educational material that has not been done before.

[Jake Schmidt Fairfield Iowa]

Hello Martha, We live in a world today that is much involved in the runnings of major companies like MSLO. Yet some of us are not quite sure of what some of the positions of the employees are. Example, What is the difference of the CEO, CFO, Chairman (like Charles) and what is the purpose of the board of directors. Thank you. Jake

[Lori Stewart]

With the popularity explosion of cooking shows, I would ask what measures are being taken to further increase and promote the ratings of the Everyday Foods show.

[Stephane]

Hello, Martha

Any plans to promote the brand and open new markets internationally in the near future?

[Pat]

How will the current economic conditions affect the company? Thanks for sharing this day because it makes me want to be a shareholder!

[Jon]

Hi Martha,
Is there any progress on the MSL Pets publication? I think it would be a very profitable venture.
MSL Omnimedia is doing an outstanding job! Bravo!

[Jeff]

Hello Martha!

I am a proud stockholder, and look forward to going to the shareholders meeting at some point. My question to the panel: what is the future with Sears Holdings/Kmart? Keep up the great work! We love you!

[Gloria Brown]

Congrats on your 9th year anniversary...and many, many more to follow!!

My shareholders questions would have been, "There is enough evidence to suggest global warming is occurring. Can MSLO provide a list of their accomplished successes in helping do their share of global warming prevention? And what are your future endeavors in helping to prevent global warming?” The corporate world has done great strives in helping to improve our planet and allow our loved ones (family, friends, and pets) to breath cleaner air. Let’s have a day of honoring the great corporations and say, “thank you”.

In the past, some corporations have given a bad name to the corporate world (like Enron, Worldcom and a few others) and it is time to change that thought.

Let’s start by saying thank you to MSLO….a fabulous role model for corporations to follow.

[Dominique]

Where can i see the answer to the above worthwhile questions and comments?
Thanks for your great work.

RESPONSE:
VERY SOON! WE ARE WORKING ON HAVING SPECIAL WEEKLY POSTS TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR EXCELLENT QUESTIONS
Martha

[Terri]

What is the Emeril Deal?

[Tracy]

I was fortunate enough to catch you on the CNBC segment yesterday morning. I am unfortunately not in a position to be a shareholder just yet. That brings me to my question. I so admire what your company has done and is doing to help us keep our homes-which I think includes the financial well being of a home-in order (which is #1 priority for most of us), I was wondering if you could add an investment education segment, or at the very least, a few stock and/or fund picks. You have access to some of the most brilliant minds! Perhaps tie this into the products and/or articles that you showcase(green living, products for home maintenance, global trends, etc). It would be great for those of us just entering the investment world, or just even a different angle to look at some of these products. After all, we women do control the household budget!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, What an interesting blog. I have always wondered what went on during a shareholders' meeting. If I were a shareholder and attended the meeting, I might ask if MSLO will ever make gardening products at Macy's since K Mart no longer has most of the garden tools available any more. I love those tools and other garden products. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Paula M.]

Martha,
Wish I could have been at this year's meeting....someday!! I have been a shareholder of MSLO stock for 9 years since it went public!
Bravo to you and your team for setting the standards of excellent products and publications!

To also voice a concern about K-Mart and Sears contract. Are you staying at K-Mart? Please keep K-Mart products and bring back some oldies but goodies. Miss the gardening tools, fertilizers in Martha green, and measuring cups (Pyrex in Martha green), and keep the Christmas line!!Also, an idea for your K-Mart Everyday Garden furniture line....can you copy your French Francais Carre' green button chairs?? The old company Gardener's Eden used to make a set but they are not in business anymore.
Macy's line is wonderful but K-Mart was your start and things you can't find in Macy's, K-Mart would have!!
Here's to a great year ahead! Congrats on all the board members, returning and present.
Paula :)

[Margie]

I understand the complexity of MSLO and the priorities of stock holders. I would like to know if there is still room to support the small entrepreneurs within North America and Europe? Is the manufacturing requirement so exact MSLO can not go local (remember the current food call--purchase locally to avoid an enlarged carbon footprint)?
Thank you for all your efforts recognizing great small time businesses.
Also thank you, thank you, thank your for responding to Dominique!

[Sherri Bryant]

Martha,

Thank you for your thoughtfulness in wondering what we might have asked at the meeting. Even though MSLO is enjoying much success there is always places to improve. Are there any groups that might be alienated? Sometimes questions like this can really start a brainstorm and who knows what might happen. Thanks

[kathy morelock]

Can you get a little greener?

[Melissa]

Were I a shareholder, my main question would be: Where is MSLO in it's manufacturing vs. enviromental impact of it's products? Quality to the consumer must never override the consequences to our planet.

[Sean Milton]

Greetings from Seattle!
I would ask about how the Macy's line is going: profits, expansion and new area's of exporation within Macy's.

Personally I have waited a very long time to purchase Martha products in a retail establishment and am grateful for the Macy's connection.

[Mariellen]

Hi Martha,
My question concerns the stock MSO. I purchased some shares for $37. and I was wondering if anyone can foresee the stock ever going up to that price again. Im holding on the them. Good Luck and thank you.

[Raymond Brey]

To help your show stay fresh, I suggest you might bring it on the road. Stay one week in a city and mesh the local culture into your format of cooking, gardening, field trips, etc. You seem to be doing this on your trips as told through your 'blogs', which are very interesting and informative.
Also, can the show highlight more actions that might be of help to those in need.

[Hardboiledegg]

If you know that thin chop sticks are a symbol of wealth and prestige -- you must be aware that rain is good luck in Asian cultures.