Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2015 with various activities including a customer appreciation BBQ held on August 29, 2015.
Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited reported sales of $99.8 million last year; up 4.0% from 2013’s $95.9 million. Net savings of $3.9 million dropped slightly from last year’s savings of $4.7 million. “The increased sales came as a direct result of new and upgraded facilities” said Bruce Thurston, General Manager.
“Last year saw the first full year of operations in our Kamsack Food Store, and we finished the renovations at the Yorkton Food Store, as well as the Yorkton Agro Centre. Both facilities were brought up to current modern standards,” continued Thurston.
Yorkton Co-op has 18,419 members as of January 31, reflecting growth of 5.8% in 2014 and 23.9% over the last five years. Over the past year, people have been handing over their $5 bills for new memberships at a rate of 20 per week. A major reason for this has been the patronage dividends being rebated back to members for a portion of their purchases over a year. This year more than 7,500 cheques were given out totaling more than $1.7 million. Over the past 5 years, Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited has allocated $16.6 million dollars back to its members with $11.2 million dollars paid out in cash.
Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited has also invested more than $17 million over the past five years upgrading and building new facilities. All of these projects were completed without loans and while still maintaining a strong equity program. “We’re always on the lookout for new opportunities to grow our business lines,” said Gene Krepakevich, President of the Board of Directors. “Growth must be sustainable and make sense for our members. Long term planning along with tight controls and good execution are the keys to ensuring longevity. We’re celebrating our 75th Anniversary this year and we’re excited about the opportunities we see before us for the next decade,” Krepakevich continued.
Looking ahead, Thurston stated that work is continuing on the Kamsack Gas Bar to bring it up to a state-of-the-art modern facility. “We’re always looking at our facilities to ensure that we have the highest standards available.” Thurston continued, “The only thing constant these days is change, and every day we stay the same is another day we fall further behind. We’re excited to see what’s in the future for Yorkton Co-op.”
Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited operates a food store and a gas bar/convenience store in Kamsack, a crop input agro centre in Ebenezer, a service centre and cardlock in Theodore, a cardlock in Rhein, a keylock in Dubuc, two gas bars/convenience stores/car washes, an agro centre and a food store in Yorkton.
