Gateway Co-op has a new general manager.
Brad Chambers started his new position, based in Canora, on October 10. He succeeds Dana Antonovich, who has been the manager for 19-plus years and has retired effective July 30.
Chambers has extensive working experience with Co-op, starting when he was hired as a student clerk at the Co-op in Boissevain, Man. at the age of 16. He grew up on a farm near Boissevain.
Chambers went on to work as assistant grocery manager at the nearby Deloraine and Killarney/Cartwright Co-op stores, and then as grocery manager at the Co-op store in Lorette, Man.
Most recently, Chambers spent the last eight years working as the Co-op Food Store manager in Swan River, Man. which is only a little more than an hour’s drive from Canora.
He said he’s looking forward to the challenges of starting a new position, including managing all commodities in Canora, Buchanan, Sturgis and Preeceville. But he believes there is more involved than managing commodities.
“I believe the Co-op is a big part of the community. Our local communities support us and we need to support them in turn,” said Chambers.
He said Gateway Co-op has a tradition of re-investing in itself and providing modern new facilities, and he will strive to see that tradition is continued.
Chambers and his wife Jenny have two children. They and their son Jordan, who is in Grade 11, plan to live in Canora. Their daughter Chandra is studying psychology at Brandon University.
Chambers has long been interested in fishing and camping, and is planning on continuing those pursuits in the Canora area. He said one of his favourite things that comes with a new position is meeting new people, and he is looking forward to making plenty of new friends in and around Canora.
