Southern Plains Co-operative LTD members, employees, board members and other affiliates gathered in the Taylorton Room of the Days Inn on Monday for its annual general meeting.
This year marks the seventieth AGM for the group, something chairman Robert Grimsrud said he was pleased to report, on behalf of the Southern Plains Co-op board of directors.
Topics of discussion included financial matters and highlights from last year and an election of new members to its board of directors was also held.
In his board of directors’ report, Grimsrud spoke to the audience about the economic downturn and the perseverance of the organization.
“It’s been another challenging year as we begin to feel the repercussions of the downturn in our local economy. We’re still seeing some local businesses closing as a result, however, despite this environment our financial position remains strong,” he said.
“We are proud to have continued to pursue opportunities and contribute to our local communities all through this time.”
The Co-op ended last year with sales at $65.5 million, up about a million from the year before, which was contributed to the amalgamation of Gainsborough and the new Oxbow facility.
The organization also reported a net savings of $2,197,000 after the addition of a $953,000 from the Gainsborough amalgamation, but of those savings there was depreciation of a little more than $2 million due to the construction of new facilities.
General manager, Brian Enns, said these include a new food store, gas bar, convenience store as well as a new card lock in Oxbow.
“If haven’t been there, they’re all very nice facilities and well worth it,” Enns said.
A total of $999,190 was also paid back to members last year.
Since incorporation the Co-op has reported total sales at $1.2 billion, a net savings of $52 million with $18,480,000 given back to members.
“So over the years your co-op has done well,” said Enns.
A milestone that was mentioned was the recent amalgamation with the Alameda Co-op, for which meetings began last fall.
The merger became effective on January 29 and Grimsrud said they’re excited to move forward as one Co-op to continue to provide benefits to members at both Alameda and other locations.
A by-law was also proposed Monday night that would allow the Co-op to pay equity down to $10 instead of the usual $100 sum. This would let some new members and those who didn’t have big yearly purchases benefit from the cash back program right away.
Grimsrud said the Co-op believes it’s vital new members see rewards of membership as soon as possible after signing up, due to competition with other retails who offer reward programs.
“We need our members to see the benefits of our equity program every year,” he said.
The by-law went forward after a two-thirds vote and will be implemented.
Another highlight that was brought up at the meeting was the Co-op being food sponsor for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games.
“Our staff did an amazing job at feeding many young athletes that attended,” Grimsrud said.
“It was no small undertaking and we thank everyone at the Co-op who made it possible; there was a lot of activity and excitement during the games.”
Toward the end of the meeting the elections for the new board of directors was held, with five candidates vying for a spot, but room for only four new members.
In the end Frances Boutin, Richard Ruetz, Barbara Schaefer and Linda Thauberger-Smith were elected to the board.
After the votes were tallied and the new board members were announced Boutin, Ruetz, Schafer and Thauberger were sworn in with an oath of affirmation for directors.
