Co-op hosts 107th annual general meeting

BORDEN — The Borden Co-op held their annual meeting June 8, with 40 out to enjoy a meal prior to the meeting.

President Luke Walker welcomed everyone to the 107th annual meeting of the Borden Co-op and thanked Marlene and Kandace for the meal and the Grade 11/12 class for helping serve and cleaning up.

Walker introduced the chairman for the evening, Darrel Wiebe. In his president’s message, Walker noted the community still needs the co-op. The grocery store is the heart of the business, he said, and times are changing and Borden Co-op needs to also change with the times.

The stores have been kept clean, inviting, helpful and with change there also will be a higher level of customer service with a need for transparency from the board and management, he said.

FCL board of directors District 4 report was given by Randy Graham, who has been on the board for a number of years and oversees 15 co-ops in his district. In six years there has been $9.1 billion in sales with net sales of $494 million and $353 million in allocations, $470 million to member owners and $290 million to local co-ops.

He spoke on the charging stations along the Trans Canada Highway and a retail investment program, whereby local co-ops can obtain funding if they meet certain criteria.

The general manager’s report was given by Robbie Schmidt, who described a survey conducted among members that has helped create a vision of building a long-term sustainable co-op for members. He said the mission is to provide outstanding service with an engaged team, benefiting community and members served.

Values expressed in the vision include building an engaged team acting with positive attitudes and to lead by example. Accountability matters, Schmidt said, and team members are encouraged to embrace change, have fun and respect colleagues, members and partners.

A financial report, showed sales in 2021 of $920,728 at the general store, $657,326 at farm supply and $2,223,206 from petroleum, with net savings of $231,558. Accounts payable for 2021 were $274,805 with income tax expense at $22,483 and a patronage allocation to members amounting to $44,057 up from $36,531 paid out in 2020.

There were 556 members purchasing during the year and 253 inactive for total membership of 809.

Board members are: president Luke Walker; vice-president Diane Tracksell; secretary Julia Orchard; directors Glenn Sutherland, Brett Larsen, Darrel Wiebe and new, by acclamation, Melissa Braun. Justin Block has completed his term.

Door prizes went to Debbie Kasahoff, Tom Hrenkiw and Glenn Sutherland.

Winning the 50/50 draw at Borden Farmers Market on June 10 was Gerry Penner of Borden.

A baby shower was held the afternoon of June 11 in the Borden Friendship Club room to honour Clark Matthew, son of Josie Schultz and Craig Larsen of Borden.

Kim Osmond was MC and introduced the head table – Rose Doyle (grandmother of Josie), Josie and Clark and Sylvia Larsen (Craig’s mom). The winners of two contests received potted plants or an item of soap. While Josie opened the many gifts and Kim held them up for everyone to see, guests could enjoy lunch. Josie graciously thanked everyone for the many useful and beautiful gifts.