The Stoughton Co-op hosted their annual AGM on Wednesday, April 25, to a large crowd amassed to see how the 2017-year went.
The financial report read that the Stoughton Co-op had amassed sales of $14.5 million, which was up $2.2 million from 2016. The biggest increases being from the cardlock and the C-Store fuel.
Food store sales and C-store sales had both increased as well; these two assets also saw the largest growth from the year prior – cost of fuel and that the food store is now selling liquor were said to have contributed to this.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re 78 years young this year,” General Manager Deric Reaney said.
He then proceeded to outline any changes to the Stoughton Co-op locations, which occurred in 2017:
Food store: the store began selling liquor in the spring of 2017, there has been a major overhaul to the entire store including updated security measures and general renovations, as well as adding equipment to the store and converting cooler lighting to LED lighting. The store is also now open on Sundays, which has been very positive.
Service Centre: improved lighting, patched pavement on the south side, admin office conversion, and the addition of security cameras.
Cardlock/Bulk Petroleum: partnered with neighbouring Co-ops for fuel hauling and paved the cardlock, which was a major undertaking. There are no major changes planned for 2018.
Benson Cardlock: Dyed Diesel will be added. A used tank was found and will be placed here. A BBQ will be held out at the cardlock this spring.
C-Store: The lot was paved at the same time as the cardlock, a minor face lift will be coming for the new coffee program that was launched last year, and from the food store sushi, fruit cups, and healthy alternatives were added to the inventory available at the C-Store.
Admin office: The admin office is now complete and there will be a come and go event on May 8-9 for people to stop in to see them as well as grabbing a coffee and doughnuts.
The President’s Report by Ed Young was read by Tom Breault: “In 2017 your Co-op had a good year. We had sales over $14 million… [there were] 118 new members this past year.”
“We’ve supported the swimming pool, horse club, rink, etc…”
“Thank you to our staff for their dedication and thank you for our members’ support and for shopping locally.”
Awards and acknowledgements for years worked for the Co-op were given out that evening as well. For staff: Colleen Andres and Sally Fortune celebrated five years with the Co-op, Alisa Mizell celebrated 10-years, and Derek Frederiksen celebrated 15-years. For the Board: Zandra Slater celebrated nine-years and Tom Breault celebrated 12-years.
Training awards were also given out: Deric Reaney (three awards), Renea Folk (one award), Rob Stocker (one award), Rod Folk (10 awards), Andrea George (six awards), Christie McMaster (one award), Miranda Fiarchuk (one award), and Zandra Slater (one award).
Re-elected to the board were Zandra Slater and Tom Breault by acclimation.
During the question and answer portion, the crowd only wanted clarification on the introduction of bakery equipment in the food store. This is to be used only when product – which is locally acquired from Goodwill Bakery in Stoughton – has been bought out and additional product is needed. They are not looking to compete with the bakery in town, but are looking to ensure there is enough product on their shelves if the goods from the bakery are no longer available.
