Pincher Creek Co-op holds 90th AGM

Pincher Creek Co-op Board of Directors

(l-r) Linda Wollman, Barb Dunbar, Ed Janzen, Pat Moskaluk, Jim Cameron, Nicki Schoening, Allan Wocknitz

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Pincher Creek Co-op was established 1922 as the result of a Pincher Creek Chapter UFA resolution in January of that year. It was established as an agricultural marketing co-operative for local ranchers and farmers to sell their produce to local consumers in the tough economic and agricultural environment that followed the First World War.*

On the evening of Thursday April 25, 2013 Co-op management, staff, and members met at the old Field Store location for the Annual General Meeting.

Federated Co-op Limited (FCL) Director of District 6 Rolf Traichel was introduced as one of the first guest speaker.

"I think that as we look toward the future, I think that is where you will have the greatest reward," said Traichel.

FCL District 6 Director Rolf Traichel and Pincher Creek Co-op GM David Crowell

Recording Secretary Joyce Taylor read the minutes of the last AGM held on April 26, 2012. After this Linda Wollman read the President Report for President Grace MacMillan, who could not attend. Some of the highlights included the arrival of new General Manager David Crowell, the 90th anniversary of the Pincher Creek Co-op Association, and during 2012 our Co-op celebrated the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.

"The question that we as Co-op need to focus on revolves around the quality of experience, rather than cost," read Wollman.  "Please continue to support your local Co-op, so we in turn can continue to support our local community."  The report thanked staff, board members, directors, Co-op members, management, those that attended the meeting, and those that support this Co-op.

David Crowell presented the General Manager's Report.

"It's been a year since I first came here as the General Manager of the Co-op, and I truly enjoy meeting members and hearing their concerns."

Crowell talked about the 'Your at Home Here' message.  "Everyday situations present themselves that give us the opportunity to turn ordinary encounters into great situations for our customers.  We live where you live, work were you work, and we are helping grow the economy right here.  We are your neighbours, and we make sustainable investments in the communities we share.  Doing business with your Co-op means good jobs, and economic activity close to home.  Just as it has been since 1922 when your Co-op opened for business,"

Crowell also addressed some of the rumours he has heard.  "I've heard that I was actually brought here to close the food store. I have also hear that the board wants to shut down our food store.  I have heard that Federated Co-op's purpose is to close the food store.  Well, that's a lot of rumours, and that's exactly what they are.  The truth of the matter is this, I'm not going to close down the food store, the board is not going to close the food store, Federated Co-op is not going to close the food store, they have a vested interest in the fact that they sell us groceries.  The only people that will close our food store are people who don't shop there.  If you don't shop at our food store, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.  A lot of people depend on us as we contribute over $3,000,000 to the local community through payroll, taxes, and donations to local organizations."  He thanked everyone for their patronage, and introduced the different department managers.

Pat Moskaluk represented the Member Relations Committee.  Some of the highlights of the year included member appreciation tables with coffee and treats at all sites, beef on a bun at the fair the proceeds going toward the Matthew Halton Grad committee.  Some changes include Santas Workshop which was replaced with Sleigh rides,  and the Anniversary Supper will change to the Milestone Supper to include birthdays and anniversaries for senior Co-op members.  Moskaluk thanked her Committee and pointed out the local website, www.pinchercreekcoop.ca

Controller Tom Holoboff gave the Financial Report, and made a rapid run-down of last year's 2012 figures.  After his presentation,  he invited those that had any questions to approach him for clarification.

Whitney Holoboff

Whitney Holoboff spoke of her experiences with the Co-op Youth Program Camp, hosted by the Alberta Community Co-operative Association (ACCA).  Whitney has attended this camp four times.

Barb Dunbar gave the Delegates Report

Dunbar reported that Pat Moskaluk  and herself attended the 84th Federated Co-op Limited Annual General Meeting held in March, 2013.  "It was interested to get acquainted with other delegates, and learn of other Co-ops special circumstances," said Dunbar.

She said that ways to create efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase member services  were discussed.  "Again, I learned a lot this year from attending FCL's AGM."


Service Awards

John Oczkowski

A highlight of the Service Awards was John Oczkowski receiving an award for 15 years of dedicated service on the board of Co-op.  John retired from the board.

1 Year Service Awards were awarded to six employees. 5 Year Service Awards were awarded to three employees.

Nomination of New Directors and Elections were held by Ed Janzen.

The board of directors now consists of Nicki Schoening, Pat Moskaluk, Ed Janzen, Grace McMillan, Linda Wollman, Allan Wocknitz, Jim Cameron, and Barb Dunbar.

The new Directors took their Oath of Office from FCL District 6 Director Rolf Traichel.

*Related link:
Highlights from the history of the Pincher Creek Co-operative Association Ltd.