STOUGHTON - The Stoughton Co-operative recapped the past year's accomplishments during its 85th annual general meeting (AGM).
After supper, Stoughton Co-op general manager Deric Reaney welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced special guests, including Stoughton Mayor Stefan Clark, RM of Tecumseh Reeve Christy Goudy, Arcola Co-operative general manager Matthew Almey, Â鶹ÊÓƵern Plains Co-operative general manager Brian Enns, and Robert Grimsrud from Federated Co-operatives Limited.
Although there are no major renovations happening in 2025, in 2024 the C-Store saw 14 feet added to the location, while the grocery store now serves hot chickens and the bakery expanded. The lumber store began offering pre-built sheds.
On June 26, all co-operative stores were under a cyber-attack, which shut down all the systems across the province.
The head office was quick to deal with this attack, but it still took six weeks to repair and get the systems running smoothly again. Everyone was pleased with how this was handled in a timely manner.
Elwyn Helmuth chaired the meeting and spoke on behalf of president Ed Young.
Helmuth said they gained 62 new members and lost 19 throughout 2024. Stoughton Co-operative offer scholarships to local students and feels that Stoughton is one of the best co-operatives around.
They have had an increase in sales, which makes the stores successful, but it also brings a greater return to the members.
A percentage is returned to members based on products purchased.
The tariffs have caused some uncertainties, but the co-op said it is doing its best to keep prices in check.
The stores already have Canadian-made products but now they are focusing more on Canadian and local companies to fill their stores.
Board secretary Tanya Dubois reported on her meetings that she attended throughout the year. Dubois went to the District 3 meeting in June in Assiniboia, and also attended the fall leadership conference in British Columbia and the March annual convention in Saskatoon.
During this time, Dubois has taken her Level 1 in director training and is already halfway through Level 2.
Reaney awarded Josie Coderre with five years of dedication to the store, while Renea Van De Woestyne received her 10 years of dedication. Dubois also received a certificate for her Level 1.
Kirscen Rulloda, Ed Young, Gerald Knibbs and Cheryl Lake were vying for two director positions. Young and Kibbs were elected.
