麻豆传媒

UNITY - A return to an in-person format saw 40 people in attendance March 23 at Delta Co-op’s annual general meeting, with two dozen people watching the meeting online.

Board president, Ron Veller, outlined some of the year’s highlights in his opening address.

“Financially, Delta Co-op has experienced a remarkable improvement from 2020 with total sales increasing 6.5 per cent from last year. “

Veller added, “This year an allocation of $1,550,000 is being issued to Delta Co-op members, with 50 per cent of this dividend being a cash payout, a significant improvement from 2020.”

The Agro location at Macklin was started in 2020, completed and opened in 2021. The new C-Store and Dairy Queen at Macklin is on target with the C-Store set to open March 28 and the projected DQ opening for May. Veller says plans are underway for a grand opening in June.

The former Fields location at the Unity Food Store site was demolished and the site reclaimed with appropriate refinishing to provide additional parking.

With COVID-19 still among us, Veller noted many events and seasonal activities were cancelled resulting in a decrease in requests for funding in 2021. He said Delta Co-op was happy to have still been able to donate to 63 initiatives in Delta Co-op communities, totaling $25,403.66. He also said Delta Co-op was excited to be part of Christmas celebrations in their communities.

Staff recorded 471 volunteer hours at Delta Co-op hosted events as well as volunteer time they give outside of their working hours. Staff participated in the Christmas Lights parades in Macklin and Unity and were part of the MS Bike Ride in Luseland. They also partnered with Unity Credit Union staff to set up the boards at the outdoor arena in Unity. Delta Co-op team members are also part of community meals-on-wheels deliveries.

Delta Co-op continues to look for meaningful volunteer opportunities to present to staff and is also learning a lot of what matters to their employees by seeing what groups they are involved in. Delta Co-op team members serve on community boards of directors, service clubs and community sports associations.

Parrott, in his address, acknowledged the Delta Co-op team stating the staff were amazing last year during the pandemic, and pointed out the Delta Co-op food stores were recognized in the Western Zone.  

An election for board position that was vacated by Justin Huber was announced. Tina Drummond won that election. Nola Sperle and Kevin Burmingham were elected by acclamation.

Several questions arose from the floor and were answered by Delta Co-op General Manager Andrew Parrot. Some concerns were about the Wilkie location on several topics, however both Parrott and Veller assured those in attendance there are no intentions to close the location as suggested from the floor.

Veller reminded those in attendance and online that questions on product, concerns on location matters or other inquiries about the operations can be directed to a location manager and then to the general manager if necessary.

The information presented at the annual meeting is available in the printed annual meeting booklet and copies are available at the Delta Co-op administration office and will be circulated to all Delta Co-op locations. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the administration office.