Since its inception in 1946, Southern Plains Cooperative has helped to build, feed, and fuel individuals in its community. Its commitment to the town of Estevan is embedded into its framework; being member-owned means that any profits are returned to its members and stay in the local community.
鈥淲e are very proud of our community and of what we bring to the community,鈥� said Carol McKay, the Human Resources Manager at Southern Plains Co-op. McKay has been with Southern Plains for 40 years. During those years, she has held nearly 10 different job titles. Her longstanding career at Southern Plains is a testament to the fair work environment, myriad benefits, and value it brings to Estevan. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just the title, it鈥檚 not just the name, it鈥檚 got a value touch to it as well,鈥� McKay explained.
Southern Plains Co-op is a grocery store, that also has petroleum lines, lumber lines, and fuel delivery. A jack of all trades, Southern Plains won a handful of awards through the Readers鈥� Choice Best of Estevan contest offered by Estevan Mercury Publications. It took home the 鈥淏est Baker鈥�, 鈥淏est Gas Station鈥�, and 鈥淏est Bulk Fuel Supply鈥� nominations.
McKay said the success of the co-op is all thanks to its members. 鈥淭he community is huge because everything that is co-op is local,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ithout our membership, we would have no business because they are our support line, our bread and butter, so without them we are not a business,鈥� McKay added.
The 72-year-old co-op gives back to the community in more ways than its membership. It sponsors local clubs, groups, and organizations including Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundations of various provinces and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very proud of giving back to our communities,鈥� McKay said, 鈥渁s a co-op, we鈥檙e committed to contributing to the betterment of our members, employees, and overall community.鈥�
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