The Southland Co-operative held their annual general meeting at St. George’s Parish Hall in Assiniboia on the night of May 14. Southland is the largest employer in the region, with 160 employees in six communities in 11 locations.
The call to order was issued by Gil Trithardt after a supper of hot meat sandwiches, cake and soft drinks. Highlights of the meeting including the Director’s Report by Director, Lynn Piche and the Auditor’s Report and Financial Statement by General Manager, Ken Bahuaud. Marc Topola was the venue’s guest speaker. Topola, the Director of Federated Cooperatives Limited in Assiniboia and District, represents District 7 — 15 Co-ops peppered throughout southwestern Saskatchewan.
Piche gave a positive report on the Co-op’s finances in 2017. In comparison to 2016’s annual report, Piche said Southland Co-op Limited has made nearly $4 million in profit. Some of Southland’s gains were influenced by the Gravelbourg Co-op’s new liquor retail store permit, granted by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority in December, 2016. Bahuaud later credited the amalgamation of the Lafleche and area Co-op with the Assiniboia and area Co-op in 2017 for encouraging Southland’s increased returns.
Southland Co-operative Limited was united under the Co-operatives Act of Saskatchewan in February, 1939. The Lafleche Cooperative Association existed independently since 1928 until joining Southland in January 2017.
Bahuaud expressed his concerns about the growing trend of consumers choosing to buy groceries in Moose Jaw rather than at the Co-op in Assiniboia. He also said the fast food restaurants in Assiniboia have affected Southland’s profit margins. To combat these challenges, Bahuaud expressed some immediate plans. Store flyers will now be issued on Thursdays rather than Fridays to get ahead of the competition. Bahuaud also wants to expand the store’s retail hours to accommodate more working people. Bahuaud further mentioned membership cheques will be mailed on June 1st and appreciation barbecues are also being prepared.
Marc Topola, the event’s guest speaker, spoke on the values epitomized by Saskatchewan’s Co-operatives. Topola’s speech emphasized how Co-ops were the ideal balance of free enterprise with social responsibility. Co-ops, according to Topola, are sustainable, practice high environmental standards and are innovative and collaborative. Co-ops also contribute to the local economy.
Yet, Topola believes the greatest thing about Co-ops are its members. “[Co-ops are] owned by yourself and approximately 180 other retail venues in Canada.” But Topola couldn’t ignore the modern challenges faced by Saskatchewan’s Co-ops. “[The] retail landscape is constantly changing at a more rapid pace than two years ago,” Topola admitted.
