| Membership votes no to co-op merger |
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| Local Content - Local News |
| Written by publisher |
| Thursday, 25 February 2010 15:50 |
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By Angela Litke Members of Southwest Co-op have spoken against amalgamation. A vote to decide whether or not the local co-op should amalgamate with Pioneer Co-op was defeated Feb. 22. The Armoury filled up quickly and more tables and chairs had to be set up to accommodate the crowd at the vote meeting. Glen Goddard of Cypress Credit Union, Joel Cave of CIBC and Shirley Sanderson of Consul were appointed scrutineers. According to Southwest Co-op office manager, Tracey Torgunrud, 151 votes were cast. Three ballots were spoiled, 88 were yes votes and 60 people checked the “No” box. While this represents 59.5 per cent in favour of amalgamation, a 67 per cent positive vote is required to move ahead with a merger. Chairman of the board, Derald Ahner said he was surprised that the vote was defeated. “We hadn’t had any warning that there was that much opposition,” he said. An information meeting was held Jan. 27 and members had the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns regarding the proposed amalgamation. “Quite a number of people had spoken to various ones of us and got information and comments, but we didn’t have any indication” that there was that many people opposed to the merger, he added. Ahner said he spoke to Stu Dyrland, Pioneer Co-op general manager, after the vote and was assured that the management agreement will continue as is for now. Southwest Co-op has been without a general manager since December, 2007 and Pioneer Co-op has been providing management services. Dyrland was not available for comment. “At least we have one problem solved, we got a manager for the grocery store,” Ahner commented. Keith Friendship began his first day as Southwest Co-op’s grocery manager on Feb. 22. The co-op has been without a grocery manager for several months. As for the next step, Ahner said the next board meeting is March 3 and they will discuss where to go from here. “We sit down, start over and discuss it and see what develops,” he said. |
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