It's been some tough times for many enterprising businesses in the southeast region of Saskatchewan.

As the Southern Plains Co-op Board of Directors, management team, and members gathered together for their annual general meeting on Monday night, it became obvious that the large food, fuel and agriculture supplier was no exception.

"It was not a banner year, that's for sure. Like a lot of others in the area, we felt the local downturn in the economy," related General Manager Brian Enns.

"However, we are more optimistic about 2017."

Although it was a rough ride, it was noted that sales increased by approximately $1,000,000 due to the addition of expansions and a new C-Store in Oxbow, and a couple of amalgamations that took place over the past year, of which one was the merger of the Co-op in Gainsborough with Southern Plains at the end of 2015.

"At that point, the members had lost quite a bit of the facilities due to a flood. We went in there and were asked if they could amalgamate with us, and the membership voted in favor of it," shared Enns, adding that a new card-lock has now been installed in the place.

The other major acquisition was the addition of the Alameda Co-op to the group, which got underway at the end of 2016, and became official in January 2017.

"They have a relatively new facility, less than three years old. As well there is a new lumberyard and hardware store home center, and that's a new area for Southern Plains. They were looking for some guidence, then the amalgamation opportunity came up and both members spoke in favor of that."

"We're excited about it. There is plenty of opportunity to grow too," he expressed.

One highlight that stood out for everyone in attendance was a reflection on the company's being the Food and Fuel Sponsor for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games held in Estevan.

"It was definitely valuable to be a part of, and a great experience for all of us."

Going forward, Enns noted something on the horizon that is expected to commence soon.

"We're working on a card-lock on the Estevan bypass. That'll be our main major project for this year."

 

 

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