A proposed partnership between Eckville Co-op and Central Alberta Co-op may soon be a reality.
News of the proposed partnership through amalgamation, which will affect the Innisfail Co-op, came in late October.
“It's a great opportunity for both Central Alberta and Eckville Co-op, our members and employees,” said Gerald Hiebert, general manager for Central Alberta Co-op. “Through this partnership we're going to build a stronger co-op and continue to be a true cornerstone of the communities we serve.”
He noted what the new partnership means for Co-op members in Central Alberta.
“They're going to belong to a stronger Co-op that's grown its trading area and service offerings in new areas (where) Central Alberta Co-op doesn't offer services to today,” he said.
The total trading area of the newly formed Central Alberta Co-op will provide service to an area of more than 24,000 square kilometres.
“We want to provide a better service to a greater number of people,” said Hiebert. “We want to ensure that we become stronger together so that we can be prepared for the challenges within our economy, whether it be through a downturn in the economy or through growth of other competitors. We want to position ourselves to be a long-term player in the markets that we serve today,” he added.
Following the amalgamation, the proposed name will remain Central Alberta Co-op, noted Hiebert. Once the Timberlands project in Red Deer is complete, members will be able to use one Co-op number in 10 communities and at 42 locations.
The newly formed Central Alberta Co-op will include seven food stores, three pharmacies, three home centres, four agro centres, nine convenience stores/gas bars, eight cardlocks and seven liquor stores.
Amalgamation meetings are planned for Nov. 16 at the Eckville Community Centre for Eckville members and on Nov. 17 at Baymont Inn & Suites in Red Deer for Central Alberta members.
“We encourage members to attend the meetings either in Eckville or in Red Deer to not only vote but to listen to some information, ask some questions and have some information to be able to vote with,” said Hiebert. “We want people to be comfortable with the fact that they understand what the strengths are and what the reasoning for this (partnership) is.”
Gerald Hiebert, general manager
"We want to ensure that we become stronger together so that we can be prepared for the challenges within our economy, whether it be through a downturn in the economy or through growth of other competitors."
