Co-op Marks Successful Year

2011 was a successful year for Pioneer Co-op.

They reported over 210 million dollars in sales in the past year, a 43-million-dollar increase over 2010.

General Manager Stuart Dyrland said they had a very strong patronage allocation to members totalling 11 million dollars.

“We have put together a package that will pay back to the members 11 million dollars in cash in that time and some of it of course going to the over aged and the estates.”

Dyrland adds last year saw plenty of growth,

"We had four percent in groceries and hardware and the lumber products about seven and a half cents a litre on petroleum and seven and a half percent on the crop supplies area.”

Dyrland adds that more exciting things are happening this year, including a major renovation of their store at the Wheatland Mall in Swift Current.

“Putting down flooring, some new displays, some new racking that type of thing which is totally changing the look at the mall. We're very pleased with the way people have accepted the changes taking place sales remain strong.”

Some of the highlights for Pioneer Co-op in 2011 included the amalgamation with Southwest Co-op in Maple Creek and Consul, and the opening of a new store in Cabri.

Interview with Stuart Dytland: