(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Better Together

Partnership between Parkland, Beeland, and Carrot River Co-ops being explored

Oct 27, 2021 | 3:00 PM

A single co-op could eventually be formed by Beeland, Carrot River, and Parkland Co-ops.

Discussions began about 18 months ago on the potential partnership which is still in the beginning stages.

Parkland Coop general manager Cory Leichert told northeastNOW there are a number benefits for members and employees if the amalgamation goes ahead.

“Our members travel a lot with sports, recreation, medical appointments and so with this corner, it would be nice to have all the same membership number and have that available for our members,” Leichert said. “For employees, for those that want to move up within the company that is going to give a better opportunity.”

The first step was to get behind the scenes work and conversations going with team members before going to membership.

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“We want to discuss with our members and make sure they are well informed and so if it does come to voting time, they feel comfortable with their decision,” Leichert said.

The process of a business case study will continue through 2021, firm up details so presentations to memberships can happen in 2022.

Potential voting wouldn’t be likely until late 2022 or into 2023.

“Mitigation of risk is another factor. There is competition to battle, there is technology, government regulations, cost of doing business, mandates insurance and we have to be competitive,” Leichert said. “I think the big thing is looking at all aspects, we know we can do better together.”

Parkland Coop has locations in Porcupine Plain and Hudson Bay. Carrot River Coop is in Carrot River while Beeland has locations in Tisdale, Bjorkdale, and Arborfield.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser