ATS Newsbrief December 2014
Last month’s AGM provided an opportunity to share with members the development of ATS over the last financial year and outline some of the opportunities and challenges which lie ahead.
Phil McKendry, ATS Chairman
The AGM saw Ian Mackenzie and Alister Body re‑elected for a further three year term to the ATS Board of Directors. Jack Allan stood down from the Directors remuneration committee and Dick Johnson was duly elected as his replacement, joining Stuart Wilson and John Falloon.
The launch of the Ruralco card in July 2013 had an impact on ATS’s financial performance, both because of the divesting the supplier card business and as a result of the set up costs for the new venture. Since then, we have focussed on improving operating efficiency in what makes up ATS today—its Farm Supplies, fuel, fertiliser, electricity and seed trading divisions, and indications are these are all performing well in the current financial year. Even before taking into account the dividend from Ruralco which has been paid out since the balance date, ATS’s cash position strengthened significantly over the past year. Full benefits from this refreshing of ATS’s operations will be realised in the current year. The last couple of years have seen a big strategic push to become more outward looking, while remaining true to the local ATS core. ATS exists because our members have, through it, committed to ensuring Canterbury is the most competitive market for farm supplies in NZ. It does this by operating an efficient business complemented by strong relationships with members and suppliers. An increased ATS member card spend of $7million last year indicates that ATS members have been very supportive of the Ruralco initiative which has offered a wider supplier network with enhanced discounts. The fuel offering of Ruralco merits special mention as it has prompted much competition in the market and remains a very competitive offering when true comparisons are done. Board and management focus for the current year is upon continually improving operating efficiencies across all of ATS and supporting our investment in Ruralco. Achieving substantive growth in the current environment will be challenging, and will require some further investment. However we believe that our strong relationships with members and suppliers, coupled with the diversity of land use across Canterbury, gives a healthy resilience to the business. We plan to build on that to ensure your commitment to ATS continues to significantly and beneficially influence the farm supplies market in your favour. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We look forward to catching up with you in 2015.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 25, 26 & 27
Christmas Day & Boxing Day ATS will be closed Christmas Day Thursday 25 December, Boxing Day Friday 26 December and Saturday 27 December. If members have any emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
January 1, 2 & 3 All ATS stores will be closed New Year’s Day Thursday 1, Friday 2 January and Saturday 3 January. If members have any emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865. UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
December 9
Methven Farm Systems Group This Farm Systems Group discusses and investigates farm systems and farm related issues on the host farm, including current topics and upcoming seasonal matters. It is an open forum that utilises the experience of all members in the group. For more information contact Juliette Lee on 021 232 834.
December 10
Biz Start North Canterbury Biz Start is a course designed for people who are looking to start their own business in the next couple of years. It is a closed group, but there is still room to join for the 2014/15 season. Sessions in the Biz Start groups will focus on building business and people management skills to equip you for senior level management positions, or owning or running your own farm business. If you are interested in joining this monthly course or for more information, contact Virginia Serra on 021 932 515.
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Scholarships & Funding Advance Ashburton welcome applications for 18 currently available educational scholarships plus additional funding for community organisations. Closing date for the Scholarships is 19 December 2014. For further information please see www.advanceashburton.co.nz
ATS Freight Service
Electricity contract expiring?
RURALCO SUPPLIER UPDATES
The ATS Freight Service is a complimentary service available to ATS members with product orders over $1,000. For orders of less than $1,000 we are happy to continue arranging delivery on farm of your products but it will be on a user pays basis with our partner TNL. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further please contact ATS on 0800 BUY ATS (298 287).
If you have had notification recently of your contract expiring from your electricity retailer and you need some free independent help to assess your best options for your business or home contact ATS Energy Account Manager Tracey Gordon today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to help you analyse your options.
Please visit www.ruralco.co.nz for information on locations and contact details.
Save 12¢ per litre at Mobil Service Stations Use your Ruralco Card or Ruralco Mobilcard and save 12¢ per litre* off the pump price at Mobil Service Stations everyday nationwide. Check the Ruralco website for locations and full discount details www.ruralco.co.nz/fuel *No volume limits. Discount current as at 20 October 2014 and is subject to change. Not available at convenience stations or in conjunction with other discounts or offers.
ATS store hours All ATS stores are open from 8am until 5.30pm weekdays for your convenience. ATS Ashburton is also open Saturdays 9am–12noon. If you have any emergency requirements during closed hours and public holidays, the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
Are you paying too much for your electricity? ATS Energy can provide you with a free no obligation comparison from our energy partners so you can see if there are any potential savings to be had for your home or farm by paying your electricity accounts through ATS. Contact ATS Energy Account Manager Tracey Gordon today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Finding the perfect gift this Christmas just got easier ATS Gift baskets are the perfect answer for gift giving this Christmas. We offer high quality products and pride ourselves on providing a personal, friendly and professional service, paying attention to the important details. Each gift basket comes filled with only the finest gourmet and boutique products and is beautifully gift wrapped. To order now visit www.ats.co.nz/ atsgiftbaskets or contact ATS Gift & Homeware on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
NEW SUPPLIERS Ruralco Supplier Updates New Suppliers Please visit www.ruralco.co.nz for information on locations and contact details.
Alexandra DAVIDSON HONDA 7.5% off parts and accessories Labour, sale and specials - nett
Blenheim LUGANO MOTORLODGE $10.00 off per night/all room types MAYFLOWER STUDIO FLORIST 10% off storewide and phone orders Interflora and sale items - nett
Christchurch AAKLAND CHEMICALS 12% off dairy chemicals, bloat oil, teat sprays, minerals $20.00 per ton off magnesium chloride and oxide Lime flour, rubberware, milk filters, calf meal, molasses and non-stocked items - nett
Gore
Is your Approved Handler Certificate still valid? When did you last check the expiry date on your Growsafe and Approved Handler Certificates? Make sure they are up to date before its time to purchase or apply chemicals. If your certificates need renewing, we can help. Please contact Peter Jacob on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) and he will be able to assist you with the renewal process.
Summer seed requirements ATS Seed has the full range of pasture and brassica seed available now. Talk to us about the latest variety information and seed treatment options for summer sowing. Please contact ATS Seed on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Shop, save and win one of ten $1,000 Ruralco vouchers At this time of year things are getting busy and you’re making your list and probably checking it twice. What on earth are you going to get for the other half this year? There’s Mum and Dad (who already have everything), the kids who have helped out by writing their own extensive and unreasonable list, Nana & Granddad who, as usual, don’t want anything at all. Then there’s Aunty Jean, Uncle Bob, the nieces and nephews, the cousins, second cousins, Great Aunt Whats-Her-Name who never likes what you get her anyway, those people that turn up unannounced who you have to have something for just in case, the postie, the lady up the road, even the dog needs something. Lucky you have your Ruralco Card.
Ashburton Trading Society Ltd 97 Burnett Street, PO Box 131 Ashburton
Real discounts for real farmers
Tel 03 307 5100 Fax 03 307 6723 ats@ats.co.nz
BRIGHTWATER VIEWS BED AND BREAKFAST 10% off accommodation CAPTIVATION LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR SPECIALISTS 10% off storewide Specials and vouchers – nett ELLIS STREET AUTO REPAIRS LTD 5% off labour HQ CAFÉ & BAR BRIGHTWATER 5% off total bill PARKSIDE MOTEL 7% off accommodation FREE upgrade from a one bedroom standard unit, to a one bedroom executive unit from the Tuesday after Easter until 30th September* *Conditions apply, subject to availability and via phone bookings only
STEVE BURTON ELECTRICAL 5% off total bill Labour, parts and quoted pricing – nett THE LOGGERS SHOP 5% off storewide Sale and special items – nett
WINDSOR FLORIST 5% off all orders Interflora orders, sales and special items - nett
Rolleston
Leeston
Timaru
TAPPER INDUSTRIES LTD 10% off material 5% off labour Sale items - nett
Motueka NAUTILUS LODGE MOTEL Free continental breakfast to all rooms, all year round, valued at $13.00. Phone bookings only. PAYLESS ELECTRICAL Free call out and travel 50% off first hour of labour 10 year installation guarantee on all installations Sale items - nett
Oamaru BANKS AUTO ELECTRICAL 15% off batteries 10% off parts Labour - nett DUNNE’S FLOORING FIRST 5% off all materials Labour, sale and specials - nett
Ranfurly FOLEY & JONES BUTCHER Convenience RANFURLY FOUR SQUARE Convenience
Richmond ALLFLOW EQUIPMENT(A) 12% off everything Water tanks and sale items – nett
ROLLESTON DIESEL & PETROLS 5% off invoice price ACTION SPORTS (NZ) LTD 10% off all retail items Sale and special items – nett FINLAY BOATS NZ LTD 5% off on boats Sale items – nett STANS AUTO ELECTRICAL 10% off parts, labour and retail items THE GARDEN CENTRE TIMARU 5% off all retail products Green houses, sales and specials – nett TIMARU ENGINEERING SUPPLIES LTD 25% off tools, bearings, seals and belts TIMARU PLUMBING AND GAS CENTRE 10% off home heating solutions TIMARU WHOLESALE PLANTS 5% off all products Sale items - nett
Waianiwa EZI COMPUTING SOUTH LTD 10% off labour Hardware - nett RESIGNED SUPPLIERS Hot Mamas Monaco Hair Vanilla Bean Cafe
www.ats.co.nz