$1.00 + HST Vol. 26 | No. 23 Thursday, November 25, 2010
Michael Wigle photo
Winter has arrived in the Valley
Bella Coola Co-op continues its fight to stay open BY CAITLIN THOMPSON
The Bella Coola Co-op has survived its first year as an independent store. After its official break from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) last year, the local Co-op has faced some major challenges and made some significant changes. The decision to leave FCL required the Co-op to pay out their debts. The FCL accepted the Co-op’s member equity, various small amounts in other accounts, and a cash payment of $75,000. This still required
the FCL to write off approximately $500,000 owing. The Co-op was finally free of their debt and their obligations to FCL, but other tests remained. The Co-op had to take out a loan with the Williams Lake and District Credit Union to cover the cost of the payout and, as is standard in any retail store operation, a large line of credit to cover stock costs. With sales down almost ten per cent from last year, operating costs higher by almost $33,000, fires and floods wreaking havoc, numerous new expenses, and a marginal
economy, many are wondering how the store has remained open. “All of these changes put a lot of stress on management and staff,” said President Peter Fralick. “However I am pleased to say they rose to the occasion – we are still in operation.” The Co-op has switched suppliers and is now ordering from Buy-Lo Foods, whose house brand is Western Family. The store is still trying to locate a supplier that can, promptly and for a reasonable price, supply some of the needs Western Family cannot meet.
The Co-op was first incorporated in 1944 and this was its 67th Annual General Meeting. Since its inception the Co-op has depended on member support, and the past few years have driven this point home. In addition to being the only grocery store on the Townsite, the Co-op also is one of the Valley’s largest employers. The store employs 19 staff in full and part-time positions. Losing it would be a huge blow to the Valley’s already limited job base. Unfortunately, the Board had to accept the resignation of
Deb Nygaard, who has decided to leave her management position to return to her previous position as Supervisor. This will result in more change as the store searches for a qualified replacement. The meeting ended with the same message ringing through the hall – the Co-op’s survival depends on community support. “The future looks brighter than it has for the past eleven AGM’s,” said Fralick. “But we will only survive if our members support the store by shopping there.”