UlU kHAkTOk CO - OP TURNS PROfITABle

“Ithas been many years since our Co-op has been profitable and paying dividends. We are now pleased to say that the past three years of hard work, dedication and support have put us on the right track and are now showing profits,” said Joe Perry, manager of the u lukhaktok Co-op.

Joe believes “solid management, checks and controls, and working with the people and the community to achieve a common goal,” was critical to the Co-op’s success.

“I take little credit as we are truly blessed to have the Board of Directors that we have, and most of all the special staff that run the store. We all need help along the way and if not for a rctic Cooperatives Limited and their many services this would have been a difficult task.” u lukhaktok Co-op is comprised of the Co-op store, (which sells groceries and houses the Canada Post office), the Arctic Char Inn, and is the a klak a ir service agent for the hamlet. “Between the store, Post Office, Hotel, Cable Service and Craft Shop, we employ 25 people,” said Joe Perry. Of the 25, 21 are Inuvialuit.

“I’ve been working here since august 2006, I enjoy it. I deal with the Co-op members, which is great,” said Jeanine Omingmak, office manager of the Co-op.

“One of the first things I did was to work with the account receivables. I contacted members with outstanding accounts and set up monthly payment plans that were suitable for them,” she said.

“ n one of our days are typical. We deal with different things everyday. It gets pretty hectic on the mail sorting days, and some days we have big rushes in sales. Every Tuesday, we get food products in on first Air.” the Co-op staff, including the hotel staff, is great to work with. Everybody respects each other, and if people are not feeling well, they inform us in time and make sure that there is somebody else to take their shift.”

“The hotel has seen new heights in sales and revenues that were never dreamed of,” said Joe Perry. “Our hotel is only three years old, and is certainly a hit with our many travelers. h otel manager Martin n adeau is truly a great ambassador. The staff are always smiling and having fun, and that adds to the pleasant experience of a visit to the a rctic Char Inn.”

“I’ll like to say a big thank you to Co-op members for supporting the store and the hotel,” Jeanine said.

“The elders here had a dream a long time ago about a successful Coop and we are truly honoured to be part of that dream,” Joe Perry agreed.