September 11, 2012

& views

September 2012

It pays to belong!

NEWS

OTTER CO-OP

EQUITY DAYS

5.36

$

TO START ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF OTTER CO-OP. JOIN FOR ONLY $10 FOR A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

MILLION

EMBERS!!!

M O T K C A EQUITY & CASH B

Equity Days

PICTURED (L. - R.) Doug Potentier (District #4 FCL Director) presents Frank Braun (Otter Coop Director) with his Level Two Director Certificate

Celebrate us!

90 years with

win atrip trip shopotter otterand

september

Las Vegas

october

november

Mexico

Alaska Cruise

!

december

Disneyland

We’re giving away a trip a month from September through December 2012!

*receive one entry for each $50.00 purchase at any otter co-op location. some restrictions apply. see website for contest details. entry forms also available on line at: ottercoop.com Retail Centres

3650 248 street

2596 & 2618 McMillan rd

12343 Harris rd

It was a beautiful evening for a chicken barbecue. Once again Henry’s Outdoor Barbecue did a wonderful job of preparing enough chicken to serve 1200. Dinner was at 4:30 but by 4:00 we had a long line of those who had enjoyed the Co-op Chicken dinner in the past as well as some newcomers. The dinner included a ¼ chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, a dinner roll, dessert and a drink for $5.00. The feedback of those that attended was extremely positive. It takes a lot of people to make this such a great success and our thanks to all the staff that helped to make this another awesome Co-op event! Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Each year Otter Co-op has generously donated $2500 from this event to a local nonprofit organization. This year the recipient of this donation was Langley Meals on Wheels! Several members of the Langley Meals on Wheels also donated their time in helping to make the barbecue a tremendous success, and we thank you for participating!

PICTURED Three memb ers from Langley Meals on Wheels accepting donation of $25 00.

Did You Know?

There were 21,030 cheques issued to Otter Co-op Members in September 2012. There were 3683 members that picked up their cheques during Equity Days September 6-7-8. For picking up your cheque you were able to enter a draw for a chance at three great prizes. The winners were 1st prize Melanie Kish (Gazebo) 2nd prize Mark Maksymiuk (Barbecue) 3rd prize Nell Fast (Luggage) Congratulations to all of you!

Otter Co-op’s Greater Rewards for Purchasing Groceries, Hardware, Fashions,Gas and More Are you buying at Otter Co-op or elsewhere? Here is some reward/refund data that we want you to be aware of. The chart below is based on the 2011 Otter Co-op member patronage allocation of 5.00% on ALL Otter Co-op purchases with an average of $50 per purchase.

Retailer

$ Spent

Points/Refunds Earned

Rewards/Refund

Shell (Air Miles) Otter Co-op

$4,375 $4,375

175 Air Miles 5.00% Allocation

$20 Fuel Gift Card 219 Equity & Cash Back

Esso Otter Co-op

$4,300 $4,300

4,300 Esso Extra Points 5.00% Allocation

$25 Esso Fuel Card $215 Equity & Cash Back

Petro Canada* Otter Co-op

$10,500 $10,500

42,000 Petro Points 5.00% Allocation

$30 Free Gas $525 Equity & Cash Back

Save On Foods Otter Co-op

$15,000 $15,000

15,000 Save-On Points 4.25% Allocation

$25 Sony Style Gift Card $637 Equity & Cash Back

Safeway Grocery Otter Co-op

$4,800 $4,800

240 Air Miles 5.00% Allocation

$25 Gap Gift Card $240 Equity & Cash Back

Your opinion is important to us at Otter Co-op!

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey by visiting us online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AOCCS

Complete by September 29, 2012 and receive a 10% off coupon at Otter Co-op along with a chance to win a 40” TV or an iPad 2.

Thank You! Otter Co-op 3650 248 Street Aldergrove, BC V4W 1X7

Phone: (604) 856-2517 Fax: (604) 856-2674 Web: www.ottercoop.com

20

Views serving our

• The Langley Times • Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Otter Co-op welcomes a new president

& NEWS It pays to belong!

President’s Message:

COMMUNITY

Please let me introduce myself to you. I am Dorothy Anderson and have recently been elected President of the Board of Otter Co-op. I have been in the Langley area for about forty five years. My husband had a small business in Milner for many years and even today we have a farm that we operate and have people come to the farm to learn more about the farm way of life. I was elected to the Dorothy Anderson Board in 2008 and during my five years, I have seen many Board President changes; new buildings, new acquisitions, and of course, all segments of retail are seeing the significance of cross border shopping.

The Co-op is owned by you, the members, because of your $10.00 payment for a lifetime membership. Since the beginning of our new fiscal year on March 1, 2012, we have welcomed 1800 new members to the Co-op. This is where the cash-back and equity comes into play. Spending just $270 in the past fiscal year will get you cash back and equity. And you are shopping local!

Decision making regarding money is where we come in as a Board. Otter Co-op donates in excess of $100,000 yearly to many charities and organizations in our community. Our most recent donation was after the Friday, September 7th, chicken barbecue where we chose Langley Meals- On-Wheels as the charity of choice, for a cheque of $2500. The Board is also responsible for the approval, or non- approval of high dollar amounts.

Mentioning our donation total makes us proud of those people who do support Otter Co-op and shop here. Many non-profit organizations benefit from the use of our store, be it a hot-dog sale, or even a car wash when we aren’t on water restrictions.

OTTER CO-OP ATTENDS THE 4H AUCTION AT THE PNE

y staff draw Henr e winner of the th R n so to ol L re ich N he Pictured er) and Jack STAFF WINNER river), Mike Will (Grocery Manag (General Manager). kD Unruh (Feed Truc

Otter Co-op were proud sponsors of eight 4-H classes at this years P.N.E.

raspberry social

PICTURED HERE (l. to r.): Jack Nicholson (Otter Coop G.M.), Dorothy Anderson (Otter Co-op Board President), Kate Ludlam (Senior Donor Relations Officer/langley Memorial Hospital Foundation) and Larry Jantzen (Otter Co-op Director). The L.M.H.F. was the recipient of the donations received at the July 1 Canada Day Raspberry Social. Kate said the foundation is very appreciative of the donation and it will be designated to the Maternity Campaign. Thank you to everyone that participated!

BBQ CONTEST W INNER L to R Jack Nicholson Mike Will

(Grocery Manager) (General Manager) , and the lucky lady everyone that partic Ka t Gr ay. Thank you to ipated!

Sunday, August 26 turned out to be a perfect day for the Otter Co-op Staff Family Picnic at the Vancouver Zoo. The day included a Scavenger Hunt, Bouncey Castle, races with prizes for all ages, followed by a hamburger/ hotdog barbecue and door prizes won by many staff members.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish you a great fall season.

CANADA DAY

Winners!

OTTER CO-OP STAFF PICNIC

Check us out! Come and visit Otter Co-op during Co-op Week, October 14-20, and see all that we have to offer.

OTTER CO-OP BOARD PRESIDENT

Otter Co-op’s Operations

BACKYARD BBQ CONTEST

General Manager’s Message

Wow, the summer is over already! Where does the time go? We have just finished celebrating our Equity Days, where members received their equity statements and cash back on purchases made during the 2011 fiscal year. A great chicken BBQ and cheques for a general repayment totaling more than $3.8 million went back to members! We also made age bylaw repayments in excess of $392,000. Talk about your member benefits!

Jack Nicholson A member had to only spend $270 during 2011 to General Manager qualify for a cheque, which is less than $23 a month!

Total equity and cash going back to members in the way of allocation for 2011 purchases amounted to $5,361,060. If you were unable to attend our event and pick up your cheque, it should arrive shortly in the mail.

And now we are just over the half way point of our 2012 fiscal year. Despite the many challenges of increased competition, economic difficulties, and increased cross-border shopping, your co-op continues to achieve the goals we set at the beginning of the year.

As with all businesses, organizations, whatever it may be, Otter Co-op is very proud of our staff … many of whom you will never see … because they are responsible for the behind the scene jobs.

Dorothy Anderson

The Langley Times • Tuesday, September 11, 2012 • 21

blueberry social BC DAY

THANK YOU OTTER CO-OP! A special thank you to Otter Co-op for the $673 donated to Matthew’s House thanks to your recent Blueberry Social.

Matthew’s House is a home away from home for children living with disabilities and their families who support them. It is a five-bed residence that will provide long and short-term respite care for children and adolescents who live with a significant disability, while at the same time supporting and encouraging the families of these children. Two additional bedrooms PICTURED HERE (l. to r.) Tom Balke - Stewardship Director are set aside for family members.

Matthew’s House and Otter Co-op Board President Dorothy Anderson.

Matthew’s House is a home-like environment where children will be well cared for and safe, while giving their families peace of mind as they take a restful step back in order to refuel themselves. It will dramatically enhance the quality of life of children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs.

The dream of Matthew’s House began with a local boy named Matthew Froese. During his birth, Matthew suffered severe birth asphyxia due to lack of oxygen. This left him completely dependent on others for activities of daily living. Despite these challenges, Matthew touched many people’s hearts.

He has left a legacy which will provide respite care for children just like him and support families across British Columbia.

Feel free to check out the Matthew’s House website at www.mattshouse.ca for recent developments.

With much appreciation, Tom Balke – Stewardship Director Matthew’s House

SCAVENGER HUNT

Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON! Pictured here Jack Nicholson (Otter Co-op General Manager) presenting Shannon Davison with a $50 gift card for being the 375th Like us on our Facebook page.

Director Brittany Bergevin and her brother Taylor, (parents Barb & Richard were also part of their team) were the Scavenger Hunt winners with the most correct answers in the quickest time.

Our overall sales for the first 24 weeks are just under $81.4 million, which is a 16.5% increase over last year at the same time, when our sales were just over $69.8 million. Local savings are also quite a bit better than last year and budget at this time. These are fantastic results, with volume increases in our feed, bulk petroleum, and gas bar divisions. The Pitt Meadows location is showing an improvement in sales over the previous year, and our new produce and convenience store and our new pharmacy in Abbotsford continue to gain new customers weekly. Our hardware department is also enjoying a slight increase in sales this year, but our food and family fashions are really feeling the effects of cross border shopping, as we have seen a significant decline in sales in these areas.

We have many new exciting opportunities that we are reviewing, and some that we are already working towards. In regards to expansion and growth projects currently underway this year, we continue to work towards the redevelopment of our gas bar, convenience store and cardlock on the corner of Fraser Highway and 248th Street, and are currently working with the Township of Langley on our development permit. In Abbotsford, on Highway 11 and McCallum Road, we continue with our due diligence and design submissions to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on developing a new gas bar and convenience store on our property located there. And design plans are currently being completed for a new bulk plant, cardlock, gas bar, convenience store, and oil warehouse for our new property on Lickman Road in Chilliwack.

So as you can see, it is a very exciting time to be a part of Otter Co-op! I am very proud of the team we have here at the Co-op, and want to thank all of our staff for their continued hard work and dedication to our company, and a thank you to you, our members, for your continued support that continues to grow our co-operative and be able to return the benefits of the co-operative business model back to our members. I look forward to a strong finish to this year of opportunities, challenges and growth, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Jack Nicholson GENERAL MANAGER

ALDERGROVE FALL FAIR Thank you to everyone that stopped by the Otter Co-op booth and played Co-oPlinko at the Aldergrove Days Fair. Congratulations to the Fair on Celebrating their 100th Anniversary!

Staff member Vicky Mayer (Feed Department) and her team members (husband Jeff and sons Travis & Bryan ) were also winners in the Scavenger Hunt in the most correct answers draw

LORIN LEDGER

ning Supplies Winner of Otter Co-op Can Basket

Door Prize Winners!

DARLA MYTT

ENOR

Wiinner of of a Bucket

of Otter Co-op

Carwash Supplie s

20

Views serving our

• The Langley Times • Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Otter Co-op welcomes a new president

& NEWS It pays to belong!

President’s Message:

COMMUNITY

Please let me introduce myself to you. I am Dorothy Anderson and have recently been elected President of the Board of Otter Co-op. I have been in the Langley area for about forty five years. My husband had a small business in Milner for many years and even today we have a farm that we operate and have people come to the farm to learn more about the farm way of life. I was elected to the Dorothy Anderson Board in 2008 and during my five years, I have seen many Board President changes; new buildings, new acquisitions, and of course, all segments of retail are seeing the significance of cross border shopping.

The Co-op is owned by you, the members, because of your $10.00 payment for a lifetime membership. Since the beginning of our new fiscal year on March 1, 2012, we have welcomed 1800 new members to the Co-op. This is where the cash-back and equity comes into play. Spending just $270 in the past fiscal year will get you cash back and equity. And you are shopping local!

Decision making regarding money is where we come in as a Board. Otter Co-op donates in excess of $100,000 yearly to many charities and organizations in our community. Our most recent donation was after the Friday, September 7th, chicken barbecue where we chose Langley Meals- On-Wheels as the charity of choice, for a cheque of $2500. The Board is also responsible for the approval, or non- approval of high dollar amounts.

Mentioning our donation total makes us proud of those people who do support Otter Co-op and shop here. Many non-profit organizations benefit from the use of our store, be it a hot-dog sale, or even a car wash when we aren’t on water restrictions.

OTTER CO-OP ATTENDS THE 4H AUCTION AT THE PNE

y staff draw Henr e winner of the th R n so to ol L re ich N he Pictured er) and Jack STAFF WINNER river), Mike Will (Grocery Manag (General Manager). kD Unruh (Feed Truc

Otter Co-op were proud sponsors of eight 4-H classes at this years P.N.E.

raspberry social

PICTURED HERE (l. to r.): Jack Nicholson (Otter Coop G.M.), Dorothy Anderson (Otter Co-op Board President), Kate Ludlam (Senior Donor Relations Officer/langley Memorial Hospital Foundation) and Larry Jantzen (Otter Co-op Director). The L.M.H.F. was the recipient of the donations received at the July 1 Canada Day Raspberry Social. Kate said the foundation is very appreciative of the donation and it will be designated to the Maternity Campaign. Thank you to everyone that participated!

BBQ CONTEST W INNER L to R Jack Nicholson Mike Will

(Grocery Manager) (General Manager) , and the lucky lady everyone that partic Ka t Gr ay. Thank you to ipated!

Sunday, August 26 turned out to be a perfect day for the Otter Co-op Staff Family Picnic at the Vancouver Zoo. The day included a Scavenger Hunt, Bouncey Castle, races with prizes for all ages, followed by a hamburger/ hotdog barbecue and door prizes won by many staff members.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish you a great fall season.

CANADA DAY

Winners!

OTTER CO-OP STAFF PICNIC

Check us out! Come and visit Otter Co-op during Co-op Week, October 14-20, and see all that we have to offer.

OTTER CO-OP BOARD PRESIDENT

Otter Co-op’s Operations

BACKYARD BBQ CONTEST

General Manager’s Message

Wow, the summer is over already! Where does the time go? We have just finished celebrating our Equity Days, where members received their equity statements and cash back on purchases made during the 2011 fiscal year. A great chicken BBQ and cheques for a general repayment totaling more than $3.8 million went back to members! We also made age bylaw repayments in excess of $392,000. Talk about your member benefits!

Jack Nicholson A member had to only spend $270 during 2011 to General Manager qualify for a cheque, which is less than $23 a month!

Total equity and cash going back to members in the way of allocation for 2011 purchases amounted to $5,361,060. If you were unable to attend our event and pick up your cheque, it should arrive shortly in the mail.

And now we are just over the half way point of our 2012 fiscal year. Despite the many challenges of increased competition, economic difficulties, and increased cross-border shopping, your co-op continues to achieve the goals we set at the beginning of the year.

As with all businesses, organizations, whatever it may be, Otter Co-op is very proud of our staff … many of whom you will never see … because they are responsible for the behind the scene jobs.

Dorothy Anderson

The Langley Times • Tuesday, September 11, 2012 • 21

blueberry social BC DAY

THANK YOU OTTER CO-OP! A special thank you to Otter Co-op for the $673 donated to Matthew’s House thanks to your recent Blueberry Social.

Matthew’s House is a home away from home for children living with disabilities and their families who support them. It is a five-bed residence that will provide long and short-term respite care for children and adolescents who live with a significant disability, while at the same time supporting and encouraging the families of these children. Two additional bedrooms PICTURED HERE (l. to r.) Tom Balke - Stewardship Director are set aside for family members.

Matthew’s House and Otter Co-op Board President Dorothy Anderson.

Matthew’s House is a home-like environment where children will be well cared for and safe, while giving their families peace of mind as they take a restful step back in order to refuel themselves. It will dramatically enhance the quality of life of children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs.

The dream of Matthew’s House began with a local boy named Matthew Froese. During his birth, Matthew suffered severe birth asphyxia due to lack of oxygen. This left him completely dependent on others for activities of daily living. Despite these challenges, Matthew touched many people’s hearts.

He has left a legacy which will provide respite care for children just like him and support families across British Columbia.

Feel free to check out the Matthew’s House website at www.mattshouse.ca for recent developments.

With much appreciation, Tom Balke – Stewardship Director Matthew’s House

SCAVENGER HUNT

Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON! Pictured here Jack Nicholson (Otter Co-op General Manager) presenting Shannon Davison with a $50 gift card for being the 375th Like us on our Facebook page.

Director Brittany Bergevin and her brother Taylor, (parents Barb & Richard were also part of their team) were the Scavenger Hunt winners with the most correct answers in the quickest time.

Our overall sales for the first 24 weeks are just under $81.4 million, which is a 16.5% increase over last year at the same time, when our sales were just over $69.8 million. Local savings are also quite a bit better than last year and budget at this time. These are fantastic results, with volume increases in our feed, bulk petroleum, and gas bar divisions. The Pitt Meadows location is showing an improvement in sales over the previous year, and our new produce and convenience store and our new pharmacy in Abbotsford continue to gain new customers weekly. Our hardware department is also enjoying a slight increase in sales this year, but our food and family fashions are really feeling the effects of cross border shopping, as we have seen a significant decline in sales in these areas.

We have many new exciting opportunities that we are reviewing, and some that we are already working towards. In regards to expansion and growth projects currently underway this year, we continue to work towards the redevelopment of our gas bar, convenience store and cardlock on the corner of Fraser Highway and 248th Street, and are currently working with the Township of Langley on our development permit. In Abbotsford, on Highway 11 and McCallum Road, we continue with our due diligence and design submissions to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on developing a new gas bar and convenience store on our property located there. And design plans are currently being completed for a new bulk plant, cardlock, gas bar, convenience store, and oil warehouse for our new property on Lickman Road in Chilliwack.

So as you can see, it is a very exciting time to be a part of Otter Co-op! I am very proud of the team we have here at the Co-op, and want to thank all of our staff for their continued hard work and dedication to our company, and a thank you to you, our members, for your continued support that continues to grow our co-operative and be able to return the benefits of the co-operative business model back to our members. I look forward to a strong finish to this year of opportunities, challenges and growth, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Jack Nicholson GENERAL MANAGER

ALDERGROVE FALL FAIR Thank you to everyone that stopped by the Otter Co-op booth and played Co-oPlinko at the Aldergrove Days Fair. Congratulations to the Fair on Celebrating their 100th Anniversary!

Staff member Vicky Mayer (Feed Department) and her team members (husband Jeff and sons Travis & Bryan ) were also winners in the Scavenger Hunt in the most correct answers draw

LORIN LEDGER

ning Supplies Winner of Otter Co-op Can Basket

Door Prize Winners!

DARLA MYTT

ENOR

Wiinner of of a Bucket

of Otter Co-op

Carwash Supplie s

& views

NEWS It pays to belong!

At the Pharmacy...

Otter Co-op Pharmacy has a complete selection of specialty home health care products and services to meet your specific needs for health recovery and maintenance.

Also new Purica line of natural herbal supplement.

Watch for details on Upcoming Flu Clinics

We

Book a 20 minute coaching FREE session and o-op! needs your health tter C review your wellness energy goals.

DELIVERY at O Newfor

It pays to belong!

PHARMACIES It pays to belong!

Otter Pharmacy Staff

Otter Co-op Pharmacy 604 607 6934

Wellness Glen Clinic Mountain Pharmacy 851 Coach 9654 & with604 a Life Fitness Consultant

horsing around

Thursday, May 26 10am-4pm

We are very excited to be a part of the Horsing Call 604-607-6934 Around Langley Project. The artist has now been for your Wellness Clinic selected, and will soon be set up in the Hardware appointment today.

Department of Otter Co-op. She will be painting some of Otter Co-op’s 90 Years of History onto the horse.

•Brainstorm Full Prescription simpleService steps in just one area of •wellness Full line or of overhaul vitamin supplements your daily routine and unique strategies forHealth your fiCare tness, •learn Ostomy Supplies • Home / nutrition •food Freepreparation blood pressure testing and restful these resources: •sleep Free based blister on packing ••True Rewards: Become The Healthy Home a Co-op Member participate the dividend program •today Better&Brain, Betterin Body

• Healthy for Life • Four Hour Body

All Wellness Clinic participants will receive a surprise gift pack!

Ask at the pharmacy about our Medication Management program too!

604-607-6934

PHARMACY ) )T PAYS TO BELONG BL

3600 248th Street, Aldergrove Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 11am-5pm

www.ottercoop.com

PICTURED (l. to r.) Otter Co-op General Manager Jack Nicholson, Executive Assistant Merilee McAuley and Director Larry Jantzen.

R Otter PICTURED L to ager Jack an M l ra ne Co-op Ge Co-op Director Nicholson, Otter ngley Arts La Dick Mayer and tive Carla ta en es Council Repr Robin.

Did you know you can bypass the switchboard and dial direct to the following departments?

Administration 604 856 2517 Petroleum: 604 607 6912 Feed: 604 607 6901 Hardware: 604 607 6909 Bakery: 604 607 6920 Café/Deli: 604 607 6921 Produce: 604 607 6919 Meat: 604 607 6918 Grocery: 604 607 6936 Pharmacy: 604 607 6934

90Years

OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

ottercoop.com

coming events

Family Fashions & Hardware 2 Day Scratch & Save Sale • Friday & Saturday October 5 & 6 Family Fashions 2 Day BOGO Sale • Friday & Saturday October 19 & 20 (Buy 1 and get 2nd one (of same or lesser value) 50% off) Kids’ Club Halloween Party • Sunday, October 28 10am – 2pm Family Fashions & Hardware - 1 Day Scratch & Save Sale • Sunday October 28 Ladies Night Saturday November 3 (Tickets on sale starting October 22) Family Fashions & Hardware 3 Day Scratch & Save • Friday and Saturday November 15-17 Seniors & Special Needs Turkey Dinner • Tuesday November 27 (Tickets on sale starting Monday, November 12 at the Administration Office) Family Day 10% off Groceries, Family Fashions & Hardware • Tuesday, November 27 Family Fashions & Hardware 3 Day Scratch & Save Sale • Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 29-30 & December 1 Family Fashions BOGO Sale • Thursday, Friday & Saturday December 6-7-8 (Buy 1 and get 2nd one (of same or lesser value) 50% off) Breakfast with Santa • Saturday December 8 & 15 (Tickets on Sale starting Monday, November 12 at the Administration Office) Family Fashions & Hardware 3 Day Scratch & Save Sale • Thursday, Friday & Saturday December 13-14-15 Boxing Week Sale • Begins Thursday, December 20 – January 1 Kids’ Club Christmas Skating Party • Thursday, December 20 – 4:15 to 6:15 Twin Rinks Langley

Student Representative Position

It was announced at the May Annual General Meeting of Otter Co-op that the board of directors had voted to eliminate the Student Representative position on the board. This announcement was met with a negative reaction from many members who had attended the annual meeting, and after some discussion there was a motion from the floor for the directors to review their decision to end the program.

Your board of directors realizes we did not present our reasons for the decision to eliminate the position as we should have. This was wrong and we apologize for this oversight. Members deserve a more detailed explanation of why this action was decided upon.

The Student Representative program has been in place for 10 years at the Otter Co-op, and the board went through the process of assessing the benefits of this program that uses well in excess of $10,000 every year towards one student.

The purpose was to allow a young person to participate in board meetings and gain experience in both business and the cooperative movement in particular. This was accomplished and we have had some very excellent young people as representatives.

Some of the expectations of the student to undertake over and above attending monthly meetings and events were to include speaking about the co-op to high schools, promoting Otter Co-op to other groups, and so on.

conferences in Calgary and Saskatoon, many times with a chaperone. In review, it was found that many of the past representatives had not continued to support the co-op after their experience on the board was completed.

With this and other pros and cons in mind, your board of directors decided that the same amount of money would be spent on other activities that would benefit increased members and youth. Such as an increase in the number of $1,000 scholarships that are made each year, increased sponsorship of school Dry Grad events, increased number of students having their camp fees to attend a Co-op YES camp covered, or some type of reduction in youth membership in the Co-op to entice younger members to join and actively support our business. These and other items continue to be discussed at the board level.

The decision to eliminate the position was not done lightly or without considerable thought.

It was not an attempt to shave expenses, but was rather a long thought out decision attempting to spread out our sponsorship funds in a manner that would be a benefit to more of our members.

Your board continues to feel the position of Student Representative has run its course and that it be replaced with other programs such as those listed above. Again, we apologize for not explaining the background of removing the program at the Annual Meeting, and feel we are acting in the best interests of the membership.

The Student Representative was paid a monthly retainer, a per diem for attending each meeting, and out of pocket expenses including trips to

Sincerely, Otter Co-op Board of Directors

job vacancies

• FULL TIME PHARMACY MANAGER Pharmacy applicants please reply to: Hisham Metwally Pharmacy Manager All other applications to Barb Ruscheinski H.R. Manager Otter Co-op, Box 4200, 3600 248 St. Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 2V1 Or pharmacymgr@otter-coop.com hrmgr@otter-coop.com

RETAIL CENTRE 3650 248 St Aldergrove (604) 856 2517 Hours: Sun-Sat 8am-8pm Most Statutory Holidays 9am-6pm Administration Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Closed Sunday Post Office Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm Closed Sunday Pharmacy Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm

You’ll find us here:

FEED STORE PETROLEUM 3548 248 St Aldergrove, BC Feed Store Phone: (604) 607 6901 Petroleum Phone: (604) 607 6912 Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm Sunday 9am-5pm Closed Stat Holidays GAS BARS: 248 Street Gas Bar 24795 Fraser Hwy Aldergrove, BC (604) 856 7011

Ross Road Gas Bar 29622 Fraser Hwy Abbotsford (604) 856 0030 Ladner Gas Bar 6420 Ladner Trunk Rd Ladner, BC (604) 940-1322 Gas Bar Hours: Mon-Fri 5am-11pm Sat/Sun/Stat Hols 6am-11pm Gloucester Gas Bar With a Tim Hortons 26474 56th Ave, Aldergrove, B.C. (604) 856 6676 Hours: 5am-11pm 7 Days/ Week incl Stat Holidays

Fraser Heights Gas Bar 16788 104 Ave. Surrey, BC (604) 582-2517 Hours: Mon-Fri 5am-11pm Sat/Sun/Stat Hols 6am-11pm PITT MEADOWS 12343 Harris Road Pitt Meadows (604) 465 5651 Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm Closed on Statutory Holidays

GLEN MOUNTAIN PRODUCE 2618 McMillan Road Abbotsford (604) 851 9636 Hours Mon-Sat 7am-8pm Sunday 10am-6pm GLEN MOUNTAIN PHARMACY 2596 McMillan Road Abbotsford (604) 851 9654 Hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Closed Sundays & Holidays