The Lloydminster and District Co-op has ranked in the top 50 businesses in Saskatchewan.
The Sask Business Magazine released their annual Top 100 List, placing the Co-op on it for the second year in a row. This year, the Co-op placed 48th, one spot higher than last year’s ranking. CEO Don Stephenson says there were a few reasons for the climb.
“We certainly had some of the growth initiatives that we put in place,” Stephenson said. “We developed two new cardlocks last year, we developed a new gas bar and carwash, we completed a fairly significant upgrade and expansion of our marketplace grocery operations, and what we found with all four of those initiatives is that they really were quite successful straight out of the chute. It certainly helped in terms of us driving our numbers in terms of our overall sales revenue.”
Stephenson also says that while the Co-op ranked higher than last year’s list, this year has had its share of challenges.
“This year so far has certainly provided some challenges. However, I know that our Co-op has survived over 100 years through thick and thin,” Stephenson said. “I am confident in our ability and offerings as a locally-owned co-operative to navigate through these times. Recognition of this nature offers us a bolt of confidence as we continue to provide exceptional customer service and the benefits that only a Co-op can offer.”
Stephenson also says that the co-op is working on other projects, including a new gas bar and a bulk petroleum facility, which he hopes to have finished by the end of the year.