Staff Photo By: Darcie Thom
Kipling Co-Op Home And Agro Centre

By Lizz Bottrell, Citizen Staff
On Tuesday, July 8 at 8 p.m., Kipling Co-op plans to hold an information meeting regarding the potential merger of Kipling Co-op with Broadview Co-op. The Board of Directors as well as both Co-ops hope to see a good turn out at the meeting in order to fully explain what sort of affect the merger will have on the communities.

According to a press release issued to everyone in each community, the biggest change people would notice is a change in Co-op’s name. Co-op plans to hold a contest, allowing every member to submit his or her choice for a new name. In the end, the combined board would make a decision on a name based on the entries.

Under the merger, members will be able to keep their existing Co-op numbers. In the case of dual membership, members can chose their favourable number, having everything switched over to that statement.

The two Co-ops want to ensure its members that the merger would turn out beneficial, securing its retail services in the communities. “The merger of the two retailers would ensure a long term presence of a Co-operative in the trading areas presently being served,” stated a press release. “The sharing of assets, human resources and equipment will be a benefit to both retails. The ability to expand lines of inventory at each Co-op will be a benefit to all members. With the increased ability to stay competitive in the marketplace it will help all businesses in the community.”

The idea of a merger may come as a surprise to some, but the boards have actually been in talks about this for months. “Discussions have taken place over the last few months and involved an in-depth analysis of the financial implications, as well as the benefits that such a merger will provide,” said the press release. “The merger will assist both retails in sustaining viable operations, allowing for improved buying power through volume rebates, ability to maintain competitive pricing and added services for both Co-ops.”

This potential merger will not create any job losses, although there will likely be changes in titles.

The information meeting for Kipling will be held July 8 at 8 p.m. in at the Kipling Legion and for Broadview on July 9 at 8 p.m. at the Community Hall in Broadview. Then on July 29, Kipling will hold its vote at the Legion Hall at 8 p.m. Broadview will hold its vote the next day at the Community Hall, also at 8 p.m. Once all votes are in, both Co-ops and the Board of Members will announce the members’ decision.

If the merger receives the go-ahead to proceed after a member vote, the transition would take place the day after Broadview Co-op’s year end, making the change occur on November 2, 2008.