The annual meeting for the Moose Mountain Central Rural Development Co-operative was held Friday, Feb. 23 at the Sunrise Bakery in Glenavon, with 18 people in attendance. The evening started with a delicious roast beef supper.

Allan LaRose chaired the meeting and gave his president’s report and financial report. He also introduced the new office staff: Loretta Dem-yen, Economic Development Officer and Trudy Ovans, Office Assistant.

Loretta Demyen gave her reports. Membership in the Moose Mountain Central RDC is comprised of R.M. of Golden West (including hamlet of Corning), R.M. of Chester (including hamlet of Peebles), Village of Windthorst, R.M. of Hazelwood, Town of Kipling and the Village of Kennedy.

The Small Business Loans report indicated there are two active accounts and two sent in for approval. There have also been many inquiries. The Small Business Loans Association is in the process of an advertising campaign to make more people aware of small business loans. Currently the association is able to give loans up to $15,000 to new and existing businesses.

An overview of all projects that have been worked on since Dec. 1 was given.

Special Projects Co-ordinator Elden Gibson gave a report on the projects he is involved with.

A big congratulations to Mr. Gibson from the staff and board on the RDC on his recent win from the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association for Volunteer of the Year serving the Town of Kipling and Moose Mountain RDC.

The Farm Family of Year Award was presented to Vargo Brothers Farms. Emil and Lillian, Don and Stella, Glen and Lynn, and Robert Vargo from the R.M of Hazelwood.

Guest speaker Christalee Froese concluded the evening with an energetic presentation about what a region can achieve if we all work together.

Thank you to all our guests for attending and a special mention to Mr. Don Toth for taking time out of his busy schedule to be there.

Loretta Demyen