It was a very resounding "yes." Elm Creek Co-op and Marquette Co-op set out to amalgamate their respective operations to increase stability and provide members with more options. The idea rolled around for ten years, and steps were just made to move forward and do it. April 9th saw Elm Creek hold the vote, and 97 per cent were in favour. Marquette Co-op held its vote April 11th, with 95 per cent in favour.

"It's just fantastic," says Elm Creek Cooperative General Manager Dave Henderson. "It's going to be fantastic for staff, members, and for the Co-op system as a whole, even. It's just a fantastic thing. There'll be a name change. We haven't decided on a name yet. We hope to have one by December 1st, our opening date. And we'll be able to offer all kinds of things to our members."

Henderson says Elm Creek Co-op was incorporated on April 7th, 1928, and currently does about $11 million in business. Twenty-one people are on staff. Marquette was incorporated May 13th, 1949, employing 25 people with 3,400 members and $28 million in sales. That makes the amalgamated venture a $40 million business. He explains the only crossover in products is petroleum, which means more services will be offered to each member.

Marquette Co-op General Manager Calvin Janke will be the general manager for the combined organization.

"It was awesome just to have the membership stand behind the boards and management, and support the amalgamation in the way they did," says Janke. "It gives both of our associations, becoming one, so much opportunity going forward. Both Co-ops have lots to offer each other. Becoming one, our membership is going to benefit for lots and lots of years to come."

Details on changes in Janke's portfolio will be worked out as time goes. He notes Elm Creek Co-op has some great staff, and day-to-day business won't change too much at the start. He notes they'll analyze the new services that will be provided in both areas, making an increase in the number of employees. Janke says Dave Henderson will become Ops Manager and is a wealth of information and experience. All in all, he adds, the transition should be seamless.