OVER 5.3 MILLION IN CASH AND EQUITY TO BE ALLOCATED TO MEMBERS

June 2012

NEWS& Jviewsviews

The 90th Annual Meeting of the Otter Farm and Home Co-operative was held on Thursday, May 31 at D.W. Poppy Secondary. There were 165 members and 38 guests in attendance. Some highlights of the evening included Scholarship presentations to six local students, election of Directors and Financial Reports for the past fi scal year. A huge thank you to Otter Lamb & Swine for serving the refreshments after the meeting.We would like to welcome new directors Susan Dodd and Larry Jantzen to their fi rst three year term and Frank Hauzer as he was re-elected to his second three year term. Congratulations to you all!

We would also like to thank Don DeVoretz, Patrick Freeman, David Gubbins, Grace Muller, Terry Sheldon and Gerrie Wise for putting their names forward to run for the Otter Co-op Board of Directors. It is wonderful to see such strong support of the Co-op.We are very proud to welcome hundreds of new members each month. For a onetime fee of $10 you can be a life time member of Otter Co-op and share in the cash and equity repayments. This year our members only had to spend $270 at a rate of 5% for the fi scal year to receive a cheque. Memberships can be purchased at all of our locations spanning from Ladner to Abbotsford. It only takes a moment to purchase a membership and you too can start sharing in the benefi ts!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGAnother Great Year for Otter Co-op!Another Great Year for Otter Co-op!

eld d

90 Years OF SERVING THE COMMUNITYOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFF SSSSSSEEEEEERRRRRRVVVVVVIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG TTTTTTHHHHHHEEEEEE CCCCCCOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMUUUUUUNNNNNNIIIIIITTTTTTYYYYYY

GRADE 12 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Left to right: Taylor Davies, Amanda Gilliland, Joel Kleingeltink, missing from the photo are Sam Van Noort and Fraser Siemens.

PAUL MARSHALL is the Mature Student Scholarship winner pictured with President Frank Hauzer.

scholarships Congratulations to you all!

Pictured here left to right, George Peles, Dick Mayer, Brittany Bergevin, John Watt, Larry Jantzen, Susan Dodd, Frank Hauzer, Dorothy Anderson & Frank Braun.

OUR NEWLY FORMED BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012/2013

Larry JantzenSusan Dodd

Susan and her husband Trevor live local and have been Co-op members for thirty years, twenty three of those years Susan was a member of the staff in the Family Fashions department. Susan retired

last July and has been spending her time looking after her newest granddaughter, as well as spending more time with her other two grandchildren. Welcome Susan!

Larry has lived and worked in the Langley area all his life and he and his wife Dawne raised their two sons in the North Otter area. Larry worked at McDonald Cedar Products for thirty-two years and then spent eight years in the construction industry before

retiring last May. Good luck to you Larry!

OUR NEWLY ELECTED DIRECTORS

Frank and his wife Christa live in Maple Ridge on a ten acre hobby farm. Frank retired with Hydro after 38 years in August 2010. Frank has been on the Otter Co-op Board for three years and has served

as the President for one year. Congratulations Frank!

Frank Hauzer

Earn bonus stickers until June 14, 2012 Redeem your bonus stickers up to June 28, 2012.

FOR DETAILSVISITRETAILSTORE

Must redeem bonus stickers by June 28, 2012.

NEWS& viewsviewsGeneral Manager’s Message

Another fantastic fi scal year at Otter Co-op has come and gone, and with it the Annual General Meeting. At our meeting, members heard of the fi nancial results for the 2011 fi scal year ending March 3rd that included the following:

Strong community support from our members in the communities in which we serve, grew this organization to sales of a fantastic $154,916,678, this is an increase of 21.5% over the previous year. Bottom line savings grew to $8,189,619; or 5.3% of sales, which is also a signifi cant increase over the previous years’ 3.7% of sales. Over $5.3 million of the savings to be allocated back to you, our retail members. Some division results include our food sales in the Retail Centre remaining fl at throughout 2011. Our Pharmacy division experienced a nice increase in sales of 7.9% over the previous year. General Merchandise, which includes our hardware and family fashions, realized a decrease of 6.3% in sales due to the economy, poor weather, and cross border shopping. In Feed, we ended the year with an increase of 21.4%, and bulk petroleum sales increased an incredible 65.1%. Our Pitt Meadows location had a 7.5% increase in sales over the previous year; and our gas bar division continued to play a signifi cant role in our sales growth with an increase of 15.1% over 2010. A couple of highlights of the past year over and above the fantastic results achieved throughout our organization, include the opening of a new Produce Market and Convenience Store in Abbotsford, that is projected to have sales this coming year of $1.5 million. Otter Co-op also opened a stand-alone pharmacy in Abbotsford last fall that is projected to add additional sales of a half a million dollars this coming year. These two locations created new job opportunities for approximately a dozen people.

We continued with our plan to re-develop and rebuild our 248th gas bar and cardlock location, and hope to have that project underway by the end of this year. Development plans are underway for a new gas bar and convenience store on Highway 11, between Abbotsford and Mission. And most recently, Otter has purchased 5.36 acres of industrial land in Chilliwack, for the construction of a 6 pump, 6 lane gas bar and convenience store; an 8 pump, 7 lane cardlock facility; a bulk plant with 20 – 148,000 litre storage tanks, an oil warehouse and offi ce building, including space for a tenant. This project is expected to create additional sales for Otter Co-op in excess of $30 million per year.

In order to effectively compete in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, we must continue to plan for the future. Every year the requirements and expectations of our membership increases. We need to determine what is essential and then set priorities for the prosperity of Otter Co-op. The reality is about continuing on a track record of fi scal responsibility balanced with sound marketing objectives, to ensure that we have continuous development and growth of our employees and the Co-op. Our organization is rooted in history, is relevant and revered today, and ready for tomorrow. So there you have it in a quick overview; where we’ve been last year, and some of the exciting plans for the future. Here’s looking forward to another record year at Otter Co-op!

Jack NicholsonGENERAL MANAGER

Celebrating 90 Years in our Communities Otter Co-op’s Operations

Jack Nicholson General Manager

KID’S CLUB EASTER PARTYGood Friday April 6 saw approximately 500 Otter Co-op Kids’ Club Members and their families attend the annual Easter party. There was cupcake decorating, face painting, several game stations, balloon artists, popcorn, petting zoo and the addition of a second Bouncey Castle. Even the Easter Bunny and Cooper got to try out the new Bouncey Castle pictured here. At the Jelly Bean Guess table you could enter your guess in the box in front of the prize you wanted to win and pictured here are the three winners. Keelie and Nathan won Easter baskets with a $25 Co-op gift card and Austin won a Canucks hat. If you are not yet a Kids’ Club member and have not reached your 12th birthday please come in and sign up or you can register on line at www.ottercoop.com Each time you visit the retail centre you can get a cookie from the bakery and a prize from the Kids’ Club box at the cashiers. You can also register the day of an event. Don’t miss out join today!

COMMUNITYserving our

Frank Hauzer President

President’s Message:As we begin a new year in 2012, Otter Co-op is proud to be celebrating 90 years of success in the Lower Mainland. And what a great year to be celebrating this milestone, as the United Nations has proclaimed 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives. Our members can be proud of the rich history of Otter Co-opOur continued success is indeed a co-operative team celebration. It can be credited to you, our loyal members purchasing goods and services; both past and present. As well, the success is part of a great effort on our staff’s part, in providing that great, friendly service that members have

come to expect and enjoy. And also credit to the management and board of past and present, in setting goals and directions for the Co-ops’ success for years to come. A couple of highlights that I am especially proud of when talking about Otter, is the fact that all profi ts generated by the Co-op stay right here in our communities, as opposed to going off to some head offi ce in Toronto or outside the country. Whether it be profi ts allocated to members in equity and cash back, or to the new and upgraded facilities we are able to invest in throughout the Lower Mainland, or to the literally hundreds of groups and organizations that Otter provides scholarships, support, and sponsorship of. Did you know that for many years Otter Co-op has donated well in excess of $130,000 a year to the many different community groups that we serve? This is so exciting to be a part of such a successful and community oriented company. Other positives for me include the fact that Otter Co-op is such a diverse company, with business opportunities in feed, food, hardware, petroleum, pharmacy, and car washes. We also have a leased facility with Tim Hortons. It is this diversifi cation that positions us well for the future, and helps in “not keeping all our eggs in one basket” in this challenging economic time. There is no doubt that Otter Co-op has a bright future, and I am honored to be your president during this anniversary year. Yours Co-operatively on behalf of the Board of Directors,

Frank Hauzer OTTER CO-OP PRESIDENT

Pictured from Left to Right Keelie, Nathan and Austin WINNERS

lots of fun!

On behalf of everyone at Otter Co-op we would like to thank Gerrie Wise (7 years service) and Patrick Freeman (1 year service) as they complete their terms on the Otter Co-op Board. Both very dedicated members of the Otter Co-op Board each bringing their own qualities to compliment the board.Gerrie completed all the FCL Courses offered and achieved the Level Two Directors Certifi cate. During her seven years Gerrie served as Member Relations Chair, on the Finance Committee and as the Board Secretary. Gerrie has also commuted from Mayne Island where she and her husband moved upon retiring four years ago. Even though Patrick was only with the Otter Board for one year he came with a strong background in FCL training as he had completed all levels of FCL board management programs, was a past President of Pitt Meadows Consumers Co-op as well as

the District 4 Regional Director for FCL. Thank you both for all your commitment to Otter Co-op and we wish you all the best!

With Sincere Thanks!

Gerrie Wise - 7 years service Patrick Freeman - 1 year service

Front row( L to R) Maureen Minot, Marilyn Gryseels, Beppie Henry, Kelly Reid & Hailey Reid. Back row( L to R) Merna Richter and her friend Gord, Tim Gagner & Terry Koffman.

The 2012 Relay for life was an experience I won’t soon forget. My daughter Hailey & I participated in this event for the fi rst time and can speak for the both of us when I say this event has changed the way we look at this horrible disease. Neither of us really knew what to expect but were up for the challenge to stay up all night and raise money for such a good cause. Our team ( The Otter Trotters) consisted of Maureen Minot (Team Captain), Marilyn Gryseels, Beppie Henry, Terry Koffman, Tim Gagner, Merna Richter and her other half Gord, my daughter Hailey and myself. To date we have raised $4,170.00 and would like to send a BIG thank you to the Otter Co-op for their generous donation to our team $2500.00 which got our fundraising efforts in motion.Our gracious Emcee for the evening was Bev Dornan who did an outstanding job informing us of the evening’s events. The opening ceremony was inspiring as the survivors gathered around the stage and preceded onto the track for the survivors lap. The Fire guard escorted the survivors around the oval as the yellow T Shirts followed in suit. As they rounded our tent we clapped and cheered them on

as if they were celebrities and in my mind they all were. I fought back the tears as I thought of how many will not win their battles and won’t be joining us for the future relays. At 10pm the Bagpiper (also a survivor) led the way playing “Amazing Grace” as the rest of us joined in on the lap to celebrate the survivors and refl ect on our fallen loved ones. I remember counting my blessings the entire length of that lap and for the rest of that evening. The lighting of the luminaries on the track and in the grand stand was an awesome sight. The overhead lights were turned off for a few minutes so we could all clearly see the words “HOPE” and “CURE” spelled out. Walking the track with my teammates on and off all night didn’t seem like such a hard job when I thought about the people battling for their lives every day. As the night went on a few of us grabbed a quick cat nap, caught a second wind and continued on to our night’s journey. The weather held out and provided a dry event which I was also very thankful for. I heard past stories from our seasoned teammates about cold, rainy past relays and was glad to have my fi rst experience a dry

one.It has been a long time since I watched the sun come up and welcomed it’s warmth into my cold, stiff bones. The sound of the birds singing at 4am was a wonderful way to start the dawn of a new day which I started by praying a cure for Cancer would come sooner than later so my family and friends would be able to enjoy these sights & sounds until their true time to leave this earth arrives.Kelly Reid

OTTER TROTTER RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

The Annual Otter Co-op Ladies Night kicked off on the evening of Saturday April 14th. This annual event saw about 130 ladies enjoy an evening of fun and fashion.The evening included a fashion show featuring ladies, men’s and kids fashions on models that were staff and their families, as well as customers. The models were aided by the trusty help of the Langley Township Fire Department.The ladies enjoyed appetizers, desserts, beverages, many door prizes, and a 50/50 draw put on the Langley Township Fire Department to raise funds for their charity.

The customers that bought a ticket to the event also enjoyed a grab bag full of goodies and a 20% discount on fashions and hardware. It was shop till you drop.The funds raised by the entry ticket sales were split between the Relay for Life team of the Otter Trotters and the Otter Community fund that helps out needy families.For those of you that did not get a chance to attend this fun event, keep an eye open for the Fall/Winter Ladies night that will happen in early November.

ladies’ night 2012

Pictured here Board President Frank Hauzer presenting Student

Representative Tanner Graham with a farewell gift on the

completion of his one year term.

90 Years OF SERVING THE COMMUNITYOOOOOOFFFFFF SSSSSSEEEEEERRRRRRVVVVVVIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG TTTTTTHHHHHHEEEEEE CCCCCCOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMUUUUUUNNNNNNIIIIITTTTTTYYYYYY

elie,d Austin S

WIN A BACK YARD BARBECUE PUT ON BY OTTER CO-OP MANAGEMENT

& STAFFDetails will be available in store shortly

WWWWWWWWBBB

DDDDDDDeDDDDD

Coming soon to the Grocery Department!

NEWS& viewsviewsGeneral Manager’s Message

Another fantastic fi scal year at Otter Co-op has come and gone, and with it the Annual General Meeting. At our meeting, members heard of the fi nancial results for the 2011 fi scal year ending March 3rd that included the following:

Strong community support from our members in the communities in which we serve, grew this organization to sales of a fantastic $154,916,678, this is an increase of 21.5% over the previous year. Bottom line savings grew to $8,189,619; or 5.3% of sales, which is also a signifi cant increase over the previous years’ 3.7% of sales. Over $5.3 million of the savings to be allocated back to you, our retail members. Some division results include our food sales in the Retail Centre remaining fl at throughout 2011. Our Pharmacy division experienced a nice increase in sales of 7.9% over the previous year. General Merchandise, which includes our hardware and family fashions, realized a decrease of 6.3% in sales due to the economy, poor weather, and cross border shopping. In Feed, we ended the year with an increase of 21.4%, and bulk petroleum sales increased an incredible 65.1%. Our Pitt Meadows location had a 7.5% increase in sales over the previous year; and our gas bar division continued to play a signifi cant role in our sales growth with an increase of 15.1% over 2010. A couple of highlights of the past year over and above the fantastic results achieved throughout our organization, include the opening of a new Produce Market and Convenience Store in Abbotsford, that is projected to have sales this coming year of $1.5 million. Otter Co-op also opened a stand-alone pharmacy in Abbotsford last fall that is projected to add additional sales of a half a million dollars this coming year. These two locations created new job opportunities for approximately a dozen people.

We continued with our plan to re-develop and rebuild our 248th gas bar and cardlock location, and hope to have that project underway by the end of this year. Development plans are underway for a new gas bar and convenience store on Highway 11, between Abbotsford and Mission. And most recently, Otter has purchased 5.36 acres of industrial land in Chilliwack, for the construction of a 6 pump, 6 lane gas bar and convenience store; an 8 pump, 7 lane cardlock facility; a bulk plant with 20 – 148,000 litre storage tanks, an oil warehouse and offi ce building, including space for a tenant. This project is expected to create additional sales for Otter Co-op in excess of $30 million per year.

In order to effectively compete in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, we must continue to plan for the future. Every year the requirements and expectations of our membership increases. We need to determine what is essential and then set priorities for the prosperity of Otter Co-op. The reality is about continuing on a track record of fi scal responsibility balanced with sound marketing objectives, to ensure that we have continuous development and growth of our employees and the Co-op. Our organization is rooted in history, is relevant and revered today, and ready for tomorrow. So there you have it in a quick overview; where we’ve been last year, and some of the exciting plans for the future. Here’s looking forward to another record year at Otter Co-op!

Jack NicholsonGENERAL MANAGER

Celebrating 90 Years in our Communities Otter Co-op’s Operations

Jack Nicholson General Manager

KID’S CLUB EASTER PARTYGood Friday April 6 saw approximately 500 Otter Co-op Kids’ Club Members and their families attend the annual Easter party. There was cupcake decorating, face painting, several game stations, balloon artists, popcorn, petting zoo and the addition of a second Bouncey Castle. Even the Easter Bunny and Cooper got to try out the new Bouncey Castle pictured here. At the Jelly Bean Guess table you could enter your guess in the box in front of the prize you wanted to win and pictured here are the three winners. Keelie and Nathan won Easter baskets with a $25 Co-op gift card and Austin won a Canucks hat. If you are not yet a Kids’ Club member and have not reached your 12th birthday please come in and sign up or you can register on line at www.ottercoop.com Each time you visit the retail centre you can get a cookie from the bakery and a prize from the Kids’ Club box at the cashiers. You can also register the day of an event. Don’t miss out join today!

COMMUNITYserving our

Frank Hauzer President

President’s Message:As we begin a new year in 2012, Otter Co-op is proud to be celebrating 90 years of success in the Lower Mainland. And what a great year to be celebrating this milestone, as the United Nations has proclaimed 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives. Our members can be proud of the rich history of Otter Co-opOur continued success is indeed a co-operative team celebration. It can be credited to you, our loyal members purchasing goods and services; both past and present. As well, the success is part of a great effort on our staff’s part, in providing that great, friendly service that members have

come to expect and enjoy. And also credit to the management and board of past and present, in setting goals and directions for the Co-ops’ success for years to come. A couple of highlights that I am especially proud of when talking about Otter, is the fact that all profi ts generated by the Co-op stay right here in our communities, as opposed to going off to some head offi ce in Toronto or outside the country. Whether it be profi ts allocated to members in equity and cash back, or to the new and upgraded facilities we are able to invest in throughout the Lower Mainland, or to the literally hundreds of groups and organizations that Otter provides scholarships, support, and sponsorship of. Did you know that for many years Otter Co-op has donated well in excess of $130,000 a year to the many different community groups that we serve? This is so exciting to be a part of such a successful and community oriented company. Other positives for me include the fact that Otter Co-op is such a diverse company, with business opportunities in feed, food, hardware, petroleum, pharmacy, and car washes. We also have a leased facility with Tim Hortons. It is this diversifi cation that positions us well for the future, and helps in “not keeping all our eggs in one basket” in this challenging economic time. There is no doubt that Otter Co-op has a bright future, and I am honored to be your president during this anniversary year. Yours Co-operatively on behalf of the Board of Directors,

Frank Hauzer OTTER CO-OP PRESIDENT

Pictured from Left to Right Keelie, Nathan and Austin WINNERS

lots of fun!

On behalf of everyone at Otter Co-op we would like to thank Gerrie Wise (7 years service) and Patrick Freeman (1 year service) as they complete their terms on the Otter Co-op Board. Both very dedicated members of the Otter Co-op Board each bringing their own qualities to compliment the board.Gerrie completed all the FCL Courses offered and achieved the Level Two Directors Certifi cate. During her seven years Gerrie served as Member Relations Chair, on the Finance Committee and as the Board Secretary. Gerrie has also commuted from Mayne Island where she and her husband moved upon retiring four years ago. Even though Patrick was only with the Otter Board for one year he came with a strong background in FCL training as he had completed all levels of FCL board management programs, was a past President of Pitt Meadows Consumers Co-op as well as

the District 4 Regional Director for FCL. Thank you both for all your commitment to Otter Co-op and we wish you all the best!

With Sincere Thanks!

Gerrie Wise - 7 years service Patrick Freeman - 1 year service

Front row( L to R) Maureen Minot, Marilyn Gryseels, Beppie Henry, Kelly Reid & Hailey Reid. Back row( L to R) Merna Richter and her friend Gord, Tim Gagner & Terry Koffman.

The 2012 Relay for life was an experience I won’t soon forget. My daughter Hailey & I participated in this event for the fi rst time and can speak for the both of us when I say this event has changed the way we look at this horrible disease. Neither of us really knew what to expect but were up for the challenge to stay up all night and raise money for such a good cause. Our team ( The Otter Trotters) consisted of Maureen Minot (Team Captain), Marilyn Gryseels, Beppie Henry, Terry Koffman, Tim Gagner, Merna Richter and her other half Gord, my daughter Hailey and myself. To date we have raised $4,170.00 and would like to send a BIG thank you to the Otter Co-op for their generous donation to our team $2500.00 which got our fundraising efforts in motion.Our gracious Emcee for the evening was Bev Dornan who did an outstanding job informing us of the evening’s events. The opening ceremony was inspiring as the survivors gathered around the stage and preceded onto the track for the survivors lap. The Fire guard escorted the survivors around the oval as the yellow T Shirts followed in suit. As they rounded our tent we clapped and cheered them on

as if they were celebrities and in my mind they all were. I fought back the tears as I thought of how many will not win their battles and won’t be joining us for the future relays. At 10pm the Bagpiper (also a survivor) led the way playing “Amazing Grace” as the rest of us joined in on the lap to celebrate the survivors and refl ect on our fallen loved ones. I remember counting my blessings the entire length of that lap and for the rest of that evening. The lighting of the luminaries on the track and in the grand stand was an awesome sight. The overhead lights were turned off for a few minutes so we could all clearly see the words “HOPE” and “CURE” spelled out. Walking the track with my teammates on and off all night didn’t seem like such a hard job when I thought about the people battling for their lives every day. As the night went on a few of us grabbed a quick cat nap, caught a second wind and continued on to our night’s journey. The weather held out and provided a dry event which I was also very thankful for. I heard past stories from our seasoned teammates about cold, rainy past relays and was glad to have my fi rst experience a dry

one.It has been a long time since I watched the sun come up and welcomed it’s warmth into my cold, stiff bones. The sound of the birds singing at 4am was a wonderful way to start the dawn of a new day which I started by praying a cure for Cancer would come sooner than later so my family and friends would be able to enjoy these sights & sounds until their true time to leave this earth arrives.Kelly Reid

OTTER TROTTER RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

The Annual Otter Co-op Ladies Night kicked off on the evening of Saturday April 14th. This annual event saw about 130 ladies enjoy an evening of fun and fashion.The evening included a fashion show featuring ladies, men’s and kids fashions on models that were staff and their families, as well as customers. The models were aided by the trusty help of the Langley Township Fire Department.The ladies enjoyed appetizers, desserts, beverages, many door prizes, and a 50/50 draw put on the Langley Township Fire Department to raise funds for their charity.

The customers that bought a ticket to the event also enjoyed a grab bag full of goodies and a 20% discount on fashions and hardware. It was shop till you drop.The funds raised by the entry ticket sales were split between the Relay for Life team of the Otter Trotters and the Otter Community fund that helps out needy families.For those of you that did not get a chance to attend this fun event, keep an eye open for the Fall/Winter Ladies night that will happen in early November.

ladies’ night 2012

Pictured here Board President Frank Hauzer presenting Student

Representative Tanner Graham with a farewell gift on the

completion of his one year term.

90 Years OF SERVING THE COMMUNITYOOOOOOFFFFFF SSSSSSEEEEEERRRRRRVVVVVVIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG TTTTTTHHHHHHEEEEEE CCCCCCOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMUUUUUUNNNNNNIIIIITTTTTTYYYYYY

elie,d Austin S

WIN A BACK YARD BARBECUE PUT ON BY OTTER CO-OP MANAGEMENT

& STAFFDetails will be available in store shortly

WWWWWWWWBBB

DDDDDDDeDDDDD

Coming soon to the Grocery Department!

It’s amazing to think that just a year ago I

was sitting amongst the crowd of the annual

meeting, anxiously waiting to be welcomed

onto the board, unknowing of just how much

I would learn. The knowledge that now fi lls

my head is immense. Whether it is about

Co-operative values, formal business structure,

spreadsheets of numbers in which I am still a

little uneasy, or simply good business practice,

the amount of knowledge cannot be defi ned

by the single year that it was crammed into my

head.

The way in which I was welcomed to the

board with open arms is very symbolic of the

experience the Co-op has provided me. The

board was accommodating without treating me

as a child and resulted in an environment that

opened up my eyes to knowledge that will last

a lifetime. I remember my fi rst meeting when

we were looking over fi nancial spreadsheets,

playing “where’s Waldo” with each number

being mentioned. This environment forced me

to learn quickly and eventually the numbers

began making sense. The formalities of the

meetings were completely alien to me, but the

effi ciency of such a democratic system is clearly

evident and will provide a clear understanding

as I step out of school into the real world.

After seeing the core values of the Co-op, I have

realized what an honour this has truly been. The

Co-op’s success is wholly attributed to its care

for customers. In a world of major corporations,

it is tough to compete. On my fi rst ever

business trip to the fall conference I learned

of the collective network of co-operatives that

exist and work together to survive. It was a

large scale version of any co-operative, everyone

worked together for the best interest of this

community of Co-ops, just as the member’s

of Otter are in the best interest of their

community.

It is what sets Otter Co-op apart that will keep

it strong, loyalty to the community and the

resulting community loyalty. Now on its 90th

anniversary, the Otter Co-op is in a time of

opportunity and expansion and a very exciting

time to be on the board and a member. I

cannot wait to see what the Co-op will have

grown to in 5, 10, 20 years. I have no idea what

it will have grown to, though I know it will be

thriving larger than it has ever been.

The Co-op has provides many opportunities

to young people, whether it be in the

abundance of scholarships given each year,

or the invaluably experience which I have

been granted. I cannot put into words how

worthwhile it has been. I cannot imagine there

being anything comparable to this experience

and all that it has provided me. Many doors

have been opened for me and I now know a

little more about what lies beyond each one.

It saddens me that there are no more that will

be able to receive this opportunity, although I

understand that it is in the best interest of the

board that it is done away with.

I am now more excited than ever to venture

further into life, having developed an interest

in business that will inevitably bring me back to

this unique world and the excitement it holds.

I must thank the Directors and the Co-op as

a whole for everything they have provided so

graciously. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be

back on the board.

NEWS& viewsviewsTanner Graham

2011-2012 Junior Director

VOICE OFOtter’s studentOtter’s studentrepresentative representative

dial directDid 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 6921Produce: 604 607 6919 | Meat: 604 607 6918 | Grocery: 604 607 6936 | Pharmacy: 604 607 6934

RETAIL CENTRE3600 248 StAldergrove

(604) 856 2517Hours:

Sun-Sat 8am-8pmMost Statutory Holidays

9am-6pmAdministration

Hours:Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

Closed SundayPost Office

Hours:Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm

Closed SundayPharmacy

Mon-Fri 9am-7pmSat 9am-5pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

FEED STOREPETROLEUM3548 248 St

Aldergrove, BCFeed Store Phone:(604) 607 6901

Petroleum Phone:(604) 607 6912

Hours:Mon-Sat

8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-5pm

Closed Stat Holidays

GAS BARS:248 Street Gas Bar

24795 Fraser HwyAldergrove, BC(604) 856 7011

Ross Road Gas Bar29622 Fraser Hwy

Abbotsford (604) 856 0030

Ladner Gas Bar6420 Ladner Trunk Rd

Ladner, BC (604) 940-1322

Gas Bar Hours:Mon-Fri 5am-11pmSat/Sun/Stat Hols

6am-11pmGloucester 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) 582-2517Hours:

Mon-Fri 5am-11pmSat/Sun/Stat Hols

6am-11pmPITT MEADOWS 12343 Harris Road

Pitt Meadows(604) 465 5651

Hours:Mon-Fri

9am-5:30pmSaturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pmClosed on Statutory

Holidays

GLEN MOUNTAIN PRODUCE

2618 McMillan RoadAbbotsford

(604) 851 9636Hours

Mon-Sat 7am-8pmSunday 10am-6pm

GLEN MOUNTAIN PHARMACY

2596 McMillan RoadAbbotsford

(604) 851 9654 Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-6pmSaturday 9am-5pmClosed Sundays &

Holidays

PHARMACY

WellnessClinic

with a Life Coach & Fitness Consultant

New at Otter Co-op!

Call 604-607-6934 for your Wellness Clinic

appointment today.

Otter Pharmacy Staff Glen Mountain Pharmacy Staff

Otter Co-op Pharmacy has a complete selection of specialty home health care products and services

to meet your specifi c needs for health recovery and maintenance., new also Circulation Booster for a

special price $269.99.Also new Purica line of natural herbal supplement.

PHARMACIESPHARMACIES

• Full Prescription Service• Full line of vitamin supplements• Ostomy Supplies • Home Health Care• Free blood pressure testing • Free blister packing• True Rewards: Become a Co-op Member

today & participate in the dividend program

Otter Co-op Pharmacy604 607 6934

Glen Mountain Pharmacy604 851 9654

ottercoop.com

90 Years OF SERVING THE COMMUNITYOFOFOFOFOFOF SS SSSSERERERERERERVIVIVIVIVIVINGNGNGNGNGNG TTTTT THEHEHEHEHEHE C CCCCCOMOMOMOMOMOMMUMUMUMUMUMUNINNINININITYTYTYTYTYTY

We for your health needs

• FULL TIME PHARMACIST• FULL TIME FEED TRUCK DRIVER

• PART TIME PRODUCE CLERK AND• FULL/PART TIME PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Pharmacy applicants please reply to: Hisham Metwally Pharmacy Manager

All other applications to Barb Ruscheinski H.R. ManagerOtter Co-op, Box 4200, 3600 248 St.

Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 2V1Or pharmacymgr@otter-coop.com

hrmgr@otter-coop.com

job vacancies

You’ll find us here:

coming eventsParking Lot Sale

• June 14-16

Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast • Saturday, June 16, 8am - 11am

Board of Directors BBQ• Saturday, June 16, 11:30am - 2pm

Hardware & Family Fashions 2 Day Scratch Sale

• Saturday & Sunday June 30 & July 1

Canada Day Raspberry Social• Sunday, July 1, 12-3

Featuring Gracie and the Guys

Hardware & Family Fashions 2 Day Scratch Sale

• Sunday, August 5 & Monday August 6 (BC Day)

BC Day Blueberry Social• Monday, August 6, 12-3pm

Equity Days - Members Sale• Thursday, Friday & Saturday

September 6-7-8

Chicken Barbecue• Friday, September 7, 4:30-7pm (or fi rst 1200)

At the PharmacyAt the Pharmacy...

WATCH FOR 90TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS AND PRIZES COMING SOON

Details to be posted in store!