(Grand Valley West Advance, July 17, 2007)

When the Co-op was formed on 17 April 1917 with the co-operative promise of mutual benefit for all members.. Recognition of 90 years in operation will be on 18 July 2007 with special activities.

According to Jim Roskam, the co-op’s chief operating officer, the goal of the co-op has remained the same.

In 1917 the economy was based on the family farm. The co-op was formed to help market farm products more efficiently, giving farmers more cash for their labors. Each year profits were distributed to co-op members, everyone who had shares in the business.

While the mission today is the same, the marketing of farm products is a global concern handled by F. C. Stone Company. The product line has diversified.

Once the co-op was the place to buy coal, and have grain milled. Now it is the source of lawn fertilizer, pest control, pet food, batteries, tires, gardening supplies, pond chemicals, fuel oil and propane, bird seed and equine supplies.

We have enjoyed growth by expanding to non-traditional enterprises.