It is well worth the trip to Verner!

Co-op Régionale director Sylviane Beaulieu

As part of GROWMARK’s upcoming Annual General Meeting, several co-operative board directors will be featured and Sylviane Beaulieu from Co-opérative Régionale de Nipissing Sudbury  was one of the few selected for this honour.

Recently, the GROWMARK videoography team travelled to Verner, Ontario to meet up with Sylviane and found her to be a true ambassador of the co-op.  

Like her father-in-law before her, Sylviane exhibits commitment and passion for the success of the co-op and more importantly, its members. “The most important attribute a director can have is to be transparent and honest,” she says. When asked about her leadership, she replied that she thinks of herself as more of a team-player on a board of strong and committed team-mates.

“Education is key,” she admits that the younger generation have not felt the growing pains and struggles that the older generation of members have endured to make the co-op the success it is today. “And that is my mission as a director to provide our younger members with a stronger sense of pride for their local co-op,” she adds.

When asked about her perspective on being a female on the board, Sylviane just went on to say that her gender isn't really what matters, it is more about one’s experiences and history that bring a unique perspective to the board.

Gerry Duquette, petroleum manager

Having a female on the board of directors is not an anomaly for the co-operative says general manager Raymond Savage. Since Diane Smits first took on the role of director in 1987, three more female directors including Sylviane served on the Board of Nipissing-Sudbury with a combined 24 years of service. And, in 2002, Colleen Carriere served as president and chairman of the Board for a three year period.

During our one-day visit to Verner, we were graciously chaperoned to the various Co-opérative Régionale FS sites by petroleum manager Gerry Duquette. We visited the FS Verner Gas Bar and diner and took time to enjoy generous helpings of scrumptious burgers and poutine served liberally with friendly northern hospitality.

Paul Serre,
Verner Food Town
store manager

Verner petroleum bulk plant

 I had the opportunity to drop in quickly to the co-op’s grocery store (Verner Food Town) and chatted for a few minutes with store manager Paul Serre. He explained the many renovations in play to expand office space and product lines, making the store more of a one-stop-shop for local residents and summer tourists.

The GROWMARK video crew left northern Ontario knowing the Co-op Régionale team is proud of its co-op and the many values it brings to its members and local community.

Verner FS gas bar and restaurant

Co-op Régionale Verner feed & grain facility