This article first appeared in Ontario Farmer; by: Tom Van Dusen
The original six founding directors of Embrun Co-op and its 26 members were recently recognized for their foresight
in launching what is now known as one of Ontario’s most successful
co-operatives.
In its first year, (1943), Embrun Co-op saw great results right from
the start with sales of $54,000 and patronage dividends paid to members of
$1,600. Today, almost 75 years later, annual sales have reached $75 million, with 250
employees and 5,000 members.
"It is more than just a company," says Maurice Godard, Embrun Co-op secretary. "It is a large family with ancestors and descendants, a heritage that perpetuates for many generations."
Owned by its members, Embrun Co-op is a prominent face throughout this eastern town's main street (Rue
Notre-Dame) with its many facets and diversity. Starting with its grain division with 15 storage bins and two dryers, feed and agronomy divisions, fuel and heating, auto repair garage, an Independent grocery store and Rona hardware outlet.
The forefathers of Embrun Co-op named in this award are Elve
Brisson, Charles Bruyere, Lionel Emard, Henri Lemieux, Aldeo Perras and Joffre
Lapointe, first CEO serving 20 years at the co-op.
This prestigious award program has been in place for the past 30 years by l’Union des Cultivateurs Franco-Ontariens (UFCO), a French language farm advocacy group based at Clarence Creek in the Counties of Prescott and Russell.
Embrun Co-op is a member of a larger co-operative network in GROWMARK, Inc.
