Members, staff and directors of the Humboldt Co-op gathered at the Legion on Wednesday night, as the organization shared details from its 2016 fiscal year.

The annual general meeting brought some exciting news for the Humboldt food store, which saw a record year in sales.

"We had over $6.8 million in sales at that location, which is the best we have ever had at that location. There was over 16,000 more customers shopping than last year," explained General Manager Blair Molsberry. "Two years ago I moved here and the food store was struggling. To see the way it has come in the last two years, I am just so proud of the staff and management team."

Molsberry says that the staff have worked hard over the last two years to be more customer-oriented, which is a big reason for the continued increase in sales.

"I think it's employee engagement, employee morale. The people that are coming in see that and enjoy shopping there," he said. "I also think we have done a lot more in the community to get the Co-op name out there and I think our customers have seen that and it makes them went to come to the food store."

The numbers show for Molsberry and his staff at the Humboldt location, with a 12.5% increase in sales in 2015. The record year in 2016 equalled a 10.6% rise.

GM Blair Molsberry shares details from 2016 at the Humboldt Co-op.

While the news was good for the Humboldt store, it was tougher in Lanigan, where, after a couple years of increased sales, numbers hit a wall.

It was shared that the new Costco east of Saskatoon has made it tougher on local business, with sales in Lanigan down 1.5% from the year prior.

Molsberry says that it is important for the Co-op to continue to brand its local, hometown feel to show customers that their dollars go the extra mile in the area.

"For now, we're going to focus on what we can do to have more community events, more community focus, to show people that yes, it might cost you a few more bucks, but all the money we give back into the community, you will never see that from somebody like Costco, who, I don't even know where their head office is."

In 2016, both locations combined to host over 16 fundraising barbecues. A new gift card fundraising program was also implemented, generating nearly $10,000 more for community groups.

Over $50,000 was given back to local organizations throughout the year, and the Co-op is hoping to give that number back alone on its gift card program in 2017, in addition to other fundraising opportunities.

Total sales throughout all branches of the Co-op combined for an increase of just over $700,000 for the year. 

"It was a successful year. Our bottom line was down a little bit, but overall, sales are up and trending in the right direction," concluded Molsberry.

The dip in net savings was due to extra efforts to celebrate the Co-op's 80th Anniversary, and the major renovations to the C-Store's car wash.

The board of directors saw some changes, with Rick Merkosky stepping down after 12 years served. Lorna Kuervers is also leaving after three years.

Stepping in to director roles is Phil Hinz and Wayne Schidlowsky. Dale Weyland, whose term was set to expire, is back on the board as well.