Grand opening of new office and shop for the Rosebud Gas Co-op

Times Contributor

 

Members, friends, and neighbours gathered to help the Rosebud Gas Co-op celebrate its 40th anniversary and cut the ribbon for the grand opening of its new office and shop in Rockyford, on July 17.

“It was especially fitting that these events were being celebrated in this, the International Year of the Co-operative as declared by the United Nations,” noted Carol Callaghan, the Co-op’s manager.

The Rosebud Co-op began in 1972 with 35 members and a charter covering the northern part of the county, after noting the success of co-ops set up in the Dalum and Wintering Hills area in 1971. 

“In 2009, the three Co-ops amalgamated into one, resulting in an even stronger Co-op, quite ready to face the next 40 years,” said Callaghan. 

The latest venture for the Co-op has been working with CCI Wireless to provide a variety of connectivity services for residential and small businesses such as high-speed Internet, web hosting, phone and long distance service.

A brief history of the Co-op and those who have served it in various capacities was given by George Comstock, who himself at various points over the years has been a director, manager, and serviceman.

Representatives from the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops, Peter Harty and Lois Wescott were on hand to present plaques recognizing the 40 years of service to the area, and to celebrate the new building. 

The Rosebud Gas Co-op’s current board of directors includes: Chair Perry Ellis, Standard; Vice-Chair Wendy Kaiser, Hussar/Wintering Hills; Secretary Stewart Leonhardt, Drumheller; Treasurer Ernest Walker, Nightingale; Ray Moen, Lyalta; Quinton Bertsch, Carbon; Leo Jensen, Dalum; and Fred Knight, Strathmore. Walker and Moen have been on the board since it began in 1972.