You are invited to join us on Thursday, July 4, 2024 for our Annual General Meeting

As a member of Cornerstone Co-op, you are an owner. All members are welcome and encouraged to join the Board & Management in person. You have the ability to participate in the democratic process at our Annual General Meeting, which includes asking questions and being part of your business. We are excited to share the successes achieved in 2023.

Registration: 6:30 PM

Meeting start: 7:00 PM

Location: Mannville Elks Hall — 5012-49 Street, Mannville, AB

The meeting agenda items are:

• Annual report of the Board & Management to the membership
• Presentation of the audited financial statements
• Appointment of auditors
• Election of Directors

In 2024, we have four candidates for the three positions available. Therefore, an election will be required this year.

Please take the opportunity to learn a little bit more about these four Board Directors

Kevin Wirsta

Lifelong Elk Point resident and third-generation rancher/farmer, Kevin Wirsta, has dedicated his life to cultivating the land and serving his community. Alongside his wife and two daughters, he operates a 300-head purebred herd in Stoney Lake area, proudly continuing his family's agriculture legacy. 

Kevin's commitment to community service is evident in his extensive volunteer work, including:

• 28 years as volunteer, and past president of the Stoney Lake Community Association
• Board member of the Elk Point Canada Day Planning Committee
• 22 years as a board member and past chair of Farm Fair International
• 15-year leader of the local 4-H beef club, earning his 15-year leader's pin
• Recipient of the prestigious Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pin (2022) for valuable contributions to the province

Currently, Kevin serves as a county councillor for Division 2 in the County of St. Paul, a role he has held for 6.5 years. Additionally, he represents District 5 on the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) board of directors, overseeing initiatives like Canoe Procurement and RMA Insurance.

Throughout his leadership roles, Kevin has developed experience in strategic planning, asset management, emergency management, municipal governance, municipal corporate planning and finance.

Kevin is excited to present his nomination form and continue serving his community with dedication and passion.

Murray Boratynec

Murray, a dedicated Co-op member since 1997, brings with him a wealth of experience both as a farmer and educator with over 25 years of service in the local community. His family has long supported the local Co-op through purchases of groceries, hardware, fuel, and farm supplies.

With honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic, Murray hopes to fulfill his duties as a director diligently. He is looking forward to the educational opportunities available to directors, aspiring to deepen his understanding of the cooperative model. Collaborating with fellow directors and senior management, Murray is committed to guiding Cornerstone Co-op towards continued growth.

Murray would like to contribute to ensuring Cornerstone Co-op is a great place for both shopping and employment, ensuring its continued success and impact within the community.

Kathy Zajic

Kathy and her husband Ryan Zajic, operate their family farm just outside of Wainwright. They have three daughters. Last year their family was also selected as the MD of Wainwright Farm Family of the Year. One of their main community achievements has been a corn maze that the family runs, raising money primarily for the Wainwright & District Handivan Society as well as many different organizations and raising food items for the Wainwright Food Bank. Kathy believes in shopping local and supporting local businesses as this is a small way we can all help our community grow and prosper. Kathy is immensely proud to be from a small rural community in Alberta and does her best to be involved in groups and organizations that share those same values. 

Kathy is near completion of her first term as a Cornerstone Director and is hopeful to be voted in for another term. In her first term, she completed Level I and II of the Director Development Program and is eager to complete Level III to better serve as a Board Member, on behalf of all the Cornerstone Co-op members.

Tracy Edwards

Tracy currently lives in Vermilion and has spent over 30 years in post-secondary institutions in Canada and the US. Most of her career was in academic administration, primarily executive management. Tracy has served on a number of boards including Travel Alberta, Alberta Ballet, Energy Safety Canada, and she also chaired Economic Development Lethbridge. During the last three years, Tracy has been using her skills to help support Cornerstone Co-op and Cornerstone communities. Her skills in strategic planning, financial and human resource management are important assets. Tracy has the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICS.D) certification in corporate governance.