Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-ops, Inc. members approve merger

Idaho-After months of meetings and preparation, it has become official that the respective companies of Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-ops, Inc. have agreed to merge. The two businesses received overwhelming support through the voting process from both sets of board members and the membership of the cooperatives. Dave Holtom, CEO of Valley Wide Cooperative said, “We are encouraged by the support both memberships have conveyed and will now concentrate on meeting the expectations of our patrons and will communicate our progress as we move along”.

Board members from each cooperative echoed the same philosophy on the importance of future growth and stability of the company. Valley Wide Cooperative Board Chairman, Bill McManus believes that this merger is essential to the long term strength and survivability of the cooperative. “It’s vital for us to grow and maintain market relevance in this highly competitive environment for the benefit of our members and our employees”, said Bill. Carl Pendleton, Chairman of the Board for Valley Coops feels that combining both coops will bring great value to the members of both cooperatives. “Combining these two companies will produce a stronger, farmer-owned cooperative that will be positioned to not only compete, but thrive well into the future”.
Both Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-op, Inc. have divisions in Retail, Energy (propane and bulk fuel) and Agronomy. Each company is firmly rooted in Idaho (both were started in the 1930’s), have deep commitments to customer service, and employ only the best in their fields. Both Cooperatives are like minded when it comes to being involved and giving back to their communities. Over the past 2 years the two cooperatives have teamed up together to provide donations and food during the 7 cares food drive. Together the Coops donated over $30,000 and more than 10 tons of food to the program that would go on and help feed families through the state. Both organizations are a perfect example of what a cooperative can mean to a community and the patrons of the cooperative system. The merger between Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-op, Inc. will take affect September 1, 2015.

Valley Co-Op is a locally owned cooperative proudly serving area agricultural producers, commercial businesses and families in Southern Idaho. Following founding traditions of honesty and caring for others, Valley Co-Op is motivated by service. Valley Coops serves patrons in the Magic Valley from 9 locations with a team of 200 employees.

Valley Wide Cooperative, also a locally owned cooperative, has experienced growth and success through several mergers over the past 15 years. They pride themselves in the level of service they offer, the facilities they have built and the quality of employees that make up the Valley Wide team. Valley Wide serves its patrons from Western Wyoming to Eastern Oregon through 34 locations and the efforts of over 350 employees.