Annual General Meeting

Building with Purpose

Celebrating Growth, Community Impact, and Member Engagement at Heritage Co-op’s AGM

Guided by the theme “Building with Purpose,” Heritage Co-op members, employees, and community partners came together at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre for the co-operative’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 29, 2026, reflecting on a year defined by intentional growth, reinvestment, and community connection.

The successful election of three new members to Heritage Co-op’s Board of Directors, elected directly by the membership, was shared at the event, marking the organization’s first-ever use of advanced voting. Director Lorrinda McMillan welcomed new board members Charlene Quinlan, Harvey Wedgewood, and Dennis Yanchycki on behalf of the Nominations Committee and the Board of Directors. Through the introduction of advanced voting, members participated at more than three times the usual rate, reinforcing their voice and role in shaping the future of the co-operative.

As part of the meeting, Heritage Co-op also recognized the meaningful leadership contributions of outgoing board members Ian Gerrard, who served as Board President, and Randy Brown, both of whom completed their terms following the AGM. Their steady guidance and commitment helped build a strong governance framework that will continue to support the co-operative’s long-term success.

Building a Strong Co-operative for the Future

Members also celebrated strong financial performance that reflects disciplined growth and purposeful reinvestment, including $280 million in total sales and $8.1 million invested into facilities, equipment, and digital systems to ensure Heritage Co-op continues to offer impactful services to its communities.

CEO Leanne DeVliegere was proud to share that the Board approved $3.77 million be returned to members through patronage in equity and cash repayments. “Patronage does not happen by chance. It comes from people doing the right things every day…and creating a business that members choose because they find real value in it. Patronage reflects not only how we performed financially, but also how we balance today’s results with the investments and decisions required to keep Heritage strong for the long term.”

These results demonstrate Heritage Co-op’s commitment to building operational strength while keeping member value and long-term sustainability at the center of decision-making.

Purposeful Investment in Local Communities

Building with purpose means making intentional investments that strengthen communities today and for years to come. During the AGM, Heritage Co-op announced the 2026 recipients of its Community Development Fund, supporting projects that contribute to thriving communities, now and into the future:

• Kiddie Kollege Pre School (Erickson, MB) — $3,000 toward fencing to create a safer and more secure outdoor learning environment
• Sandy Lake Sports Park — $2,500 toward renovations for a multi-use community space
• Minnedosa Curling and Golf Complex Board — $20,000 toward exterior renovations to help ensure continued use of the facility for decades to come

These 2026 Community Development Fund investments build on Heritage Co-op’s ongoing commitment to local impact. In 2025, Heritage Co-op provided $85,000 in support to 262 local organizations, reinforcing its purpose of investing where members live, work, and gather.

Built by the Care and Commitment

DeVliegere emphasized that Heritage Co-op’s financial success is ultimately built through the care, dedication, and collective effort of its employees, whose focus on service, safety, and community connection brings the co-operative’s purpose to life every day. She also thanked members for choosing Heritage Co-op and to retiring Board President Ian Gerrard and the board for their commitment to the members and the organization as a whole.

With a strong foundation, engaged membership, and a clear sense of purpose, Heritage Co-op looks ahead with confidence — committed to building lasting value for its members and communities for generations to come.

Board Members Elected at the April 29, 2026 Annual General Meeting

Charlene Quinlan

Charlene is a senior leader with extensive experience in business, education, and employment services. Recently retired from the Provincial Government as a Director for Western and Northern Manitoba, she led more than seventy staff across nine offices and managed a budget of over $50 million. Her leadership strengthened service delivery and improved employment outcomes. Charlene holds a business degree from Brandon University and a certificate in Business Improvement. An entrepreneur, she has owned and invested in Westman businesses and brings strong financial, operational, and governance expertise aligned with Heritage Co-op’s values.

Harvey Wedgewood

Harvey moved to Minnedosa in 1983 and built his career in financial services, working with a Chartered Accountant, the Royal Bank, and the Minnedosa Credit Union, where he served for 21 years before retiring in 2014. His credit union experience has given him a strong understanding of cooperative principles and member focused service. A longtime Co-op member, Harvey has served on Minnedosa Town Council and the Minnedosa District Foundation. He is currently Secretary Treasurer for Minnedosa Kinsmen Housing and active in several local organizations. He values teamwork and people centred leadership and welcomes the opportunity to serve on the Heritage Co-op Board. 

Dennis Yanchycki

Dennis has deep roots in Westman and has been a Co-op member since 1978. He retired in 2016 after a 34 year career with Manitoba Telecom Services, holding roles in IT, marketing, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and provincial field operations. He has represented MTS on several corporate boards and has extensive experience leading negotiations and building national and international business relationships. Dennis has also contributed significantly to community organizations, including the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the Horod Ride for Life fundraiser, the Knights of Columbus, and Sandy Lake Sports Park Inc. He looks forward to supporting the work of the Heritage Co-op Board.