Co-op celebrates 90 years of creating close community bonds
BRUCE Goodwin has spent 50 years working for the Killarney Co-op, and as he flipped the snags on the barbie yesterday, he couldn't help but feel a little proud to be a part of the Co-op's 90th birthday celebration.
Mr Goodwin is the only staff member to have worked under all five general managers over the years and said his time with the Co-op had been nothing short of enjoyable.
"The people I have worked with have all been good and I just love working here," he said.
Co-op general manager Pat Brosnan was glad to see the number of people who turned up to join in the fun at the Co-op yesterday.
"We've also got some ex-general managers here and some descendants of the 1922 general manager," Mr Brosnan said.
Around the premises, trade stalls were set up for all to peruse and the book, A History 1099-2012 by John Telfer was launched as Mr Goodwin cut the enormous cake.
The book contains the entire history of the Co-op and is available at the store itself for $19.95.
"It went from being a butter manufacturer in the early days, and as there was a decline in dairy, the board put a focus on retail and now we have rural merchandise, hardware, electrical, supermarket and a service station," Mr Brosnan said.
The Co-op is owned by more than 1700 shareholders and is an integral part of the Killarney community.
