Grygla Coop will close its doors this spring

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

“Change is hard,” stated Brenda Mosher, General Manager of the Farmer’s Union Oil Company in Grygla. “And not always well received,” she acknowledged.

The Grygla Cooperative Company became official on August 4, 1910. Serving the area for well over a hundred years, the first Board of Directors had a lot of decisions to make, undeniably. With roads not yet fully constructed, supplies hauled in by horse-drawn wagons, no electricity or modern equipment, the shelves at the Grygla Coop were not always well stocked, but essentials were always available to the community. Between branches opening (Malcolm 1914) and branches closing (Carmel 1916), the Board faced some hard decisions in those early years. 

The vote to buy and install electricity came at a meeting in March of 1917. A remodel project was presented and passed years later with a new brick building erected in 1932. In 1947 another remodel was done to make self-service available in the grocery department. A few years down the road a new hardware department was added (1951). A bigger change came in 2013 when Farmer’s Union Oil Company purchased the company and began their ownership with a new Board of Directors in place to make decisions.

To say the Grygla Cooperative Company has undergone changes over the course of its operation would be an understatement. 

Nonetheless, our Coop on the corner has been a significant part of Grygla; it always has been, but it no longer will be. And with its service to our town for more than a century, it’s only natural to feel skeptical or somber about the upcoming changes. However, just like the first Board of Directors way back when, our current Board is also making decisions they feel will best suit our community at this given time.

Owning and operating the Coop since April 1st, 2013, Farmer’s Union Oil Company took over the struggling business as a service to our community. Brenda Mosher, General Manager, says, “We really wanted to make it work. We did. We just can’t make a profit off it.” 

At their last Board meeting, it was decided to close the Grygla Coop for financial reasons. Board members include Dallas Diesen, President; Gary Satre, Vice President; Mike Hanson, Secretary; Darwin Klamar and Gary Polansky, Directors. Mosher says the Board is all on the same page with feeling good about this decision and wanting to protect the stock of Farmer’s Union. “We just can’t make a profit and afford to pay out our stocks and dividends,” she pointed out. “We don’t have enough revenue so the Board decided that we, as a company, are strong, but we can’t be losing money; we have to get our financial needs in line,” she addressed.

While remodel jobs inside and out have been taking place at the Coop Store over the last few years, costly repair jobs are still necessary to the building which include the air conditioning system and the roof. With plans of closing the building sometime this spring, the merchandise inside will be moving across the street to the Cenex station.

“We’re really excited about the changes in here,” Mosher expressed. If you’ve been on the inside of the station you’ve probably noticed the transformation. The shop portion has been reduced in size allowing for a new hardware section to fill the space. A new deli/food counter will be separating the grocery section from the hardware department, and sometime this summer, outdoor changes will be taking place, as well. The underground tanks need to be replaced; the above ground pumps will also be moved in order to accommodate bigger rigs like boats and campers.

Everything inside the station has been measured and planned out to accommodate a variety of groceries that will include cooler items, such as fruits, vegetables and frozen goods. Mosher did say the number of brands will be reduced to 1-2, but feels certain shoppers will still be satisfied with the selection available.

Mosher hopes that Grygla community members will welcome the changes and remain positive about everything taking place. 

The Farmer’s Union Annual Meeting is set for Monday, March 25th. Community members are encouraged to attend this meeting where a lot of questions will be answered, including the financial aspect of the company. “This is going to be a great Annual Meeting. Our Board will be presenting to attendees, along with one of our financial representatives being present that afternoon,” Mosher said. She added that the group is prepared for negative feedback, but hopes people walk away feeling good about this decision.

You are invited to attend the FUO Annual Meeting on Monday, March 25th, with a dinner being served at 11am and the meeting to follow at 1pm. Mosher concluded, “We hope everyone comes to hear about the exciting changes taking place. We will still be providing for the people while focusing on the financial betterment of Farmer’s Union.”