FINLAND, MN – In the next few months, the Board of Directors of the Finland Co-op will be starting a search for a new manager to replace Don Adams, the current manager who will be retiring this coming spring. “The new manager will have some big shoes to fill,” said Mike Davies, board president.
The board plans to begin accepting applications in January of 2010. Interviews will be conducted in March, and the new manager will start work in May of 2010.
The Finland Cooperative Company is the oldest continually operating co-op in Minnesota. Started in 1913, the Co-op is still member owned, and still serving the people in the area with their basic needs. Until 1941, the board minutes were written in Finnish, as well as the annual meetings with translations when needed.
The Co-op has worked hard over the years to be responsive to the needs of the residents and visitors to the area. With changing times, ease of transportation, and the advent of the low price “super-stores,” the Co-op has had to refine its products and services to meet the needs of the community and still operate at a profit.
Thanks to the loyal patronage of community members and seasonal residents, along with dedicated managers and board members, the store has succeeded in maintaining its diverse product line and friendly hometown service that many have come to enjoy over the years. It truly is a community fixture.
“We’re very excited about the Co-op’s upcoming centennial in 2013,” said board member Linville Doan, “It will be great to have the new manager on board early enough to help us plan for that.”
The Board of Directors encourages inquiries about the manager position. Anyone with questions should contact Mike Davies at H:218-226-4244, W:218-663-7865, email finlandcoop@gmail.com , or check the Co-op’s Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/finlandcoop