ARCOLA - The Arcola Co-op has been a busy place with many changes happening over the past few weeks, one being the retirement of longtime employee Gary Nelson.
Nelson began his co-op career in Assiniboia, delivering groceries to locals. From there, he became the manager of the Willow Bunch branch. This was a store that had groceries, hardware and a gas bar.
Next, he took employment at the Whitewood Food Store and became the manager. Each time, Nelson needed to move to be closer to his place of work.
For a year, Nelson was the general manager in Carnduff, and then moved to the Carlyle area to manage the co-op food store, which was located in the old building. When Co-op purchased the IGA, he then became the assistant manager.
He made the move to the c-store and gas bar in Carlyle and remained there until he left for a few years, to do his own thing.
The Arcola Co-op c-store and gas bar took him in as the manager, and he stayed there until his retirement on June 28.
“It is time to throw in the towel,” said Nelson. “I want to travel and spend time with my family.”
He is also going to be a grandfather for the first time in October, which he looks forward to.
His wife Laurie Nelson manages the Stoughton grocery store and is not ready for the move into retirement yet.
The new manager at the Arcola Co-op will be Tanya Pongracz, who moved to Arcola 15 years ago.
At first, she was the Arcola librarian, but needed something that had more hours to offer, so she joined the co-op team eight years ago. Starting as a cashier and gas jockey, she moved up the ladder to become the assistant manager.
She was surprised to get the position although her co-workers knew she was the one for the job, with her position beginning on June 3.
Her laughter can be heard throughout the store, and she feels it is important to acknowledge everyone who works there. Pongracz wants everyone who works at the store to love their jobs, the way she loves hers.
She praised Arcola Co-op general manager Matthew Almey for always being supportive and having the time to answer anyone’s questions. She said he does not just hear a person talking, he listens to what they have to say.
Brittnay Hislop has also been a great deal of help to Pongracz, as Hislop is the store's administrator and is full of knowledge.
Having 20 people on the employee list, Pongracz says they all have stepped up to the plate and offered their views on things in the store.
Pongracz wishes Nelson an enjoyable retirement and hopes he will have fun with his new adventures that lie ahead.
