Local UFA celebrates re-opening with new look
By Ry Clarke - for the Lethbridge Herald on March 31, 2022.
United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) held a grand re-opening Wednesday for its Lethbridge Farm and Ranch Supply Store showcasing the new look since construction began back in the spring of 2021.The store offers members and customers a modernized experience with larger lanes for shopping among other improvements to allow a friendlier, natural flow for staff and consumer.
Scott Bolton, UFA president and chief executive officer, was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony thanking the members of the community that gathered for the event, and congratulating all the work that went into the re-model.
“We have over 20 working [staff] here, that can interact with our members and customers much more readily than before. They’re not stuffed in the back where you have to sort through boxes and moving all over the place to get to where you need to go.”
Lethbridge City Councilor John Middleton-Hope was present at the re-opening talking about the importance of industries that are vital to the Lethbridge region and creating a foundation for southern Alberta’s economy.
“It is businesses such as UFA, a member-owned cooperative that’s been around for 113 years, that continues to showcase our relationship with the agricultural sector as Council is committed to working with partner-organizations to help enhance a vibrant economy from all types of businesses.”
Middleton-Hope says council will encourage businesses to demonstrate a continuous commitment to reinvesting in the community with continuing projects that help center the Lethbridge district as an agricultural food hub.
The newly re-modeled UFA store will also offer customers a new experience with a drive thru option, allowing members and customers the convenience to remain in their vehicle while purchasing yard items.
“Our store is in a great location, offers easy access to Lethbridge area residents and beyond, who can also take advantage of the proximity to numerous other agri-business partners in the area,” said Glenn Bingley, UFA vice president of agribusiness and supply chain, thanking the staff and community that put hard work into the re-model.
“Going through a pandemic, running the business, continuing to take care of our members and customers, and doing a remodel. It really speaks to the team we have here in Lethbridge and the quality work they did.”
As part of the re-opening UFA is offering 10 per cent off on almost everything in-store until April 2, giving customers the opportunity to save while checking out the new store.
“Take a look at the improvement system, they did an amazing job. Especially fighting our way through COVID to get the job done in the first place. And the achievement is for all of us to see. It’s a remarkable facility now. And we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved.” 2
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