Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 24/98) - Deline Great Bear Co-operative members are looking to build on several years of financial success by expanding operations.

At a recent special general meeting, co-op members passed a motion directing the board to approach the Deline Lands and Finance Corporation about new facilities. The corporation represents the recipients of the Sahtu land claim.

The discussions would explore the possibility of a joint effort to build new co-op facilities.

The plan could be based on a similar arrangement to the one used in Fort Good Hope.

The residents of that community are building a new co-op this year with the support of the Yamoga Lands Corporation and Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.

Great Bear Co-op operates a retail store, cable television services and fuel distribution services, and has contracts for several other operations such as the post office.

The Deline co-operative is on pace to top $2 million in sales during fiscal 1998-99, the co-op reports. In fiscal 1997-98, sales were $1.4 million ($1.2 million 1996-97).

Great Bear Co-op president Michael Neyelle said the improved figures were the result of member commitment. He also linked this year's improved numbers to the fire at the Northern Store earlier this year.

Based on 1997-98 results, the co-op returned $40,000 to members last year.

Members can expect the next dividend prior to Christmas.

Co-op general manager Ron Sheaves described the year as a very successful one.

He also said there has been strong support from the 240 members.

The cash pay out is part of the distribution of 1997 net savings or profit of co-op business.

The co-op also paid out about $250,000 in wages and benefits in the last year to Deline residents.

Since 1986, community residents have increased their investment in the co-op to over $850,000. Assets are about $1.5 million.