The South Cariboo Meat Co-op (SCMC) is undergoing a management transition.
The SCMC board announced June 16 that Howie McMillan has resigned as project manager.
The board is taking a hands-on approach to the decision-making process for the project, board chair Gus Horn says, adding this makes the project manager’s position redundant.
Horn adds Lorne Landry has also resigned from the board, which has appointed rancher Joy Gammie in his place.
“With this significant transition, the board of directors is conducting a review of the project plan.”
A ground-breaking celebration for the SCMC’s new abattoir is slated for June 24 at 2 p.m. at the building site located at the junction of Old Forest Grove Road and Canim-Hendrix Lake Road (one kilometre from Highway 97).
An informal reception will follow around 3 p.m. in the Valley Room of the Lodge, behind the Red Coach Inn, where the board will provide a detailed update and answer questions from the membership and the general public.
SCMC has several sub-committees that are chaired by board members and made up of a number of experienced advisors from the membership, Horn explains.
He adds these sub-committees carry out the development of the various aspects of the project, ranging from construction to business development, including regulatory agencies.
“The board is fully engaged with Rob Morrison, as well as the critical government agencies, including Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the BC Centre for Disease Control.”
A geotechnical survey is currently being carried out on site in preparation for the structural engineering for the metal Perka building due to arrive shortly, Horn says.
SCMC is also proceeding with surveys and finalizing the lease-to-purchase land acquisition from 100 Mile Ranch.
As the co-op enters into this new phase, Horn says the board is reflecting on McMillan’s vision of developing the initiative during the past three years.
In acknowledgement of his significant commitment, the chair adds McMillan has been compensated for the time he has spent since the co-op’s incorporation in 2009.
“The directors, and indeed the ranching industry in the South Cariboo, are grateful for Howie’s dedication and appreciative of his efforts.”
Any members unable to attend the upcoming meeting may direct any questions they may have to the individual directors, or e-mail them to info@southcariboomeat.coop, he adds.
Besides Horn and Gammie, the board includes secretary Christine Jordaan, treasurer Bob Scott, and directors Rod Hennecker, Marvin Monical and Diane Wood.
