Rocky Mountain Supply Holds Annual Meeting
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Rocky Mountain Supply Holds Annual Meeting
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Member patronage payouts were the highest ever last year for Rocky Mountain Supply. According to Board President Harry Marx, the cooperative paid out $5.5million in returns. Marx spoke at the annual member dinner meeting at Watson Event Center. The farm supply store has outlets covering several towns in Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Dillon, Townsend, Amsterdam, Ennis and Wisdom. RMS’s main office is in Belgrade.
Marx told nearly 80 people from all over Southwest Montana who attended the stockholder’s meeting that diversification of the company’s business is the secret of its success. RMS’s main divisions are gasoline and propane sales, animal feed and farm supplies, as well as retail sales including clothing and food.
Formed in 1999 when the company merged with Coop Supply of Dillon, Rocky Mountain Supply has continued to grow in products and services. In 2001 the company entered into a joint venture with Vigilante Electric to sell propane to its customers under the name Montana Energy Alliance.
Chief Executive Officer Brad Gjermo detailed the company’s expansions, including a 2,500 square foot warehouse in Dillon, finishing the Ennis store and installing a fuel service outlet at Wisdom. He emphasized that while farm and ranch businesses are the bedrock of RMS’s success, demographics in the area have changed to include those who are here to live the rural lifestyle. “We have seen cash sales skyrocket thanks to those folks who buy western clothing and hunting and fishing equipment. We appreciate their business, too,” he said.
Gjermo finished by introducing a new RMS app, which will allow account holders to see their accounts and pay online beginning November 1st.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Coop Board President Harry Marx presents the company's annual report.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 2 Caption: RMS coop members enjoy Gayle Watson's barbequed beef dinner at the Watson Center June 17.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
