ST. PAUL – Cornerstone Co-op has announced Kory Kralkay as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Graham Getz, Cornerstone’s previous CEO, recently moved to southern Alberta to take on the role of CEO of South Country Co-op.
Lakeland this Week asked Kralkay if he is looking at potential areas of improvement within the organization.
Kralkay says the Co-op will continue to look for ways to diversify its business model.
“With the current state of economic challenges, we want to make sure that we’re effective and efficient in our business operations,” says Kralkay. “At the end of the end, our member-owners expect a meaningful return back to them,” such as with dividends and investment dollars.
“So, that’s going to be paramount for myself and our board - to continue investing and sharing profits with owners for generations,” he says.
There will no doubt be challenges ahead, but Kralkay remains confident. “I’m very familiar with the organization,” including its priorities, the people, the board, and the communities that Cornerstone serves.
“I started as a part-time grocery clerk and cashier in high school,” he explains, adding he has moved through several different Co-ops throughout the years.
This includes 22 years of being in a leadership role. Five years were spent as general manager, two years as a retail advisor in the Edmonton region, and seven years as the director of operations with Cornerstone.
“I’ve worked for the Co-op for 27 years, and you know, [they are] an organization that’s supported my education, growth, and development... from a student-level to a CEO-position,” he says. “It’s a great story to tell and I’m just so thrilled.”
Kralkay will be based in Vermillion.
He also expressed his admiration of Getz.
“I’m following the footsteps of a great leader, Graham [Getz]... he’s done a lot of fantastic things and I’m happy that I get to follow a leader such as himself and start a new chapter for the Co-op by going forward.”
