The History of Frontier Cooperative
Start of Business

On February 18, 1915, a meeting of 34 local farmers was called for the purpose of organizing the Farmers Elevator Company. Shares of stock at $100.00 per share were subscribed for at this meeting.

The stockholders elected the following Board of Directors: F. C. Semin, (President of the Board) Anton J. Bruner (Secretary-Treasurer) John Chmelka, John Jakub, John Lanspa, William Witzel, Jr., and Raymond M. Rerucha.

A special board meeting decided not to purchase any of the 2 existing elevators in Brainard, but to build a new 33,944 bushels facility at the cost of $9,000.00 along with coal bins at the cost of $500.00.

The contractor for this building project was G. H. Birchard.


2nd Annual Statement

Purpose or Goals

The first articles of incorporation provided the company to buy and sell grain, livestock, lumber, coal, lime and similar articles.

The December 20, 1999 revised articles of incorporation provide the company to buy, sell, handle, ship, manufacture, process, grade, market, store and warehouse agricultural products, equipment, and supplies used or consumed in the production of agricultural products and to carry on any related activity or business and to act as agent, broker, or representative for its stockholders and patrons.
Photos
Managers and Long Time Employees

The first manager was Charles Moriarty. William A. Malovec replaced Charles Moriarty who resigned after being manager for only 2 months. William A. Malovec salary of $90.00 per month was agreed on at the October 9, 1915 meeting.

In 1969 Gene Stara become manager of Frontier Coop. Gene remained general manager until his retirement in 1996. The present General Manager of Frontier Cooperative Company is Randy Robeson. He became manager in February 1996.

In the late 1960's Farmers Cooperative had approximately 5 full time employees and 1 part time employee. In 2008 Frontier Cooperative Company had 93 full time and 8 part time employees.

The Brainard location of Frontier Cooperative Company has several employees that have been employed 20 years or longer. They are:

  • Joyce Novak 1974
  • Irene Kozisek 1976 (employed with Farmers Union Coop Oil Association at time of purchase)
  • Thomas Jelinek 1983
  • Edward Sabata 1983
  • Kevin Havlovic 1985
  • Jeanette Heins 1985
  • Marty Helman 1986
  • Marlene Kudlacek 1987
  • John Riha 1988

Employees that have been with the Coop system for 20 years or more from other locations:

  • Corky Charles (Mead) 1976
  • Randy Stewart (Silver Creek) 1978
  • Melvin Bomar (Bellwood) 1981
  • Eugene Gembica (Silver Creek) 1985
  • Kim Emmons (Fremont) 1987