Toyama Co-op * and Co・op Toyama** are scheduled to merge in April 2022. To coincide with this merger, exchange meetings of the co-op members including tours of the distribution centers were held. The aim is to deepen exchanges between the two co-ops and exchange opinions on the member activities of the new co-op.

The exchange meeting at the Toyama Distribution Center held on February 14 was attended by 12 co-op members from both co-ops. First, they observed the platform of the home delivery trucks at the Toyama Center with the guidance of a co-op staff, followed by a visit to the Agricultural Products Distribution Center located next to the Toyama Center.

   

They saw on the platform, goods piled up in preparation for the evening and the next day's loading.

After washing and disinfecting their hands, they headed to the agricultural products distribution center where refrigerated products and agricultural products are sorted. The staff explained to them how the sorting process works.

 　　

Upon returning to the Toyama Center, the participants were divided into two groups and exchanged opinions about what they would like to do and work on as the member activities of the new co-op.

 

On February 23, another tour to the Nishi-Center, where construction of an extension work has been completed, was held to promote exchanges among co-op members.

In spite of snowy weather, a total of 24 co-op members from Toyama Co-op and Co・op Toyama participated in the event.

Participants were divided into two groups and toured the renovated center which is normally not allowed to be visited by the public. Staff explained the order processing and the loading of goods on the platform.

Afterward, the participants were divided into four groups and exchanged opinions about what they would like to do and work on as their new co-op member activities.

  

The following feedback was received from the participants:

It was good to know what is going on at the Nishi-Center.

I hope I could adapt to the changes in good ways following the expansion of the organization.

It was a good opportunity for me to hear from members who have been working on member activities.

I hope that the merger will lead to the enhancement of member activities in which many co-op members can participate.

On February 7, an exchange meeting between Toyama Co-op and Co・op Toyama members was held along with a hands-on tour of the newly constructed Tobu Center.

   

The Tobu Center is an eco-friendly facility that is equipped with solar power generation and will also serve as a temporary evacuation site for local residents in the event of a disaster.

They had tours to the platform where home delivery trucks are loaded, as well as a multi-purpose hall and a bright kitchen where co-op members conduct their activities. After the tour, the participants were divided into groups for exchanges and friendly discussions on what they would like to do in their co-op activities.

 

*Toyama Co-op is a consumer co-op with 77,586 members (as of FY2021) and engages in businesses such as home delivery, insurance, welfare, and the promotion of co-op member activities in Toyama Prefecture.

** Co・op Toyama is a consumer co-op with 59,000 members (as of fiscal 2019) and engages in businesses such as home delivery, store business, insurance, and others.