2012 was a record year for WESTCO.

The cooperative, which is based in Alliance, reported record sales of nearly 177.3 million dollars.

That announcement was made Wednesday night as over 200 members were in attendance for the 71st annual WESTCO Stockholders Meeting.

The Cooperative’s Controller, Shawn Nelson, reported that the record sales realized a net savings of $ 8.8 million, and $3 million is being returned in the form of patronage checks and equity redemption.

WESTCO President David Briggs says there are several reasons why 2012 was such as successful year, including loyal customers and over 200 dedicated employees.

“This region is fortunate to have quality irrigation that assists with consistent usage of fertilizer that leads to quality bean, beets, and corn crops,” he added.

Briggs says that during fiscal year 2013, WESTCO will offer contract opportunities for agronomy and petroleum customers. He encourages those customers to lock in their costs.

Also during Wednesday night’s meeting, Allan Thorson of Hay Springs and Scott Schoeneman of Alliance were elected to the board of directors to serve three-year terms.

The meeting included entertainment provided by the Alliance High School state champion one-act play team presenting, I’m Not Ebenezer Scrooge.”