ASHLAND – Centerra Co-op and Mercer Landmark have formed a strategic alliance called Lake States Alliance, the company announced in a press release on Tuesday.
Centerra’s home office is in Ashland.
This agricultural partnership will bring value to members in multiple ways while maintaining each co-op’s unique identity, Lake States Alliance noted.
Leadership teams from both co-ops will explore multiple areas where they might work together to bring new products and ideas to their members and customers alike, the company stated.
Centerra CEO, Jean Bratton, expressed excitement for this opportunity.
“Each of us has unique market offerings that the other does not have. I look forward to sharing Centerra’s advantages with Mercer and
exploring where Centerra might outpace our competitors through this partnership,” Bratton said.
Heath Barnes, CEO of Mercer Landmark, expressed a similar sentiment.
“This unique opportunity enables two strong Ohio-based co-ops to leverage their individual strengths for the benefit of their customers and members,” Barnes said.
“I am excited about getting our team members involved in this collaborative process and the potential they can unlock for producers across our region.”
Centerra Co-op serves customers in north central Ohio, northeast Ohio, western Pennsylvania and western New York.
This co-op is made up of roughly 2,400 producer members and employs between 300-400 people, depending on the time of year.
Centerra has 31 locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania where they provide custom agronomy services, grain merchandising, livestock nutrition, petroleum products, propane, wild bird feed, country stores and more.
Located in northwest Ohio, Mercer Landmark has 23 locations, including their home office in Celina. More than 3,500 members make up this cooperative along with their 300 employees.
Products and services provided by Mercer Landmark include agronomy services, grain marketing, livestock nutrition, petroleum products, propane and more.
As it gets a better understanding of the value of this alliance and how to bring ideas to fruition, the company will share that information, it stated. Meanwhile, both co-ops remain focused on anticipating their customers’ needs.
For more information and periodic updates, visit https://lakestatesalliance.com/