Board seeking new manager for community storeFor the first time since it opened, The Merc is looking for a new manager.Paul Ramos, who was hired to manage the store when it was established, was terminated by the Powell Mercantile Board of Directors last week.Ron Blevins, chairman of the board, has stepped in as interim manager, and the search for a new manager has begun.

No other personnel changes are in store, according to Blevins.

“The other employees are pitching in extra hours to help out,” Blevins said.

The vote to terminate Ramos was unanimous, Blevins said, “but it was not easy for the board.”

Blevins would not comment specifically on the action but said it stemmed from “ongoing differences of opinion.”

At the annual meeting of shareholders in September, The Merc reported a slight loss, the first in its seven-year history, but Blevins said the termination was not a direct result of that loss. However, he said, the second half of the year had not been a good one for the store, reflecting the troubled national economy.

“It's been a rough year since July,” Blevins said. “I think the economy catches up more slowly in Wyoming, and that's what happened the last few months.”

Blevins said the Christmas season reflected that decline, although he still is evaluating the store's performance.

“There was a gross sales decrease at Christmas, but not that bad,” Blevins said. “I estimate it was down maybe 10 percent, but I won't know for sure until later.”

Blevins said his hope is that his stint as manager is short, and he is replaced soon.

“I want it to be short,” Blevins said. “I don't want to be in this position. We need a new manager as soon as possible.”

The Merc was established in 2002 after a similar store was closed by the company that owned it. Powell residents invested money in shares to get the store started, and the store has provided a local clothing store for the area. Other communities, including Worland, Torrington and Rawlins have followed the same model to open similar stores in their downtowns.

“The Merc was probably one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had,” Ramos said when contacted.

Speaking from Worland, Ramos said “I want to thank the Powell community and the stockholders for their support and the employees that were always there for me. They were some of the best employees I've ever had.”

Ramos also thanked Mike and Donna Reile for helping and supporting him.

Ramos said he has no immediate plans besides being with his kids for a few days.

“Then we'll see what happens,” he said.

Blevins said he has a personal stake in keeping the store in operation and making it successful.