Our 2023 Saskatchewan Co-operative Association Merit Award winners.
Scott Banda
2023 Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award
During his time as CEO of Federated Co-operatives Limited, Scott led the transformation of one of Saskatchewan’s largest businesses. Culture, brand, people practices and business performance – among other strategic areas - were revitalized. Now retired, Scott continues to be a brand ambassador on the local, national and international stages. Read Scott’s full bio.
Jim Deane
2023 Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award
Jim Deane has a legacy as a trailblazer at Access Communications Co-operative. He was responsible for the growth of the co-op from a relatively small cable television company in Regina to a significant player in the provincial telecommunications industry. Now retired after 42 years, Jim remains deeply connected to the co-op sector and his community. Read Jim’s full bio.
Larry Malinowski
2023 Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award
Larry retired from the Cornerstone Credit Union board in 2022. His legacy includes a unique collaboration agreement between Cornerstone, Conexus and Innovation credit unions which resulted in sharing resources like internal audits and developing a wealth management subsidiary. Read Larry’s full bio.
Crocus Co-operative
2023 Co-operative Enterprise Award
Since 1983, Saskatoon-based Crocus Co-operative has helped break down the stigma surrounding mental illness while providing its members with a sense of belonging and purpose. The co-operative model ensures that the organization is meeting the needs of its clientele. Read more about Crocus Co-operative.
Merit Award Categories.
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For long, varied and meritorious service by individuals in volunteer and/or elected positions within co-operatives and credit unions. Must be a current or former Saskatchewan resident who has served as an elected official, volunteer and member of a co-operatives and credit union locally, provincially, nationally or internationally.
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For long, varied and meritorious service by individuals in volunteer and/or elected positions within co-operatives and credit unions. Must be a current or former Saskatchewan resident who has served as an elected official, volunteer and member of a co-operatives and credit union locally, provincially, nationally or internationally.
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For leadership, innovation and achievement in co-operative business and member service initiatives for the social and economic development of the co-operative sector. Must be a current or former Saskatchewan resident who has served as an elected official, volunteer and member of a co-operatives and credit union locally, provincially, nationally or internationally.
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Item descriptionFor outstanding contribution by a young person to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan. Must be a Saskatchewan resident under the age of 36 (at the time of nomination) who has demonstrated personal support of and involvement in at least one co-operative or credit union.
We are currently in the planning process and will roll out our new nomination process soon. In the meantime, we encourage you to check out our categories and frequently asked questions.
New Nomination Process
Merit Awards FAQs.
How do I submit my nomination?
Submission instructions will be available when the 2024 Merit Award submissions open. We are in the planning process right now but can say that the all nominations will be made online through this website and a google form.
How are award recipients selected?
Nominations will be reviewed by the award selection committee. Both the nominees and nominators will be notified if the nominee has been selected as an award recipient.
What info should I include?
We recommend that you share stories of the impact your nominee has had. Include specific examples of the nominee's contributions to the betterment of each co-operative they've been involved with.
What happens after selection?
If your nominee wins, then they will be required to validate the accuracy of the information, and consent to the publishing of any photographs or provided by the nominator.
How many nominees can I submit?
You can submit nominations for different people or organizations in multiple categories - but not the same person in multiple categories. If you're not sure of the appropriate award category, the selection committee will change it if needed.
My nominee wasn’t selected.
Nominations for individuals not selected as an award recipient can be revised and re-submitted in a subsequent year. Self nominations for the Co-operative Enterprise Award are welcome.