What's New?!
SCA is hiring!
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is seeking an Events and Administrative Coordinator to join our team. The position is part-time (about 20 hours per week) with the option of some full-time work in 2012. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and assisting in the execution of SCA events, as well as some administrative duties. The salary is to be determined based on qualifications and experience.
The application deadline is February 21, 2012. The full job description is available here.
Co-operative Secretariat Releases Top 50 List of Non-Financial Co-operatives
This 26th annual report documents the fifty (50) largest non-financial co-operatives in Canada by revenue.
In 2010, the “Top 50” co-operatives generated $24.8 billion CDN in revenue and had 38,700 employees.
Together, they represent 4.8 million members and manage $11 billion in assets. Located throughout the
nation, co-operative enterprises are significant in many different economic sectors, such as agriculture,
wholesale and retail, natural resources, manufacturing, health and social services and housing.
The “Top 50” list of co-operatives in 2010 consisted of 26 “retail and wholesale” businesses, 23 agriculture
enterprises, and one “service” co-operative.
The largest non-financial co-operative by revenue, for the 10th consecutive year, was Federated Co-operatives
Limited (FCL). Other Saskatchewan co-operatives include Saskatoon Co-op (#12), Interprovincial Co-operative Ltd. (#15), Pioneer Co-op (#19), Prince albert Co-op (#20), Sherwood Co-op (#30), Lloydminster and District Co-op (#39), Yorkton Co-op (#48). Also, for the first time, a telecommunications co-operative was in the “Top 50” with Saskatchewan's
Access Communications Co-operative Limited ranked #45.
Full report can be found on the Co-operative Secretariat website.
Saskatchewan IYC Launch Draws Large Crowd and Media Coverage
A crowd of about 150 people packed into the Bistro on January 12, 2012 to mark the Official Saskatchewan Launch of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives. Co-operators from around Saskatchewan, Provincial Government representatives, media, as well as youth from Ecole Monseigneur De Laval and children from Gard'Amis and Creative Corners Childcare Co-operatives all came together to celebrate and launch the year.
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and the Conseil de la coopeération de la Saskatchewan, along with SCA's International Year of Co-operatives Committee planned the event. Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Services, Laura Ross, brought greetings on behalf of the Government. Beryl Bauer, Chair of SCA's Board of Directors, and Norbert LePage, CCS's IYC Ambassador also brought greetings.
CCS's IYC Ambassador, Norbert LePage, Minister of Government Services, Laura Ross, and SCA Board Chair, Beryl Bauer, at Saskatchewan's International Year of Co-operatives Launch
Check out the media coverage of the event:
-
Global Regina
-
Radio-Canada - the IYC coverage is the beginning of Part 2 of 5 of the January 12 broadcast
-
Regina Leader Post
-
L'Eau Vive and Access Communications Co-operative Ltd. were also on the scene at the event. Access will be producing a public service announcement from what they filmed, which will be aired around the province throughout IYC.
Co-operative Manpower to Build Dreams
They say “if you build it, they will come.” Borderland Co-op and Conexus Credit Union are partnering to do just that in the community of Moosomin.
The two organizations will provide co-operative manpower as the community works to build a permanent football/soccer field with lights and a storage facility. Volunteers will be working side by side during Co-operative Week of Volunteering May 28 – June 3, 2012.
This year has been designated International Year of Co-operatives. To help celebrate this event all co-operatives in Saskatchewan are encouraged to adopt a community project and help out during the Co-operative Week of Volunteering.
“After a 32 year absence, football came back to Moosomin in 2011, due to the hard work of a small group of volunteers,” says Jason Bender Conexus vice-president retail services, southeast region. One of those volunteers was Jason Schenn who is also the general manager of Borderland Co-op. “With Jason’s initial background work as a volunteer and a partnership with Borderland Co-op, Conexus Credit Union can work to build a lasting legacy for the young people of our community.” The field will also be shared with the local soccer community.
Borderland Co-op and Conexus Credit Union are excited to work together on seeing this program succeed and thrive in our community. It’s a tremendous opportunity to keep our youth involved and active. This truly is an example of the theme of the International Year of Co-operatives which is Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.
Community Hub to be Revitalized with Co-operative Spirit
The town of Mossbank is set to be revitalized through the work of two local co-operatives.
Conexus Credit Union and Southland Co-op have plans in place to work together to give the Mossbank Community Hall a facelift.
“The hall is the hub of our community, but it is in need of some repairs,” says Jan Craig Conexus Credit Union Mossbank branch manager. “We hold cabarets, a dinner theatre and community Christmas program in the hall and it’s also a place for dance and zumba classes and provides a warm place for residents to get some exercise while walking during the winter months.”
The two organizations will provide co-operative manpower to help replace toilets and sinks and flooring in the bathroom as well as painting the interior of the hall.
This year has been designated International Year of Co-operatives. To help celebrate this event all co-operatives in Saskatchewan are encouraged to adopt a community project and help out during the Co-operative Week of Volunteering which will run from May 28 - June 2, 2012.
“In true co-operative spirit Ken Bahuaud, general manager of the Southland Co-op from Assiniboia will be helping us with the upgrades,” adds Craig.
Southland Co-op and Conexus Credit Union are excited to work together on this community project and keep the community spirit alive and well in Mossbank. Having two co-operatives come together to create a common goal is another great example of how Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.
Saskatchewan Launches International Year of Co-operatives January 12!
Thousands of co-op and credit union members across Canada will be holding events on Thursday, January 12 to officially launch the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.
A provincial launch event will take place at 11:00 am in Regina at The Bistro/Gard’Ami (3850 Hillsdale Street), together with 13 other regional events and a national launch. Saskatchewan’s bilingual launch event will feature remarks by Laura Ross, Saskatchewan Minister of Government Services, Beryl Bauer, Chair of the Board of Directors of Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, and Norbert LePage, Conseil de la coopération de la Saskatchewan’s International Year of Co-operatives Ambassador, as well as an activity with children from two childcare co-operatives in Regina.
In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives, in recognition of the contribution co-operatives make to the social and economic development of communities around the world. The theme of the International Year is Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World. The UN held its own launch of the International Year during the General Assembly session in New York on October 31, and several other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Portugal are also holding their national launch events on January 12.
“Co-operatives are about people, so we wanted to launch the year with events in which many people across the country could participate,” said Claude Gauthier, president of the Canadian Co-operative Association. “This year offers an important opportunity to educate the public – and our own co-op members – about the enormous role co-operatives play in building communities, revitalizing economies and creating jobs here in Canada and around the world.”
Media representatives are invited to attend the event, which is expected to attract politicians and community leaders as well as co-operative leaders, members and employees. National, regional and local co-op representatives will also be available for interviews before, during and after the launch events.
Follow the launch events on Twitter: #coop12jan
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) Reports Sales of $8.3 Billion in 2011; Returns $537 Million Back To Member Retails and Their Communities
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), the country’s largest non-financial services co-operative, achieved sales of $8.3 billion during 2011, an increase of 16% from the previous year. The Saskatoon-based organization also reported record net earnings of $839 million for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2011, an increase of 69% from last year.
Of the $839 million in net earnings, a record $537 million patronage allocation is being returned to member retail co-ops. This allocation is used by local co-ops to address the local needs of more than 1.5 million active co-op members in 500 communities throughout Western Canada. Over the past five years, FCL has returned more than $2.2 billion to its member retail co-ops. The remainder of the earnings are retained in FCL to fund future growth initiatives and capital requirements.
“By working together, FCL and our retail co-operative member owners have achieved remarkable results,” says Scott Banda, FCL’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Our strong performance was due in part to the strength of the retail co-operatives’ marketing programs, the promotion of Co-op Lifetime Membership Benefits, and to the growth of retail co-operatives. This growth resulted in higher standards on facilities, merchandising and selection, and service excellence by over 19,000 dedicated employees.”
Heather Hale featured speaker at December 14 Co-op Luncheon
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association Program Officer Heather Hale will be the speaker at the Co-operative Network of Saskatoon's December 14 luncheon. Heather spent 6 months working as a youth intern with CCA’s International Youth Internship Program with UGAMA developing micro-enterprises with corn and rice co-operatives in Rwanda. She also helped prepare a new CCA project with the Centre de services aux coopératives (UGAMA). Through interactive activities, photos and stories Heather will share her impressions and experiences of living and working with co-operatives in Rwanda.
Location: Parktown Hotel, Poplar Room
Time: 12:00 noon Wednesday December 14th
Cost: $14 per person
To register, call Saskatchewan Co-operative Association at 306-244-3702 or email us.
Registration now open for International Conference
Registration is now open for the Euricse-ICA-ACI International Conference “Promoting the understanding of cooperatives for a better world” that will be held on March 15-16, 2012 in Venice, Italy. The conference commemorates the UN International Year of Cooperatives by creating a discussion forum with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the rationale, roles, potential, and impact of cooperatives. To view the programme and register please visit: http://conference2012.euricse.eu
Registration now open for International Conference
Registration is now open for the Euricse-ICA-ACI International Conference “Promoting the understanding of cooperatives for a better world” that will be held on March 15-16, 2012 in Venice, Italy. The conference commemorates the UN International Year of Cooperatives by creating a discussion forum with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the rationale, roles, potential, and impact of cooperatives. To view the programme and register please visit: http://conference2012.euricse.eu
SCA in the News
The November 10, 2011 issue of the Clark's Crossing Gazette features the article "Martensville seniors explore affordable housing options". The article references a presentation made by Fred Khonje, SCA's Co-op Development Officer, who presented to a group of 50 concerned Martensville residents at a pulic meeting held November 9. Fred discussed co-operative housing as an option to create more affordable housing for seniors in the community.
Denyse Guy Appointed Executive Director of CCA
Denyse Guy has been appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Co-operative Association, effective January 2, 2012.
Denyse has been involved in the Ontario co-operative movement for the past 25 years. She has been Executive Director of the Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) since January 2001; before that, she worked in the co-operative sector and served as coordinator of Windfield Co-operative Homes in Guelph.
Saskatchewan Credit Unions on List of 100 Largest Credit Unions
11 Saskatchewan credit unions made the Largest 100 Credit Unions (outside of QB) list, including:
|
|
Federated Co-operatives Limited, The Co-operators Named to Top 300 Co-operatives List
Three-hundred of the world's top co-operatives have generated over $1.6 trillion, according to the Global 300 Report launched by the International Co-operative Alliance. The figure, which is comparable to the GDP of the world's ninth largest economy, was calculated by the ICA from annual reports issued by co-operatives for the 2008 financial year.
SCA congratulates two of our member organization who appear on the list: At number 52 is Federated Co-opertives Limited, one of eight Canadian Co-operatives included. The Co-operators is ranked number 120.
Saskatchewan Youth Design Postcards to Celebrate IYC 2012
Celebrate International Year of Co-operatives 2012 with a set of co-operatively themed postcards. Each postcard in the set was created by a talented participant of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program this past summer. The distinctive designs, depicting aspects of IYC 2012 celebrations as well as the contributions that co-operative and credit unions make to Saskatchewan, will gain attention no matter the recipient. The set of ten unique postcards are printed in full colour, shrink-wrapped in clear plastic and are available for $5.00 plus shipping. All proceeds go to the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program’s IYC 2012 events. Contact us to order!
Battlefords News-Optimist Profiles CMAP Recipient, Lisa McEachern
Co-operative Merit Awards receipient Lisa McEachern was featured in a recent article, Local entrepreneur earns leaders award, in the October 28 edition of the Battlefords News-Optimist. Congratulations, Lisa!
Saskatchewan announced its provincial IYC 2012 plan during Co-op Week.
Highlights of the provincial International Year of Co-operatives plan for Saskatchewan include:
MAJOR ACTIVITIES - PROPOSED DATES
-
January 2012 Official IYC SK launch, Regina
-
May 28 – June 3 Co-operative Sector Week of Volunteering, Province-wide
-
October 14 - 20 Co-op Week IYC 2012 Activities, Province-wide
-
November 1-3 Co-operating to Build a Better West Conference, Saskatoon
Check out the details of Saskatchewan's plan here.
Co-operative Merit Awards Banquet, October 17, 2011
Please join us on October 17, 2011 at the 32nd Annual Co-operative Merit Awards Banquet. Details are now available, including ticket and accommodation information. The event will be held at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre in Regina during Co-op Week.
This year we are honouring four individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the co-operative sector. They are:
Bob Kirkland, Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award
Roger Herman, Co-operative Contribution Award
Patrick Lapointe, Co-operative Contribution Award
Lisa McEachern, Co-operative Young Leaders Award
Ticket deadline is October 7, 2011.
2011 Recipient of Norm Bromberger Research Bursary Announced
The Norm Bromberger Research Bursary was established to recognize the outstanding contributions made by Norm Bromberger in the development of credit unions and co-operatives in Saskatchewan and across Canada. The $2,000 bursary is awarded annually to support a research proposal that contributes to credit unions and co-operatives.
This year’s recipient is B. Erika Licon Cisneros of Mexico. Erika is pursuing her PhD at Concordia University in Montreal.
Erika has a degree in Industrial Engineering and a masters in International Economic Relations and Co-operation for Development. Erika has had the opportunity to study and work in Germany, Japan and Mexico. In Mexico, she was involved in creating a program for social entrepreneurs. It was this position that helped Erika realize the potential of co-operatives and led to her research of co-operative companies and the factors that contribute to their success.
Erika has a deep motivation to contribute to social and economic development in her home country. In Mexico, a large portion of youth ages 15 to 24 do not study or work due to limited educational opportunities and high unemployment rates. Erika believes that creating a training program for these youth and integrating them into successful co-operative companies will help develop their entrepreneurial spirit. This will be the focus of her PhD thesis concentrating on co-operatives in Mexico and Canada.
In 2012, the world will celebrate International Year of Co-operatives. Supporting Erika’s international research project will help demonstrate to the youth of Mexico how co-operatives build a better world.
We wish Erika the best as she works to complete her PhD research!
Co-operative Solutions: A Forum on Housing Co-ops
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) will be hosting an information forum on housing co-operatives on Friday September 9th, 2011 in Saskatoon.
Register and find out more: http://www.sask.coop/events.html
Co-op Classic Golf Tournament Raises Record Funds!
The 16th Annual Co-op Classic was held July 8 at Harbor Golf Club. Attended by 80 golfer, the event was a great success, raising nearly $20,000 for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program. The day featured contests, prizes, a steak dinner and live and silent auctions.
Find out more: http://www.sask.coop/co-op_classic_and_sno-dome.html
16th Annual Co-op Classic to be held July 8, 2011
Join us at beautiful Harbor Golf Club and Resort at Elbow Saskatchewan for the Co-op Classic. This annual fundraiser features golfing on the shores of beautiful Lake Diefenbaker, games and contests, a steak dinner and live and silent auctions. All proceeds go to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program. Register now or join us a sponsor!
Sponsored by:
 |
 |
 |
Innovative Co-operative Projects Funding Deadline Is June 30, 2011
The Co-operative Development Initiative (CDI) is a Government of Canada program delivered in a partnership with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité (CCCM), and the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat of the Government of Canada. The CDI's Innovative Co-operative Projects funds innovative co-operative projects that address themselves to public policy priority challenges and that will generate best practices and lessons learned. The funding range for projects is between $5,000 and $75,000 per project per year, and the site states that this is the last intake for the current program. Applicants or their partners are expected to contribute at least 25% of total project costs.
Co-operative Opportunities Internship Program
Earlier this year, Saskatchewan Co-operative Association launched the Co-operative Opportunities Internship Program. With funding from Service Canada, the project provides 2 interns with six month internships with co-operative organizations in Saskatchewan. The program provides interns with a combination of career-related work experience and advanced employability skills essential to furthering work experience for participants’ learning and career objectives. We are hoping to launch a second round of the program in the future.
So You Want to Start a Food Co-op? Webinar Provides Information
Right now there are enough communities that want to open new retail food co-ops that we would double the existing number of stores if they all succeed. And more organizing groups are asking for assistance every day.
Stuart Reid, Executive Director of Food Co-op Initiative, has assisted in the development of 100’s of new food cooperatives in both rural and urban communities across the nation. He will present an overview of the development and start-up process, from community organizing, to business planning, site selection, capital, and opening operations, within the context of the “4 Cornerstones in 3 Stages” development model. Find out what can derail a promising project and how to keep the dream alive through thousands of hours of volunteer effort. By creating strong organizations and utilizing best practices, co-ops of all sizes and philosophies have the best chance of succeeding.
Trainer: Stuart Reid, Food Co-op Initiative
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
2:30 - 4:00 pm Eastern Time (1:30 Central, 12:30 Mountain, 11:30 Pacific Time)
There is no fee to attend the program. For more information is available on the Canadian Workers Co-operative Federation website.
Two Saskatchewan Groups Awarded First Nations, Metis and Inuit Co-opertive Development Funding
The first round of FNMI Co-operative Development Program selected 10 projects, each of which received $5000 in CDI funding. Two of the approved projects were from Saskatchewan:
- Beauval, Saskatchewan - This co-operative will work with youth to design and implement a youth co-operative within the fields of sustainable tourism and ecological management in Beauval, Saskatchewan, and surrounding areas. This organization will explore combining these two fields, sustainable tourism and ecological management, to create gainful employment for youth, retain these valuable members of the community, and promote Indigenous culture, language, and ways of living.
- Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan - Aboriginal communities throughout Northwest Saskatchewan have been asking for retail co-operatives to be established in order to provide needed competition with Northern Stores to provide more realistic and equitable pricing on food and other goods. This type of business will also keep more of the money within the region while providing the many benefits to be realized from this form of enterprise directed by the members.
Congratulations to both projects!
Co-op Housing Association BBQ - June 25, 2011
The Co-operative Housing Association of Saskatchewan is hosting a BBQ on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. It is being held at the Agryle Park Housing Co-op, 320 Sangster Blvd. in Regina Come out and have some fun while learning about affordable housing "Co-operative Model." Click here to view the flyer.
Youth Co-operative Entrepreneurship Program
The Youth Co-operative Entrepreneurship Program (YCEP) is a new and exciting project for youth in rural and northern Saskatchewan starting summer 2011. YCEP is an employment and education project for youth ages 14-17. The participating youth will gain education on the skills and steps required to create a co-operative business. The project also includes the creation of a summer co-operative business where youth can test out their new knowledge and skills!
In addition to providing a form of summer employment, YCEP will also create a connection between youth and their community. The youth will identify areas of need in their community and address this need through the creation of a service co-operative. Youth will receive guidance from the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association as well as a committee of local business and community leaders based in the rural or northern community.
The Youth Co-operative Entrepreneurship Program pilot project will take place in Foam Lake this summer. The 3-15 (ideal 4-8) participants will gain experience in different co-operative roles such as leader, contract worker, co-op administrator or as a team player to provide the community of Foam Lake with excellent service and a new summer co-operative business. YCEP will provide participants with new leadership and entrepreneurship skills, a source of summer income, a connection to their community, and a great summer experience!
For more information about the Youth Co-operative Entrepreneurship Program please contact:
Heather Hale
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Telephone: (306) 244-3702
heather.hale@sask.coop
Co-operative Network of Saskatoon Luncheon, May 31
Fred Khonje, Co-operative Development Officer for Saskatchewan Co-operative Association will be the guest speaker at the Co-operative Network of Saskatoon. He will be speaking about Co-operative Development in Saskatchewan. Join us at 12 noon at the Park Town Hotel. Tickets are $15. To register, contact us.
Co-operative Network of Saskatoon Hosts April 20 Luncheon
Paul Wilkinson, Project Manager of Station 20 West and Janice Sanford Beck, Chair of the Good Food Junction Co-operative will provide information about the origin of the project and the dream of a development centre which would bring together diverse organizations to work collaboratively to reduce poverty and improve the lives of residents in Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods.
Location: Parktown Hotel, Birch Room
924 Spadina Crescent East
Time: 12 noon, Wednesday, April 20, 2011
All luncheon attendees must pre-register by contacting Saskatchewan Co-operative Association at sca@sask.coop or leave a voice message at 244-3702, by l2:00 noon, Monday, April l8th.
SaskCentral Named "Canada's Best Workplace for Women"
SaskCentral is proud to have been named "Canada's Best Workplace for Women" and one of the 100 "Best Workplaces in Canada" for 2011 by the Great Place to Work® Institute Canada. The list of Canada's top 100 workplaces was announced in the April 12 Globe and Mail national newspaper.
"We strive to make SaskCentral a positive working environment for all employees regardless of gender," says Ken Anderson, SaskCentral CEO. "We are very proud that our female employees feel supported and are able to balance family and career. We understand that life is complicated so we've developed programs and policies that give our employees flexibility and support."
New Executive Director Joins Community Clinic
The Board of Directors of Saskatoon Community Clinic is pleased to announce that Tim Archer has been hired as the Saskatoon Community Clinic’s new Executive Director. Tim, a resident of Saskatoon, brings almost twenty years of experience in health care management. He was most recently employed by the Saskatoon Health Region where he served in several positions, including Project Manager of Capital Projects. Tim has also worked for the University of Saskatchewan as Director of the Student Health Centre.
Tim is succeeding Patrick Lapointe, Administrator, who is retiring from the Community Clinic following eighteen years of service. Patrick has contributed significantly to the Community Clinic and will be greatly missed.
Conexus CEO Announces Retirement
Ian Rea, CEO of Conexus Credit Union, has announced his retirement less than two years after he took over the position. Mr. Rea's departure was announced by Conexus at the end of March. He told the Regina Leader-Post that the recent failure of the proposed merger of Conexus, Innovation and Synergy credit unions "factored into his decision".
"I really expected the merger to proceed and if it had, it would have been effective at the end of 2011...I thought that would have been the appropriate time to step away," he said. When the merger failed to receive the required number of votes from members of all three organizations, he decided to retire sooner rather than later.
The Conexus board will soon begin a national search for a new CEO. Ken Shaw, chief financial officer and a 22-year veteran of Conexus, will fill the position in the interim.
The Co-operators Releases Guide To Sustainable Meetings
Did you know that the average meeting produces 20 pounds of garbage per person each day? The Co-operators has created a 34-page online guide that will help you make your meetings more environmentally sustainable. "Documents like this guide remind us to do the little things that, we hope, will become second nature over time," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "This is information that applies to everyone, and our hope is that others interested in making a difference will make use of it." Go to www.cooperators.ca/static/pdf/en/Sustainability/guide-to-sustainable-meetings.pdf to download the guide.
Understanding Co-operative and Non-Profit Law
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Le Conseil de la cooperation de la Saskatchewan recently commissioned Robert Dobrohoczki to write a paper, fact sheet and article to clarify the relationship between co-operative law and non-profit and chartiable status in Saskatchewan. Visit the "Other Resources" page on our web site for this information and other helpful links and videos.
Co-operative Merit Awards Nominations Forms Available
Nomination forms are now available for the 32nd Annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards. For more information, visit our Co-operative Merit Awards Page.
Did you know . . .
Heather Hale, Program Officer of Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program is on a Canadian Co-operative Association internship working with UGAMA, a NGO that supports approximately 25 Rwandan co-operatives. Follow her adventures on her blog, Heather in Rwanda, Adventures in Co-operation!
Good Food Junction is Hiring
Good Food Junction is seeking a Business Development Manager. The application deadline is Monday, March 28, 2011.
Humanizing the Economy - Co-operatives in the Age of Capital - presentation @ UofS
On April 7, 2011 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., the Centre for the Study of Co-opeatives is providing a seminar in their 2010-2011 Seminar Series on Humanizing the Economy - Co-operatives in the Age of Capital. The speaker for this seminar is John Restakis, Executive Director of the British Columbia Co-operative Association.
Co-operative Luncheon in Regina
The Co-operative Council of Regina is holding a luncheon on April 20, 2011. The guest speaker is Ian Rea, Chief Executive Officer of Conexus Credit Union. Click here to view the poster.
Government of Canada Support for New SCA Youth Employment Program
Mr. Maurice Vellacott, MP for Saskatoon Waneskewin, announced on March 7 that post-secondary grads will get the opportunity to enhance and develop their job skills through the Government of Canada's support for the youth employment program that will be run and administered through the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. To read this news release click here.
Glen Tully and Beryl Bauer Re-Elected to FCL Board
Glen Tully was re-elected president of the board of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) on March 1, 2011. The election took place at the board reorganization meeting following FCL’s 82nd annual meeting, held in Saskatoon on February 28 and March 1, 2011.
Beryl Bauer of Lake Lenore, SK was re-elected vice-chair of the board at the same reorganization meeting. Region chairs re-elected were Judy Clavier, Edmonton Region; Doug Potentier, Calgary Region; Marilyn McKee, Regina Region; Don Russell, Saskatoon Region; and Barry Gosnell, Winnipeg Region.
Re-elected to the board were Doug Potentier of Victoria, BC; Herb Carlson of Buchanan, SK; and Glen Tully of Saskatoon, SK. Newly elected to the board were Glen Van Dijken
of Dapp, AB; Randy Kott of Calgary, AB; and Larry Karakochuk of Wynyard, SK.
The FCL board of directors consists of 15 members elected from 15 geographical regions across Western Canada. The president is primarily responsible for the functioning of the democratic decision making structure that guides the operations of FCL. The FCL presidency is a full-time position, based at FCL’s home office in Saskatoon.
Advanced Co-op Developers Training
SEED Winnipeg and the Manitoba Cooperative Association are pleased to offer two days of advanced training for Co-op Developers on March 8th and 9th in Winnipeg.
This Advanced Coop Developer session is an opportunity for those who work in Coop Development to increase knowledge and skills in an intense and participatory learning environment with your peers. The session will be facilitated by experienced Developers, Marty Frost and Melanie Conn of Devco.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 11th. All participants must currently be working in co-op development. Priority will be given to non-government participants.
To register, please visit: http://advancedcoopdevelopers.eventbrite.com
Conseil de la Coopération de la Saskatchewan Host Job Fair
The event will take place on Saturday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Park Town Hotel in Saskatoon. All are welcome to attend.
First Nations Co-op Proposed Organic Shift
The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has an article about the Muskoday Organic Growers Co-op growing organic produce. To read this article visit the Star Phoenix website at: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/life/First+Nations+proposes+organic+shift/4245698/story.html
Co-op Housing Video
This video was made by a 14-year old on the benefits of a housing co-op. Click here to watch the video.
Social Media Webinar Presentations and Resources
A variety of presentations, information sheets and examples of social media policies are available on Canadian Co-operative Association's website at http://coopscanada.coop/en/orphan/smwebinarresources.
Roger Herman Accepts New University of Saskatchewan Leadership Position
After 12 years as Research Officer at the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, Roger Herman has accepted a position as Research and Partnerships Coordinator for the Social Sciences Division of the College of Arts and Science.
Roger’s work at the Centre has included examining organizational options for farmer-owned enterprises, coordinating the New-Generation Co-operative Pilot Project, compiling data on the economic impact of co-ops in Saskatchewan, and exploring the roles of co-operatives in the social economy. In the realm of education, outreach and engagement, he coordinated development of the “Building Community” exhibit and organized and resourced many co-op conferences, training events, and educational initiatives—locally, nationally and internationally. Roger has also served as a Member Represenative to Saskatchewan Co-operative Association.
Congratulations, Roger!
Proposed Merger of Credit Unions Will Not Proceed
Conexus, Synergy and Innovation Credit Unions were proposing a merger. To read more about this click here.
Podcast Available: The History, Reality, and Future of Co-operatives
A new podcast featuring John Restakis is now available. John Restakis is the author of Humanizing the Economy - Co-operatives in the Age of Capital. Active in the co-op movement for 15 years, currently he is the Executive Director of the BC Co-operative Association and has been a consultant for co-op development projects in Africa and Asia. John will be the keynote speaker at the Saskatchewan Community Economic Development and Co-operatives Conference on April 8, 2011.
Saskatchewan Community Economic Development and Co-operatives Conference
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 8, 2011 as the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) will host a one-day conference at Mount Royal Collegiate in Saskatoon. This event will feature a variety of workshops focusing on:
•Co-ops 101
•Youth Engagement Strategies
•Food Security
•Financial Health for Your Organization
•Regional Co-operative Development
•and many more!
More information will be announced soon. Registration opens in February!
A Strong Year for Federated Co-operatives Limited in 2010
FCL achieved sales of $7.1 billion and earnings of $498 million during its last fiscal year – a year characterized by economic uncertainty and significant weather challenges. Sales increased by $570 million and earnings increased by $6 million over last year.
Of the $498 million in earnings, $356 million was returned to member retail co-ops across Western Canada. The remainder of the earnings were retained in FCL for its operations.
CEO Scott Banda attributed the strong performance to the strength of the retail co-operatives’ marketing programs, the promotion of Co-op Membership Benefits, and to the growth of retail co-operatives due to their continued commitment to raise their standards on facilities, merchandising and selection, and service excellence by over 19,000 dedicated employees.
“By working together, FCL and the retail co-operatives that own FCL have achieved remarkable results in a year that presented a range of challenges”, said Banda.
Two Saskatchewan Co-operatives on Canada's Best Employers List
The co-operative sector is well-represented on the recently announced list of the Best Employers in Canada 2011. Saskatchewan’s Co-operators Life Insurance Company and Conexus have both been selected for the honour, along with The Co-operators and Island Savings Credit Union of Duncan, BC.
The 2011 Best Employers studies, conducted by Aon Hewitt in conjunction with the Queen's University School of Business, saw participation increase by 20 per cent over last year in the annual Best Employers studies. Two hundred and fifty-one Canadian employers took part in the 2011 Best Employers studies. Organizations are selected as Best Employers based primarily on survey responses from more than 134,000 Canadian employees at these organizations that gauge their level of engagement.
The 2011 lists of the Best Employers in Canada and the Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada appear in the November 8 issue of Maclean's magazine and the November 4 edition of La Presse.
Virtual Exhibit Launched
The Centre for the Study of Co-operatives and the Diefenbaker Canada Center at the University of Saskatchewan have recently launched an on line exhibit called "Building Community: Creating Social and Economic Well-Being". This exhibit was created to inspire you and to help you imagine what might be possible in your own community by exploring what is happening in others. Themes include Building Sustainable Communities, Building Engaged Communities, Building Enterprising Communities and Building Inclusive Communities.
