What's New?!
Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards to be presented October 18, 2010
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Order of Merit honours individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan. The awards will be presented on October 18 at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre in Regina.
Recipients of the 31st Annual Co-operative Merit Awards are:
- Neale Morton of Melfort
- Grant Alvin Tyson of Harris
- Myrna Bentley of Saskatoon
- Warren Crossman of Yorkton
- Consumer's Co-operative Refinery Limited of Regina
- Ben Chung of Regina
Please join us at the CMAP banquet. Details and ticket information are available now. An open block of rooms has been reserved at the Ramada Hotel (306-569-1666) for anyone wishing to stay overnight. The rate is $114 plus taxes. Quote "Co-operative Merit Awards" to get the group rate.
Ticket order deadline in October 8, 2010.
Federated Co-op's New Fantuz Flakes a Huge Success!
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) launched Fantuz Flakes, a limited edition cereal developed as part of FCL’s sponsorship of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Centennial celebrations on July 29, 2010 in Saskatchewan. The cereal sold nearly twenty-four thousand boxes on the first day of sales and was expected to sell out by July 30th.
With every purchase of this great tasting cereal, Saskatchewan Co-ops, along with Andy Fantuz, will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. Fantuz was at the Co-op store on Quance Street in Regina on Thursday to autograph boxes of the cereal and Rider fans were lined up 30 minutes before Fantuz arrived.
“Saskatchewan Co-op food stores are proud to be a sponsor of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Centennial celebrations,” explained FCL CEO Scott Banda. “Like the Riders, Co-ops have a long history in Saskatchewan and our presence in so many communities gives Rider fans across the province a chance to purchase a collector’s edition product like Fantuz Flakes. We’re also very proud to partner with Andy to offer support to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.”
Source: Federated Co-operatives Limited and Regina Leader Post
Co-op Research Newsletter Launched
The Measuring the Co-operative Difference Research Network recently published their first newsletter. This Network comprises researchers and co-operative representatives from across Canada (along with a few international partners) and is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council with $1 million in funding over five years. The Network's mission is to measure the social, economic and environmental impact of co-operatives on Canadians and their communities. Their website (www.cooperativedifference.coop) will be launched August 3rd.
Co-op Classic Golf Tournament Raises Funds for CDF and SCYP
The 15th Annual Co-op Classic Golf Tournament, raised over $15,000 for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program. |
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Youth Sought for International Internship with CCA
The Canadian Co-operative Association is recruiting candidates for its 2010 International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) thanks to a ground- breaking three-year $630,000 agreement signed recently with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The first wave of 12 successful candidates will take up work placements this September in Peru, Cambodia, Ghana, Uganda, Malawi and Rwanda. Each intern receives a stipend to cover travel and living expenses for the six-month overseas placement.
The deadline to apply for the 2010 program has been extended to August 13, 2010. Email: interns@coopscanada.coop
To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program, applicants must be:
• a Canadian citizen or permanent resident legally entitled to work in Canada
• a post-secondary graduate
• out of school
• between the ages of 19 and 30
• unemployed or underemployed
• Have not participated in an internship with the Career Focus stream of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES)
More information on CCA's International Youth Internship Program.
Co-op Refinery Celebrates 75 Years!
Consumers' Co-operative Refineries Limited (CCRL), the world's first co-operatively-owned petroleum refinery, celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Thursday, May 27.
The refinery, which is part of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), began operating on May 27, 1935, processing 500 barrels of crude oil per day. Today, the CCRL Refinery Complex has a total capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.
CCRL is in currently undergoing a $1.9 billion expansion which will increase its capacity to 130,000 barrels per day in 2012 and 145,000 barrels per day by 2015. The refinery supplies petroleum to FCL's co-op gas bars and cardlock operations across western Canada.
source: Co-op News Briefs, June 3, 2010
Co-op Week Video Contest
The Canadian Co-operative Association is inviting 90 second video submissions that depict the co-operative difference. What does the co-operative difference mean to you? It’s time for show and tell. The top three videos selected (plus up to 7 “honourable mentions”) will be featured on the CCA Cinema at www.ccacinema.coopscanada.coop. The winner will receive a basket of co-op products ($150 value). You enter by uploading your short video to YouTube and sending the link to Donna Balkan. See the explanation video for the contest on YouTube. Contest entry details.
Rochdale Pioneers Museum Gets a Makeover for the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives!
The birthplace of the Co-operative Movement is set to be redeveloped following £1.5 million of funding. 31 Toad Lane will be modernized in time for the United Nations Year of Co-operatives in 2012.
15th Annual Co-op Classic, July 9, 2010 - Register NOW!
Registration and Sponsorship information is now available for the Co-op Classic. This fun filled annual event is held at Harbor Golf Club and Resort at Elbow, Saskatchewan. The funds raised are shared between the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program. Register by June 11 to be eligible for early bird prizes. Registration deadline is June 30.
Major Sponsors of 2010 Co-op Classic:
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Historic Funding Agreement
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is pleased to announce a new funding agreement between Enterprise Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA).
The government of Saskatchewan will be providing $65,000 in funding in each of the next two years, which will increase SCA’s capacity to support and promote co-operative development in Saskatchewan, with particular focus on addressing seniors’ needs.
“The agreement between SCA and the government will help promote the development and expansion of co-operatives in Saskatchewan, as well as looking into how the co-operative model can be used to expand seniors’ housing,” Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “Enterprise Saskatchewan’s Co-operative Sector Team recommended we move forward with this initiative which will benefit both co-operatives and seniors in the province.”
“The funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan will provide valuable resources to promote the co-operative business model,” SCA Executive Director Victoria Morris said. “The agreement will concentrate on assisting communities in providing services to seniors that include housing and other initiatives. By providing support for new and existing co-operatives, we will be better able to fill some of the void in providing affordable and secure housing for Saskatchewan seniors.”
The historic two year
agreement will allow SCA to leverage federal funding utilized each year to support and promote co-operative development in the province as well as in-kind support from SCA members and other partners.
An announcement event held Friday, May 14th at the SCA office was attended by Ken Dekker, Interim CEO of Enterprise Saskatchewan; Jim Deane, Chair of the Co-operative Sector Team of Enterprise Saskatchewan; Beryl Bauer, President of Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and many other co-operative colleagues.
FCL Wins SABEX Award for Environmental Sustainability
The SABEX Award for Environmental Sustainability is given to a business that demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing its environmental footprint, providing innovative products/services with environmental benefits, and promoting environmental sustainability with its customers/members.
16th Annual Norm Bromberger Bursary
Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the 16th Annual Norm Bromberger Research Bursary to be awarded in support of research relating to co-opertives and/or credit unions.
This bursary has been established in recognition of the outstanding
contributions made by Norm Bromberger to the development of
credit unions and co-operatives in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
The Norm Bromberger Research Bursary will provide $ 2,000 each year
to encourage research in the area of co-operatives and credit unions. Application deadline is June 30, 2010.
2010 Sid Bildfell Business Education Bursary
The Sid Bildfell Business Education Bursary has been established in recognition of Sid Bildfell’s 41 years of contribution, leadership and vision to SaskCentral and the credit union system. Sid always impressed the importance of education and lifelong learning. The Sid Bildfell Business Education Bursary provides $5,000 each year to be awarded to a business student, studying administration, commerce or finance in the province of Saskatchewan. The application deadline is May 31, 2010.
CCA Congress 2010
The CCA Congress 2010 is being held from June 14-16, 2010 in British Columbia. Click here for more registration information
Co-op Week 2010 News Release
The Canadian Co-operative Association has issued a News Release for Co-op Week 2010 with the theme Experience the Co-operative Difference. You can view the News Release by clicking on the green text.
Co-operative Council of Regina Luncheon - May 19, 2010
Kathy Bardswick, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Co-operators Group Limited will be presenting on the topic “Communicating the Co-operative Advantage in Today’s World”. As a result of the economic downturn of the past couple of years, people have been questioning businesses and their approach. Could this be an opportunity for the co-operative sector to differentiate itself from profit-driven companies?
The luncheon is Wednesday, May 19 at the Best Western Seven Oaks. Please register by May 14.
Centre for the Study of Co-operatives
The Centre for the Study of Co-operatives and Diefenbaker Canada Centre are pleased to announce the opening of Building Community, Creating Social and Economic Well-Being, opening May 19, 2010. This exhibit encourages visitors to imagine what is possible in their communities and illustrates how to make those dreams become a reality.
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is hiring!
Job Posting- Co-operative Development Officer
We require a dynamic and progressive individual to manage and implement our co-operative development strategy for the next ~two years.
This Saskatoon-based term position will have two main components. The first is to provide co-operative advisory services to assist groups in assessing the feasibility of their business idea, assist in the development of their co-operative structure and to assist with their business plan and initiating operations, with an emphasis on supporting the development of elder care co-operatives (including seniors’ housing co-operatives, home support or home care co-operatives and funeral co-ops). The second focus is on promoting the co-operative business model and raising awareness of the co-operative business model with governments and decision makers, the general public and across the co-operative sector. The Co-operative Development Officer reports to the Executive Director.
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is a provincial coalition of co-operatives and credit unions. We support and promote the co-operative model for community and economic development in Saskatchewan. SCA programming and activities include a large summer youth program, annual co-operative sector events and communications within the co-operative sector and to the general public and governments, as well as co-operative development support and advisory services.
Application Deadline: April 16th, 2010
Job description and application details.
Concentra Financial Job Postings
Concentra Financial has 1 position available.
Documentation Analyst based out of Regina. Deadline - resume and letter to be into Concentra by May 11, 2010 by the end of the day.
The Co-operative Merit Awards Committee is pleased to announce the Call for Nominations for the 31st Annual Awards is now open!
New this year, the Committee has clarified the criteria for the awards, ensuring that volunteer, elected and employed co-operators can be recognized for their contributions to co-operatives and credit unions. The award categories are listed below.
In addition to the updated and clarified criteria, the Committee also streamlined the nomination form, to make it easier to complete the nomination process.
Nomination deadline is May 1st, 2010.
Award Categories:
Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award
For long, varied and meritorious service by individuals in volunteer and/or elected positions within co-operatives and credit unions.
Co-operative Contribution Award
For those who inspire others as a role model, leader and mentor through the development and expansion of cooperatives and credit unions, and increasing awareness and understanding of co-operatives and co-op principles.
Co-operative Enterprise Award
For leadership, innovation and achievement in co-operative business and member service initiatives for the social and economic development of the co-operative sector.
Co-operative Young Leaders Award
For outstanding contribution by a young person to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan.
We know that there are many, many outstanding co-operators in your community; the Co-operative Merit Awards Committee encourages you to nominate someone this year!
Vic Huard Appointed Vice President - Corporate Affairs of FCL
February 19, 2010 - Scott Banda, CEO of Federated Co-operatives Ltd. announced the appointment of Mr. Vic Huard as Vice-President – Corporate Affairs of Federated Co-operatives Limited effective March 1, 2010. Mr. Huard will also serve as Corporate Secretary.
Mr. Huard has significant experience in strategic communications, branding, public relations, government relations and governance. He has been working with the FCL Board of Directors during the past year on the Board’s director competency and evaluation project. He most recently was the principal in Vic Huard & Associates Consulting. He has served as President and CEO of the RCMP Heritage Centre, CEO of United Way of Regina, Executive Director of the Regina Community Clinic and has held a number of communications, policy and planning responsibilities within the Government of Saskatchewan. Mr. Huard has taught a variety of courses at the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business and the Paul J. Hill Business School at the University of Regina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, and a PhD from Queen’s University.
La Siembra Seeks Investors
Looking for an ethical Co-operative Home for your RRSP contribution this year? La Siembra Co-operative, an Ottawa based worker-owned co-operative and creators of the Cocoa Camino and Cuisine Camino brands of Fair Trade and Organic cocoa, sugar and chocolate products is currently seeking new equity to support our growth into new Fair Trade product areas.
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La Siembra has over 10 years of operational experience in fair trade and organic product imports, marketing, and sales in Canada;
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Preference A shareholders have over $820,000 invested in La Siembra with the average investment equal to $8700;
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Investors in La Siembra have had a positive return on their investment every year, with an average dividend of 3.72% in the last 5 years;
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The sale of Preference A shares will pre-finance producer purchases, launch new products and support producer value chain development.
For more information contact Jennifer Williams – CEO at invest@lasiembra.com. Submitted by La Siembra Co-operative.
Spectra Credit Union Named on Top 50 Small and Medium Employers List
Spectra Credit Union, based in Estevan, has been named as one of the Top 50 Small & Medium Employers in Canada in a study released February 10, by Queen’s University Centre for Business Venturing (QCBV) at Queen’s School of Business in conjunction with Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company. Canadian organizations with between 50 and 399 permanent employees are eligible to participate in the ranking.
Congratulations to Spectra Credit Union - this is the fifth year in a row that Spectra has made the list! More info.
Sno-Dome Classic A Great Success
The second annual Sno-Dome Classic, a fun afternoon of golfing games, silent auction, socializing and prizes, was held Friday, February 26 at the Ramada Golf Dome in Saskatoon. The event, sponsored by Concentra Financial, was a fundraiser for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) and the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program (SCYP).
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is pleased to announce that the event raised more than $2,800. The funds forwarded to CDF are matched three to one by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The funds donated to SCYP will be used to ensure that as many Saskatchewan youth as possible can experience Co-op Camp and learn about the value of co-operatives in our community.
This year sponsoring organizations were given the opportunity to "bundle" their sponsorship for the Sno-Dome Classic and the Co-op Classic which is held in July. This resulted in $2,425 in confirmed sponsorships for the Co-op Classic in addition to the funds raised for the Sno-Dome. Concentra Financial 
has confirmed their role as a Major Sponsor for the Co-op Classic. Other confirmed sponsors are The Co-operators, Saskatchewan Credit Unions, Muenster Credit Union, CGI and Globe Printers.
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered and sent prizes!
New Concentra Financial President and CEO Announced 
Wayne McLeod, Board Chair of Concentra Financial, announced January 25 that the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Ken Kosolofski as President and Chief Executive Officer of Concentra Financial Services Association, effective April 1, 2010.
Myrna Bentley, current President and CEO, will continue to actively lead Concentra until her retirement on March 31, 2010. “My sincere congratulations to Ken on his appointment as my successor,” says Myrna, “I am confident he will find the team at Concentra ready, willing and more than capable of achieving and exceeding the company’s objectives. He has my best wishes for great success.”
Ken brings with him many years of experience within the credit union system, the past two as Chief Financial Officer at SaskCentral. Prior to this role, he held a variety of senior finance positions at CUETS, SAHO, City of Regina and the Saskatchewan government. Ken received his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1981, CA designation in 1984 and has participated in variety of senior leadership programs throughout his career. He is married, with three grown children and is an active participant in a number of community and business organizations, including the Regina Food Bank and the Saskatchewan Entrepreneurial Foundation.
New Federated Co-operatives Limited CEO Announced 
President Glen Tully, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Federated Co-operatives Limited, announced the appointment of Scott Banda as Chief Executive Officer of FCL effective February 8, 2010.
Mr. Banda joined FCL in 2002 as the Legal Affairs Manager. In November 2004, he was appointed to the position of Vice-President - Corporate & Legal Affairs.
Following graduation from University of Saskatchewan Law School in 1990, Mr. Banda articled and practiced in Saskatoon. He later served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation and was the Manager, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary with COGEMA Resources Inc. prior to joining FCL in 2002. Mr. Banda also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Saskatchewan and has done work on his Master of Arts in History. He is a graduate of the Banff School of Advanced Management.
In the past, Mr. Banda has served on numerous boards including the Board of Saskatoon Co-op.
Scott and his spouse, Tracy, have two daughters – Spencer and Paige.
The Board of Directors is looking forward to working with Mr. Banda in continuing the success of the Co-operative Retailing System.
Co-operative Developer Training
On December 1 and 2, 2009, Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Conseil de la coopération de la Saskatchewan presented a Co-op Developer Training Seminar in Saskatoon. Attended by 14 participants from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, the workshop explored the technical and practical aspects of forming a co-operative.
Facilitator Marty Frost guided participants through the six step co-op development process, which includes pre-development; group building and establishing the form of the co-operative; planning and organizing the co-operative’s business; finance; implementation and launch; aftercare and follow-up.
