MCA announces 2017 Cooperative Awards recipients
We are thrilled to announce this year's award recipients, each of whom are well deserving of the recognition. The award recipients will receive their awards at MCA's annual awards banquet which will be held on Wednesday, October 18 at the Norwood Hotel.
This year, DSI Tandem Co-op Resources, nominated by the Co-op Housing Development Group will receive a Cooperative Achievement award. The Cooperative Achievement award recognizes and honours cooperative organizations in Manitoba that have made significant contributions in innovation, achievement and initiatives toward the development and success of cooperative services, cooperative members, and their communities.
As well, Stingers Credit Union, nominated by Assiniboine Credit Union, will receive a Youth Leadership award. This award recognizes significant contribution by young people, aged 30 and under, in cooperative endeavours and may also recognize the commitment and achievements of individuals or organizations in mentoring youth and supporting their successes as young cooperative leaders.
Congratulations to all of our recipients. Tickets are now available at a cost of $75 each or a reserved table for 8 for $550. If you would like to order tickets, please complete the ticket order form and send it in to us (either by email or mail) or just send us a quick email. The awards banquet is a fabulous opportunity to network with people from the co-op community and acknowledge these worthy award recipients.
Innovative cooperative stories - Westman Communications Group
Welcome to the first in our series of cooperative success stories which will profile co-ops across Manitoba. Our first article is about Westman Communications Group, a member of MCA. Read on and find out more about Westman's commitment to its employees, members and other Manitoba cooperatives.
Established in 1977 by a handful of volunteers determined to supply television content to 3,951 households in Brandon, this “small” Manitoba co-op has sustained its existence by anticipating customers' needs, and now offers high-speed Internet access and high-definition television service to 26,000 customers in 36 communities province-wide.
The commitment to cooperative values is demonstrated in the personal development opportunities and balanced work environment that Westman offers its employees. It also led to Westman being selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Small and Medium Employers in 2016.
But Westman has no intention of resting on its laurels. With decades of experience, and aware of the need to support other sector initiatives, Westman Group invests time in mentoring other cooperatives.
“We supported Nostalgia Broadcasting Cooperative's launch and now provide them with our online radio streaming services,” says David
Baxter. “We’ve also established a partnership with Park West Fibre Optics Co-op to expand internet services to communities all across Western Manitoba, and to connect all of the schools in the Park West School Division with a fibre optic backbone, offering them our programs and services. We are connecting communities, businesses and institutions in this part of the province, and they now have an alternative for high-speed internet services and telecommunications. It’s really a win-win for Park West, for Westman and for small communities.”
David Baxter, CEO Westman Communications
Westman Group is proud it is in a position to give back to the community and co-op members. “We make massive investments in infrastructure to satisfy the growing needs of our users, but we have also paid some $2 million in dividends to our members over the past three years.” The Co-op therefore remains faithful to the values of equity and solidarity while remaining competitive…and even profitable.
Reflecting on the Co-op's modest success, Westman CEO says: “None of our achievements and awards would be possible without the commitment and dedication of all our employees, and the unfailing loyalty of our fellow cooperators.”
Click here to read the full story.
Aboriginal Student Cooperative Project wraps up
This June MCA would like to congratulate Kyler, Alex and Lula, three graduating members of the Aboriginal student art cooperative project at Children of the Earth High School.
The program, officially titled Cooperative Enterprise and Leadership program, has been running after school two days a week since September. The graduating members have been part of the co-op since inception when they were in grade 9. They have not only shown commitment to the program but have helped to shape what the project is today.
Teachers at the school have commented on the incredible personal growth of all the students and their marked increase in confidence. Last month, Kyler, along with two newer co-op members, spoke at Vision Quest in front of an audience interested in social enterprise and co-ops. To see the students go from quiet and reserved at the beginning of the year to outgoing and confident just eight months later is quite remarkable and a testament to the success of the program.
Fifteen students actively participated in the program throughout the year, learning about co-ops while gaining hands-on employable skills. For many of the students the Aboriginal Student Art Co-op was their first job and provided them an opportunity to take on significant leadership roles. The students have learned skills such as customer service, marketing, production, logistics, problem solving and public speaking. Members of the co-op also participated in the school’s Journey and Succeed Program that provides training to the youth in Food Handlers, First Aid and Professionalism.
Since June 2016 the students have put on 21 sales events and spoke at three conferences. We are looking forward to another busy summer with the students excited to sell at farmers markets and special events. If you see us around please come and say hi!
For more information on the Co-operative Enterprise and Leadership program or the Aboriginal Student Art Co-op send Jesse a line.
International Co-operative Alliance seeking award nominations
Do you know someone who is committed to the cooperative values and principles? Does your organisation wish to honour the achievements of a colleague who has provided innovative solutions to meeting member needs? Would you like to nominate a cooperative leader in recognition of how he or she has contributed to the global cooperative movement?
Nominations are now open for the International Co-operative Alliance’s Rochdale Pioneers Award, the highest honour the Alliance bestows.
The Award honours exceptional contributions to innovative and sustainable co-operation.
The award will be presented in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 14-17 November 2017, when cooperators from around the world convene for the biennial Alliance Global Conference and General Assembly.
For information on how to submit a nomination including eligibility, criteria, and requirements, please see the Nomination Form. Selection of the final awardee will be made by an Alliance Board-appointed committee.
The deadline for nominations is August 15, 2017.
Government of Canada offering accessibility grants
Your business or organization could receive a grant of up to $50,000 through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to improve accessibility in your workplace.
Until July 26, 2017, the EAF is accepting funding applications for projects that increase accessibility in workplaces and community spaces across Canada.
The EAF funds workplace projects which help remove barriers to accessibility through:
- the construction, renovation or retrofit of workplaces in which job opportunities for people with disabilities could be created or maintained; and
- the provision of accessible information and communications technologies for work use.
You can apply for EAF funding if you are:
- a business with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees;
- a not-for-profit organization;
- a municipality with a population under 125,000 as per census data;
- an Indigenous organization (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); or
- a territorial government.
The Government of Canada will provide 65 percent of total project costs, up to a maximum of $50,000, to successful project applicants.
Apply now or help spread the word for a more accessible Canada!
Click here for more information.
Opportunities
Supporting Employment and Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (SEED) is currently seeking individuals for two employment opportunities.
First, they are looking for a Program Coordinator, Asset Building Programs
Full Time – 1 Year Term.
The second opportunity is for an Administrative Coordinator, Asset Building Programs
Full Time – 1 Year Term.
The deadline for applications for the Program Coordinator or Administrative Coordinator position is 4:30 p.m. June 22, 2017. Click here for the full postings.
Resources
The Co-operators is pleased to introduce Governance Outlook, a quarterly e-newsletter exploring governance developments, trends and best practices. The inaugural issue focuses on Representation of Women on the Board and future editions will cover a range of other governance topics. Governance Outlook is currently only available only in English. Click here to view this valuable resource.
Save the date
Make Poverty History is having their Community Report Back on Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Consultations on:
Tuesday, June 27th
Registration 5:30 pm
Meeting 6:00 pm
Winnipeg Harvest (1085 Winnipeg Avenue, Winnipeg)
Your input will inform the development of a community-led poverty reduction plan for Winnipeg guided by Make Poverty History Manitoba, a broad coalition of groups working to end poverty in our province.
The event is free and there will be light snacks and refreshments. Contact them if you need childminding, bus tickets, or other accommodation. info@spcw.mb.ca or (204) 943-2561.
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