Co-op Development in Alberta CWCF Conference - November 16, 2006 Carol Murray Alberta Community & Co-operative Association

Co-ops in Alberta Current Perspective  The Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops is the largest rural gas system in the world  Alberta has the most utility co-ops (249) in Canada  The United Farmers of Alberta is one of Canada’s largest agricultural co-ops  The Calgary Co-operative Association is one of the largest retail co-ops in North America  The Co-operators Group is the largest general insurance company in Alberta

Alberta Community & Co-operative Association  Mission  To strengthen Alberta communities through cooperative and agricultural awareness, training and development.  Services  Co-op education & development  Co-op youth leadership programs  Financial & administrative services  Program design  Conference coordination

Co-op Development Strategy  ACCA’s White Paper process:  Stakeholder survey  Meetings with provincial government (ongoing)  Publication of White Paper on Co-op Development in Alberta  Rise & Shine Breakfast Forum  Publication of Co-op Development Strategy (spring 2007)

Co-op Development Strategy  White Paper survey results :  More promotion and awareness  Increased government support  More training of technical assistants  Development of post-secondary education programs  More funding

Co-op Development Strategy  Promotion & awareness strategies:  Establish a co-op mentorship program  Produce a co-op promotion toolkit  Develop a list of strategic partners  Hold promotional events; include government representatives

Co-op Development Strategy  Education & training strategies:  Develop a scholarship seed fund  Integrate co-op development in elementary, secondary & post-secondary curriculum  Promote guest speakers for schools & community events  Use internet to expand training opportunities  Develop stronger ties with post-secondary programs

Co-op Development Strategy  Funding strategies:  Establish an Information Officer position at ACCA  Invest government surpluses in co-op development  Establish a dedicated fund for co-op development  Explore funding through RRSP investments  Research legislative impacts