BCCA News Archives

2012 Is Here!

zoe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:41:03 -0800

Co-operators and Credit Union members from across the region gathered at Kootenay Co-op Radio in Nelson, for the Canadian Launch of IYC2012, on Thursday, January 12.

While munching on a delightful breakfast provided by the Kootenay Country Store Co-op and The Kootenay Baker Cafe Co-op, participants discussed how we can build on the international excitement and initiatives of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to promote our local co-op and credit union sector.

Juice was gulped, addresses were exchanged, and laughs were shared as we all agreed to work together to recognise this special year.

The UCCC has formed an IYC2012 planning committee, whose work is currently focused on how best to encourage locals, especially young people , to tap in to all of the projects organised to honour this year. We want to help get the word out about how our co-ops and credit unions are THE answer. For more information, or to get involved, contact infouccc.coop">infouccc.coop" title="Send email">infouccc.coop.

For an idea of the scope and importance of this once-in-a-lifetime declaration, visit www.2012.coop and www.canada2012.coop for details on events and initiatives happening around the world. For an exciting BC-based project, check out the Co-op Youth Story Project

Also, have a look at out www.stories.coop for daily features of co-ops around the globe--better yet, work with the UCCC to tell the story of your own co-op!

This acknowledgement by the international community confirms that co-operatives and credit unions drive the economy, respond to social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are thriving, successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors.

It's our time to shine! We look forward to making this year really count.

Co-op Youth Stories Project - get involved!

zoe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:32:57 -0800

The Co-op Youth Story Project is an exciting initiative of the BC Co-op Association, to commemorate 2012, The International Year of Co-ops. It is working to pair up young "detectives" with co-ops and credit unions around the province who want to promote their co-ops by having their stories told.

The detectives sleuth out the stories, and then work with artist mentors to tell them..the stories then become part of a tour that will come to Nelson in the Fall of 2012. More details online at: www.theyes.ca/co-op-youth-story-project/

If you represent a co-op or credit union---What you should do now:

Think of an "angle" on your co-op/credit union that would make an interesting story someone might want to investigate/tell through art. This could be how you started, obstacles you overcame, ways you've helped members, or built community, an interesting personal story of one of you members, or even a few different stories.
Write a short, simple description of it ( it can be in point form)
Provide a contact person who can be a starting point for youth to find more info (they don't necessarily need to know a ton about the story, just know where to look, or who to talk to).

If you are between 13 and 25 years old:

Register to be one of the storytellers!
You could win $1000 toward your education!

Send this information to sarah_hyde@ bcca.coop.

IYC2012 Is Here! Join the Canadian Launch on January 12

zoe — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:31:13 -0800

2012 has been recognised as the International Year of Co-operatives by the United Nations.

Join local co-operators and co-op supporters to celebrate the Canadian launch of this historic year, on Thursday January 12, from 9-11 AM, at Kootenay Co-op Radio In Nelson. There will be a live webcast at 9:30 AM from the national launch in Ottawa, and the UCCC will unveil its plans to mark this exciting year locally.

For an idea of the scope and importance of this once-in-a-generation declaration, visit www.2012.coop and www.canada2012.coop for details on events and initiatives happening around the world.

Check out www.stories.coop for daily features of co-ops around the globe--better yet, work with the UCCC to tell the story of your own co-op!

This acknowledgment by the international community confirms that co-operatives and credit unions drive the economy, respond to social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are thriving, successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors.

We look forward to celebrating it with you!

IYC 2012Is Here! Canadian Launch on January 12

zoe — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:47:57 -0800

2012 Is Here! Join the Canadian Launch of IYC2012 on January 12

2012 has been recognised as the International Year of Co-operatives by the United Nations. Join local co-operators and co-op supporters to celebrate the Canadian launch of this historic year, on Thursday January 12, from 9-11 AM, at Kootenay Co-op Radio In Nelson.For details, contact infouccc.coop

Sounds Co-operative Project-Lead Co-op Developer RFP

zoe — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:43:18 -0800

Employer: Kootenay Co-op Radio/National Campus/Community Radio Association

Location: National - Canada

Closing Date: January 20, 2012

This position is to coordinate co-op development activities for a project called “Sounds Co-operative” funded by the Innovative Co-operative Projects Program of the Co-operative Development Initiative, and jointly undertaken by Kootenay Co-op Radio in Nelson, BC, and the National Campus/ Community Radio Association, based in Ottawa.

The project aims to provide (formative and existing) campus and community radio stations with assistance to become or transition to co-ops, report on and work with co-operatives in their community, and spread the word about co-op principles and innovative uses of the co-op model.

The Lead Developer will work with the Sounds Co-operative Coordinating Committee to source and adapt educational materials and contract co-op developers across the country to aid in the development or transition of between 3 and 5 identified new community radio co-operatives.

The Lead Developer will also act as the ultimate resource-person and coach for individual campus and community radio stations that may want to become co-operatives; and will contribute their perspectives and technical expertise on co-operatives, or train other selected developers to do the same, at five regional workshops on the same subject.

The successful applicant should be able to coordinate a team of developers to lead a selection of stations (3-5) through any or all steps of the six step co-op development process, including: pre-development; group building and establishing the form of the co-operative; planning and organizing the co-operative’s business; finance; implementation and launch; and aftercare and follow-up.

The contract will begin in February, 2012, with the bulk of the work taking place between April and October, 2012.

Because this is a national project, the radio stations could be anywhere in the country, and the developer must be willing and able to connect and stay in touch over the phone and by email. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications: ~Experience helping form, build and sustain co-operatives at all levels of development ~ Connections within the network of co-op developers across the country ~Ability to multi-task, working with others and independently ~Strong writing and communication skills ~Presentation skills ~Experience with campus and community radio is an asset

Salary: The entire contract for the co-op development aspect of this project is $10 000. The lead developer will submit a proposal, including a budget , of how this work will be divided among the co-op development team, and will consult with the Co-ordinating Committee for details around specific tasks, desired outcomes, and logistics.

Please contact Shelley Robinson shelleyncra.ca or toll free (866) 859-8086 if you would like to discuss this posting further.

How to Apply: Deadline for Submissions: 5 PM, PST, Friday, January 20

Submit to: shelleyncra.ca Closing Date: Fri, 2012-01-20

Website: http://www.ncra.ca www.kootenaycoopradio.com

Co-op Week Successes!

zoe — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:18:39 -0800

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council hosted a well-attended event at the Kootenay Country Store Co-op on October 18th. The sun was shining, and the opening remarks by UCCC Board member Corky Evans set the stage for an enthusiastic celebration of the recent successes of our 13 member co-ops and credit unions. Big thanks to the Kootenay Baker Cafe Co-op for a lovely and enormous co-op week cake, and to the Kootenay Country Store Co-op for the wonderful food. The day was also the Kootenay Co-op's Community Donation Day, which donated $275 to the UCCC toward the purchase of our 30" x 3" banner ( pictured above, with a sampling of our local cooperators)! Mark Your Calendars! Our next event will be on Saturday, November 19th--a Board Development day of training, put on in collaboration with the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-op, at Selkirk College in Castlegar--details coming soon!

November 19th Board/ Management training Event

zoe — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:20:32 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council, in collaboration with the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-op, will hold a Board Development Training Day on November 19th at Selkirk College in Castlegar, from 9:30am-3:30pm.

Building on the success of a similar training event last year, the day will offer board members and management of co-ops and non-profit organizations sessions on board recruitment and orientation, succession planning for key positions, board communication, traits of high functioning boards, and an "ask the expert" session on financial management.

Registration is $80, and includes lunch. Subsidies are available for UCCC members, by contacting zoeuccc.coop" target="_blank">zoeuccc.coop. Register online at http://thekoop.ca/events/.

A course outline/ agenda will be sent to participants after registration.

CO-OP WEEK 2011: October 18th Lunchtime Fun for Cooperators!

zoe — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:03:36 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council is busy working with our members to prepare celebrations for Co-op Week.

This year's theme, "Cooperative Enterprises Build A Better World" is also the theme for 2012- The International Year of Co-ops, so declared by the United Nations. For more information, click here.

Locally, cooperators are invited to celebrate Co-op Week on Tuesday, October 18th, from 11 am-1 PM, in the covered area outside the Kootenay Country Store Co-op at 295 Baker Street in Nelson. UCCC members will be celebrated for their successes, light snacks will be on offer, and cooperators can enter for a chance to win a co-op basket of goodies--courtesy of our local co-ops and credit unions.

Cooperators are also invited to shop at the food co-op on this day to further support cooperation, as 1% of the store's sales for this day will be donated to the UCCC.

For more information, contact infouccc.coop

SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING FOR COOPERATIVES AND CREDIT UNIONS

zoe — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:32:50 -0700

SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING FOR COOPERATIVES AND CREDIT UNIONS

Feeling overwhelmed with social media? Don't even know what “social media” means? The UCCC presents a FREE workshop for our members, to explore the ways in which social media ( Facebook, Twitter, etc) can enhance your co-op's ability to connect with your membership, market your services and products, and promote your activities-- if you know how to use the tools properly.

Board members and staff of non-member co-ops and credit unions are also invited to register, space permitting, for a $150 per person workshop fee.

When: Monday, September, 26th Lunch: 12pm ( Free! provided by the Kootenay Country Store Co-op and The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Cooperative)

Session: 12:30-3:30pm Cost: Free for UCCC members. Non-members--$150 per person. Where: The Seed Network. 2nd Floor of Reo's video (607 Front St), Nelson

RSVP: By Noon, Friday, September 23rd to colleenthekoop.ca" title="Send email">colleenthekoop.ca –with subject line” UCCC Social Media Workshop”

Limit to 3 delegates per coop (we recommend at least one staff and one board member)

What you will learn:
- Why social media provides effective tools for coops and credit unions
-How to make your communications easier, cheaper, faster and more effective
--How to deliver more powerful messages that people want to talk about - How to create 'buzz' around your coop and your campaigns
- How to best promote your coop during Coop Week
--How to stay connected with other businesses and organisarions in the co-op sector. You will create (or optimise your existing):
-Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter accounts which people will want to join and get info from

- If your coop doesn't have a Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter account - come at 11:30am so that at 12:30pm we can start running on the same page

Bradley Roulston, UCCC Chair, is delivering this workshop through his venture The Seed Network - a web-development, social media company that specializes in communications for small to mid-sized businesses.

The UCCC's 2011 Winter Training Series

zoe — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:13:56 -0800

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council has partnered with Learning Initiatives for Rural and Northern BC (LIRN) to offer its Winter Training Series for local co-ops and non-profit organisations. The series has been supported by funding from the Columbia Basin Trust. The next session will take place on Friday, February 25th, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM at the Chamber of Commerce in Nelson. Members of the Upper Columbia Co-op Council are invited to register before Monday, February 14th, by contacting zoeuccc.coop Space permitting, registration will then be opened up to others until Tuesday, February 22nd. A RELATIONSHIP OF RESPECT: Evaluating Your Executive Director/General Manager Friday, February 25th, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM Nelson Chamber of Commerce Lunch will be provided Session overview: For boards and managers, an evaluation can be the occasion of confusion, mistrust and even humiliation. Yet it could be an opportunity for building a relationship of cooperation and respect. Effective management evaluation is an ongoing process based on pre-established criteria and a rigorous and reasonable method of assessment--not just a once a year project. In this workshop boards will learn how to evaluate the performance of their executive directors/general managers while incorporating the five key elements of a constructive evaluation process: * Speak with one voice * No surprises * Make the rules at the beginning, not at the end * The executive director’s/general manager’s performance = the co-op’s performance * Positive reinforcement where it’s due As part of this workshop, we’ll discuss the timing of the evaluation cycle, considering board elections and the fiscal year. And we’ll look at how to integrate management compensation into the evaluation process. Trainer Carolee Colter, based in Nelson, BC, is a member of CDS Consulting Co-op. Since 1984 she’s been consulting with managers and boards of co-operatives on human resources issues: hiring, evaluation, compensation, management training and employee surveys. This training is focused on cooperatives, but is open to, and will be useful for, board members of non-profit organisations as well. UCCC members can register for the session before Monday, February 14th, by contacting UCCC Coordinator Zoe Creighton, zoeuccc.coop Registration is free for members of the Upper Columbia Co-op Council. Space permitting, registration will then open for non-UCCC members until Tuesday, February 22. $20 for non-members, and includes lunch.

UCCC's First Newsletter is Now Available!

zoe — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:15:02 -0700

Download the Summer Newsletter here.

Upper Columbia Co-op & Credit Union Directory now Available

zoe — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:40:30 -0700

The UCCC is pleased to announce that its research partnership with the Centre for Cooperative and Community-Based Economy in Victoria has resulted in the creation of a current directory of all active co-ops and credit unions in the region.

This 6-month project was conducted by University of Victoria student Chantal Orr, on behalf of the Council.

Big thanks to all who participated.

Please refer any errors or omissions to zoeuccc.coop" title="Send email">zoeuccc.coop

Access the Directory with contact information here.

Access the report on qualitative findings here.

UCCC To Develop Logo - Member Input Sought

zoe — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:18:55 -0700

Among The Upper Columbia Co-op Council's current priorities is the development of a logo and promotional materials for the Council. We want to encourage members to participate in the early stages of this branding process, and, to this end, invite members and their representatives to a discussion of the UCCC's key messages from 9-10 am on Tuesday, December 15th. Please contact us at infouccc.coop for details.

UCCC Monthly Morning Socials

zoe — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:17:14 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council holds monthly morning socials from 8-9:30 am on the second Tuesday of each month, at locations throughout the region. These informal morning socials are for regional cooperators to connect with one another, in an effort to share ideas and build relationships among our diverse local co-ops. They are free to attend. Please contact broulstonnelsoncu.com for details.

UCCC Acclaims new Board at 2010 AGM

zoe — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:13:48 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council held its lively second Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 29th. In attendance were delegates from 10 of the Council's 13 member co-ops and credit unions, including a representative from UCCC's newest member, Kettle Valley Food Co-op in Grand Forks. Appointed to the Board were Ben Morris, from the Kootenay Country Store Co-op, and Terry Brennan, from Kootenay Co-op Radio. The Upper Columbia Co-op Council offers a huge thanks to departing Board member, Deirdrie Lang, and looks forward to a bright future with its strong Board.

Upper Columbia Co-op Council Wins Provincial Co-op Excellence Award

zoe — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:09:51 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council was celebrated this month at the Canadian Co-op Association's Annual Congress, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, June 14-16th.

Zoë Creighton, UCCC Coordinator, accepted the Co-op Excellence Award on behalf of the association, at the Congress's Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The award recognizes the Council's outstanding contribution to the advancement of the BC cooperative sector. Credit union and co-op delegates from across the country congratulated the UCCC for its pioneering efforts in regional cooperation in the Kootenay/Boundary area, historically and currently known for its thriving cooperative activity.

“We are honoured to be recognized by this prestigious award,” remarks Creighton. “The Council's success thus far has been to increase communication and collaboration among our local co-ops and credit unions. We look forward to further benefiting our members and the greater community through learning events, public awareness initiatives, and forging connections to the provincial and national co-op sector.”

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council incorporated in 2008, and currently has members in Nelson, Castlegar, Grand Forks, The Slocan Valley, and the East Shore of Kootenay Lake.For more information about the Council, its members, mandate and activities, or for enquiries about joining its expanding membership, please visit www.uccc.coop, or email infouccc.coop

Photo caption: Jill Kelly, President of the BC Co-op Association, presents Co-op Excellence Award to Upper Columbia Co-op Council Coordinator, Zoë Creighton.

Co-op Week a Success! Draw Winners Announced

zoe — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:55:59 -0700

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council would like to thank local cooperators for their enthusiastic participation in this year's successful Co-op Week events and activities.

We were encouraged and engaged by the discussions which resulted from Nicole Chaland's talk on "Re-Imagining our Economic Future", and by the screening of "Civilizing The Economy", and would like to thank both the Columbia Basin Trust, and the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-op for their financial support of these events, as well as the Kootenay Baker Cafe Co-op for hosting the wrap-up film screening.

The Co-op Week Draw lured over 300 entries, and we would like to thank the regional co-ops for their contributions: The Nelson and District Credit Union; Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Co-op; Kootenay Co-op Radio; The Slocan Valley Co-op; The Kootenay Country Store Co-op; The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op; the Nelson Carshare Cooperative, and the Craft Connection Cooperative.

The winners have been contacted, and will surely continue to celebrate cooperation while enjoying their prizes! Thank you to everyone for entering this first annual Co-op Week Draw.

And the winners are.....

Katie Kabatoff - Nelson & District Credit Union prize

Renee Lemieux - Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Co-op prize

Joel Georget- Kootenay Coop Radio prize

Michelle St.D.- Kootenay Country Store Co-op prize

Sharon- Kootenay Baker Café Co-op prize
JoAnne Alaric - Nelson Car Share prize

Linnea- Slocan Valley Coop prize

Kris Hryniw - Craft Connection Co-op prize

Archival Press Release of UCCC Incorporatation

RobinTester — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:10:55 -0700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8th, 2008
Nelson, BC

October was an exciting month for the Cooperatives and Credit Unions in the Kootenays! On October 28, the Upper Columbia Cooperative Council received its Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies in Victoria, ushering in a new era of cooperation in the region.

The Upper Columbia Co-op Council ( UCCC) has formed to increase collaboration among the region's 80 incorporated co-ops and credit unions. The Council will have a role in helping to promote the co-op model of business to the public, in helping new co-ops to get started, and in raising awareness about how banking and lending institutions, food stores, community service providers and car owners can and do contribute to our community's economic development and social well-being by using the co-op model.

The UCCC, the first co-op of its kind in the province, is being looked at as a model for other similar councils in the Lower Mainland. 15 co-ops and credit unions in the region have already provided development support to the Council, which can now open its doors for membership to any incorporated co-op or credit union in Kootenay or Boundary regions.

To celebrate the historic incorporation of this Council, the Executive Director of the BC Co-op Association, Carol Murray, visited the area at the end of October. Carol toured Grandview Heights, the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Co-op in Castlegar ( see photo) co-ops in Nelson, and attended an early evening rendez-vous of local cooperators, hosted by the Co-op Council.

For more information on the Upper Columbia Co-op Council, or to receive a membership application, please contact Zoë Creighton, infouccc.coop .

media contact: Zoë Creighton zoeuccc.coop