The Nova Scotia Projects
Grainery Food Co-op
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding: $12,700
Description: The goal of this co-operative is to offer locally grown, organic produce. This project aims to modernize the co-operative by stabilizing and documenting its operations and by developing a new business plan that will include relocation to the new Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market.
Scotia Direct Lobster Co-op Ltd.
Location: Saulnierville, Nova Scotia
Funding: $20,000
Description: The goal of this project is to use a new transportation method to revitalize the fresh lobster market for Nova Scotia fishers. Aqualife technology is now used in complement of airplanes for the transportation of live shellfish. The ability to export live lobster, freshly caught from the ocean, will greatly increase the value of the catch, thereby increasing profits for fishers.
Annapolis Oilseed Co-op
Location: Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia
Funding: $15,000
Description: Annapolis County has a wealth of agricultural lands, but many of them are lying fallow. The goal of this project is to study the viability of an oilseed processing plant that would primarily produce soybean meal, with biodiesel as its main by-product. The plant would operate using a closed loop system.
Clean Annapolis River Project
Location: Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Funding: $15,000
Description: The proponents wish to explore the feasibility of creating a co-operative that will market the specialized environmental protection expertise that its members have developed over the years. The proponents of this co-‘operative are 18 non-profit environmental management organizations. The co-operative will generate new funds to reinvest in charities and environmental activities.
Le Conseil co-oppartif acadien de la Nouvelle-Ecosse for the Public transit co-operative project committee
Location: Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
Funding: $20,000
Description: This co-operative will offer a public transit service for persons with mobility issues in the Cheticamp region. The main users will be elderly persons, but some residents without vehicles are also expected to use the service. This project will address a need identified by the residents of the municipality, which does not even have a taxi service.
Kelderman recognized as one to regions Top 50 CEOs
Dianne Kelderman, President of Atlantic Economics and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, was recognized Wednesday May 12 as one of Atlantic Canada's top business leaders.
Ms. Kelderman was one of 50 business leaders selected by Atlantic Business Magazine to be honoured at a banquet in Halifax recognizing the Top 50 Chief Executive Officers in the region.
A specialist in economic analysis, regional development and alternative funding, Ms. Kelderman was recognized for her commitment to the co-operative industry and her on-going efforts to improve the economic climate in the province.
Though far from boastful about her accomplishments, she’s not shy about them either.
``As a leader and private-sector owner, I think I’m a visionary. I’m usually at the 10,000-foot level seeing the big picture. This may be why I love skydiving and parasailing!”
Managing more than $35-million in projects and contracts annually, she has helped develop several small business equity programs, launched Canada`s first and only online health care clinic and helped to create or maintain nearly 3,000 jobs in Nova Scotia.
Over the past 10 years, she has served, under contract, as CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council headquartered in Truro. She was the first woman president of the Truro District Chamber of Commerce, president of the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce, and a director of the Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
“Breaking the glass ceiling of the old boy’s club was a coup,” she told the magazine in an article detailing each of the winners’ accomplishments. “At the same time, I was doing what I always do – giving it my all."
Ms. Kelderman was one on 28 CEO`s from Nova Scotia honoured, six of whom were women.
The Top 50 CEO awards are presented annually to 50 of the region’s most accomplished business executives. Winners are selected by a panel of Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame judges, from hundreds of nominations. Nominees are judged on their proven managerial ability, reaction to challenging situations, leadership philosophies, organizational growth over a three-year period, and commitment to industry and community development.
Employment Partnership Launched
The provincial government and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council kicked-off a new partnership Feb. 24 that will connect unemployed or under-employed Nova Scotians with jobs that meet today's labour market needs.
Premier Darrell Dexter and Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse launched the Target 100 employment program. Mountain Equipment Co-op, a member of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, hosted the event, which was broadcast live via a government webcast.
The Target 100 program is designed to recruit, train and employ 100 Department of Community Services' clients over the next two to three years for jobs at co-op businesses around the province.
"Target 100 connects real people with real jobs in their community, and not just any jobs, but good jobs with benefits, profit sharing and opportunities for advancement," said Premier Dexter. "These are the kind of jobs that will enable struggling Nova Scotians to raise their families and build a life."
Over the next few years co-ops and credit uions will have hundreds of vacant positions to fill. It makes sense to work with Community Services, which shares the same values, to fill the positions, said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse.
"Both the co-op council and Community Services operate on values of self-help, social responsibility and caring for others," Ms. Peterson-Rafuse said. "Target 100 allows us to work together to support the healthy productive people and communities we believe in."
"This is the best kind of partnership, one where everybody wins," said Dianne Kelderman, chief executive officer of the council. "It is a win for the co-ops looking for employees, a win for Community Services in its efforts to provide people in need with opportunities to become independent and, most importantly, a win for those who find not just a job, but a career."
Potential positions vary from customer service to marketing, management, skilled trades and administrative. Salaries will start at $10.50 to $15.50 an hour. Jobs will also come with medical and dental benefits, pensions, co-op shares, training and the opportunity for loans at reduced rates.
Budget Allows Credit Union Growth
Credit unions are applauding the federal government’s plan to introduce legislation that will make it easier for the co-operative financial institutions to operate nationally.
In his federal budget, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Ottawa will move forward with legislation that allows credit unions to incorporate federally.
Credit unions say the legislation will give them more growth options if they are allowed to operate outside their traditional provincial boundaries.
"We are marking a historic milestone today," said Mark Mcloughlin, chairman of the Case for Progress committee, an industry group that has been lobbying for such changes for years.
"This new legislation benefits all Canadians by increasing their choices in selecting a financial institution. It will strengthen the stability and competitiveness of the entire financial services industry in Canada."
Credit unions are relatively small co-operative financial institutions that are owned by their members. Currently, more than five million Canadians belong to a credit union.
In Quebec, one of that province’s biggest financial players is the Desjardins financial co-operative, which operates banking, credit union and other financial services.
Credit unions also have a bigger presence in British Columbia and other parts of Western Canada, where the movement has deep roots.
From The Canadian Press
Valencia Named to Co-operation Council
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance would like to announce the recent selection of NSCYA participant, Amber Valencia to the Atlantic Council for International Co-operation’s Active-8. Amber attended NSCYA’s Eastern Region Seminar in 2009 and has been working to educate her fellow peers on the issues surrounding global development.
Amber has dedicated the last 4 years to such groups as NSCYA, Students With Boards, Global Issues Committee, 30Hour Famine, and has taken part and directed numerous fund raisers for international groups. Inspired by her heritage, Amber says her dedication is driven by the words of Dr. Seuss. “And the turtles, of course... All the turtles are free- As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be."
As part of the International Development Week for 2010, the Atlantic Council for International Co-operation wants to recognize youth leaders who promote global social justice and environmental sustainability in their everyday lives. Amber is one of eight Youth Ambassadors from throughout the Atlantic region who was selected to be part of the ‘Active-8’ Team who will lead the campaign by inviting individuals and groups to create an on-line pledge to take action during International Development Week. Each Youth Ambassador will compile a team of other youth who will compete to win a prize for the most pledges obtained. The eight individuals and their efforts to build a better future will be profiled nationally with other youth leaders from across Canada.
“Amber is an inspiring and outstanding young lady. Her love for her fellow man, and the beliefs and values of co-operation makes her a perfect candidate. Her positive attitude is motivational and she is an absolute asset to any team. Amber is an amazing young leader, and she continues to groom herself for a bright future”, says NSCYA Program Coordinator Meghan Farrell.
Co-op Sector Launches Innovative Health Management Service
HealthConnex – Connecting People for Health, a new initiative pioneered by Nova Scotia’s co-op and credit union, recently launched its first in a suite of service offerings. A web-based portal, offering access to a range of health management information and moderated health discussions went live for the 300,000-person strong co-op sector in the province and is also open to all Nova Scotians.
“The goal of this initial offering is to start more Nova Scotians on the path to actively managing their own health care. Our health system is set up to provide care when we get sick. HealthConnex is about helping people stay healthier and better manage illness when it strikes,” Dianne Kelderman, CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-op Council said.
The HealthConnex portal perfectly complements Canadians changing expectations and desires about health care. Earlier this year a detailed study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found 58% of Canadians want online tools to help them assess, monitor and manage their health.
While the internet has millions of sites offering health information, a challenge isfinding sites that are reliable and offer medically sound information. The HealthConnex portal meets that challenge.
All of the health information provided on the site comes from respected and validated sources. The blogs and discussion forums on the site will be moderated.
“We see HealthConnex complementing the efforts of doctors by making patients more aware of how they can better manage their health,” Kelderman said.
From this start as a source of reliable health information, HealthConnex will grow in 2010 with a mix of services and tools. The initiative will be offering easy access to affordable health and wellness services not covered by government funding. And it will be providing services to family physician clinics that allow doctors to spend more time on patient care.
“We are targeting the early spring for another launch of useful health and wellness services,” Kelderman said.
Seaport Market Construction Hits Halfway
Construction of the new $11.5 million Halifax Farmers’ Market at Pier 20 in Halifax has reached the halfway point, virtually assuring the state-of-the art facility will be open for vendors and shoppers this summer.
Designed by Lydon Lynch Architects, the Seaport Farmers’ Market will be one of the most environmentally sustainable markets on the continent. Energy will be provided through wind turbines, solar panels and a geothermal heating system. A green roof will deflect heat in summer and collect rainwater year-round to be used for cleaning and flushing the toilets.
The open concept project will be double the size of the current space in the historic Brewery Market.
The project received money from three levels of government, but organizers have also set up an economic development fund that offers tax incentives to individuals who invest in the market.
Gordon Michael, executive director of the Farmers’ Market Investment Cooperative, said the market will be returning a dividend back to the cooperative when it turns a profit — likely a year and a half after it opens this June or July,
“It’s a business model. It’s not a charity,” he said in a release.
“The more that the market does in the way of business and other revenue streams, the investors will benefit.”
So far, the cooperative has raised $1.2 million with over 430 investors.
Shares will be sold into the spring.
For more information www.halifaxfarmersmarket.com and click on investment
Former Scotsburn Head Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim MacConnell, retired president and CEO of Scotsburn Dairy, was honoured recently with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.
During his 36 years with the giant dairy MacConnell oversaw expansion and acquisitions that grew the company to 800 people when he retired five years ago.
MacConnell did odd jobs at the plant when he was a young child, but he never worked in the business until after university and some time working with a Halifax oil company.
There was just 20 employees when he joined as sales manager in 1964, but that number grew at the businesses focus on butter grew to include milk and especially ice cream.
Over the years he fought efforts to move the company to Toronto, preferring to keep the company close to its Stellarton roots.
MacConnell`s community involvement has been extensive. His name appears among the lists of presidents or directors of community organizations ranging from Chamber of Commerce, the Pictou Regional Development Corporation to the Pictou County YMCA.
In retirement he still sits on the advisory board for Scotsburn and is a member of the Board of Directors for Co-Op Insurance and Knox College in Toronto. He is the current chair of the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation and an elder at Kirk Church.
Council Lauded for Governance Procedures
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council was honoured recently (Dec.2009) by the Canadian Cooperative Council with the Leadership in Co-operative Governance Award (Small Co-op Category).
The award recognizes innovation and excellence in governance in co-operatives and credit unions across Canada and seeks to showcase the movement's strengths in the area of governance. It is also provides the opportunity for co-op and credit union boards to learn from each other.
The Nova Scotia council was selected for undertaking a board-led, comprehensive governance review built on significant research and best practices. The result was a comprehensive and sound governance framework and manual that is considered the guide for all of their actions and decisions.
The effort was considered significant because the organization is relatively small and the results were deemed to be so successful. During the process it was recognized that the leadership shown by the board, the strong evidence of excellence in its governance practices, and the commitment to co-op principles were exemplary.
Additionally judges were impressed because the governance processes can be readily transferred to other co-ops of a similar size.
Dianne Kelderman, CEO with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, said after the board decided to undertake the governance renewal process it researched best practices both in the co-operative and the private sector, hired specialists to conduct board workshops on governance and held ongoing discussions at board meetings about policies and procedures.
“Governance became as a standing agenda item at every board meeting,” she said.
Ms. Kelderman says the task of governance renewal is daunting, but worthwhile. It can be a time consuming process, but she said if tackled in bite-sized pieces and boards use the research and models already in place, they can duplicate the Nova Scotia council’s success.
Affirmative House-Co-operative Futures visited by Premier
A 10-unit co-operative housing project for people recovering from mental illness was officially named Affirmative House - Co-operative Futures in an Oct. 23 ceremony attended by Premier Darrell Dexter
“This is more than just safe affordable housing,” said Dr. Norman Greenberg, a board member with Affirmative Industries, the not for profit organization that has been promoting the project for more than three years. “This is a way people with disabilities can begin to take more control over their own economic future.”
Since 1991 Affirmative Industries has been helping people with disabilities find work or start their own businesses as a way to build their economic independence. With the construction of Affirmative House - Co-operative Futures that effort takes another step forward.
“In addition to paying their rent, each tenant contributes monthly to a special savings plan. Their contribution is matched by Affirmative Industries and the province so at the end of five years, the tenants have earned savings that they can use as a down payment, or toward the purchase of a car if transportation issues are hurting their employment options,” said Affirmative Industries chair Ken Greer.
The tenants are supported to develop specific plans for their savings that can only be accessed after five years of contributions.
"I am pleased that government is able to work with a community organization to develop a model that offers safe, secure housing in a supportive environment so people can manage their lives and participate in their community, “ said Premier Dexter.
Land for the project at 66 Lakecrest Drive was donated by the Halifax Regional Municipality. A fundraising campaign and the construction trades contributed the remaining 10 per cent of the $1.2 million price tag.
Dianne Kelderman, CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, said the project is a model that can and should be replicated across the province and across the country.
“It is a huge challenge for people recovering from mental illness to find a home and begin to recover what they have lost. Affirmative House - Co-operative Futures proves that it doesn’t have to be that way.”
There are eight one-bedroom units in the complex and two two-bedroom units. The property shares a common room and all tenants are actively involved with the management of the property.
In 2008 the project won a Canadian Institute of Planners Award of Excellence for Housing.
Look Out Mr. Dexter A Co-operative Youth Group Is Out To Get You
A dozen young people who share a passionate belief in the future of co-operative businesses have set themselves a challenge: get a picture of Premier Darrell Dexter in one of their “I Love Co-ops” T-shirts.
They’d hoped to nab the NDP head honcho during a community spirit conference held in Truro in late September, but the premier was unavailable to attend due to commitments in the House of Assembly in Halifax. Undaunted, the young people, members of the Nova Scotia Youth Co-operative Alliance, and finalist in the Excellence in Youth Leadership category at the conference, have a new plan to get Mr. Dexter to struggle into one of their shirts.
“This is the 60th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, and the 75th anniversary of credit unions, so we were looking for a fun project to mark those milestones,” said Meghan Farrell, an organizer of the group. “We came up with this. It’s fun and we’ve got another chance to get Mr. Dexter in late October when the Co-op Council holds a wine and cheese get together.”
Ms. Farrell said there is education that goes with the frivolity as the group gets to tell those who don the shirts about the impact Co-ops and Credit Unions are making in the province.
“People are surprised when you tell them that there are more than 400 Co-ops and Credit Unions in the province and collectively they control $5 billion in assets,” she said. “They are intrigued when we talk about Co-ops that deal in Health Care and Credit Unions that offer special green loans for the purchase of environmentally cars.”
A recent survey by Progress Magazine showed that ten of the 100 largest companies in Nova Scotia are co-operatives. Companies that are household names like Scotsburn, Co-op Atlantic, Co-operators Insurance, and Credit Union Atlantic are on the list.
Dianne Kelderman, CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, said she’s inspired by the enthusiasm of the young people and proud of their efforts to make the advantages of co-operative businesses better known.
“While Nova Scotia is exporting our young people at record numbers, Co-ops and Credit Unions have launched aggressive youth strategies that are seeing young people actively engaged in leadership development, internships and sitting as directors on boards,” she said. “They offer a fresh and exciting perspective.”
In addition to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance - which has been rolled out across the Province - the Nova Scotia Community College has taken an interest in co-operatives. In January, the business school on the Truro Campus introduced the province’s first co-op curriculum. Fourteen students completed the course and there are now discussions underway to replicate the program in other community college locations across the province.
Co-operative businesses and Credit Unions also worked with the Nova Scotia Community College, Waterfront Campus, to place young management and accounting students in Co-ops and Credit Unions for their work terms this year.
Ms. Kelderman said the group’s 60th anniversary has been marked with special events that ranged from special picnics, to a visit in June by U.S. civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. During his speech at The World Trade and Convention Centre he energetically endorsed co-operative business principles.
More than the events, Ms. Keldeman said it is the council’s efforts to support the day-to-day work of co-operative owner-operators that is the most rewarding. Those efforts include innovative programs like micro credit, a small business loan guarantee program that put $28 million into the hands of small business, and the recently announced $2 million loan guarantee program targeted at immigrants.
“At a time when we are exporting nearly $1.6 billion a year in RRSP dollars out of Atlantic Canada - over $600 million from Nova Scotia alone, with less than four percent of it coming back in the form of re-investment - co-operatives and credit unions are providing attractive options and mechanisms for people to keep their hard earned dollars at home, at work and in our communities where it belongs.”
Mark Sparrow, a development office for the council working in Cape Breton, stressed the financial bottom line is not the only bottom line for co-ops. Almost half of the registered co-operative enterprises in the province are non-profit organizations created by individuals who have seen a problem that needs fixing, and determined the co-op model is the best way to make the needed changes.
As a result, many Nova Scotians with special needs are gaining meaningful employment through co-ops like The Missing Lint in Sydney, Quick Stuff Food Co-operative in Dartmouth, or Team Work Co-operative in Halifax. These groups find or create jobs for the most marginalized in our society and give them the opportunity to claim their independence and their dignity.
Co-operatives also offer many seniors and young families an opportunity to live in their own homes. There are more than 40 housing co-operatives in the province where members take responsibility for everything from financing to snow shovelling in exchange for the opportunity to live in homes that would be beyond their reach.
On a structural note, Ms. Kelderman said the council was successful this year in securing a change to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Associations Act. It now allows for the issuance of preferred shares for all co-operatives registered in Nova Scotia. This is an important change for the sector, as it allows co-operatives to raise needed capital in new ways, keep existing capital in the business, and it removes a competitive disadvantage that co-operatives have faced for many years.
