The Upper Columbia Co-op Council is a regionally-based, independently incorporated cooperative association that supports its member co-ops and works with emerging co-ops to build our regional co-op sector. The Council has been developed through collaboration with and financial and technical assistance from the BC Co-op Association (BCCA). Membership with the Council includes voting rights and member benefits in both organisations.
For more information on the BC Co-op Association, visit www.bcca.coop
Your Board of Directors:
- Jesse Kerr, Chair (Kootenay Country Store Co-op)
- Levi Nicholl, Vice-Chair (Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op)
- Marco Pringle, Treasurer (Kootenay Coop Radio)
- Cam Stokes (Nelson & District Credit Union)
- Leni Normington (StellerVista Credit Union)
Team:
- Zoë Creighton, Executive Director
- Bee Schroeder, Administration
Mission, Vision and Goals
Vision
Thriving Participatory Communities
Mission
Cultivating a Diverse and Successful Co-op Sector in our Region
The Upper Columbia Cooperative Council works to strengthen cooperatives and credit unions of the Upper Columbia region of British Columbia by providing a structure through which members can collaborate on the promotion and delivery of their services, and by facilitating the sharing and development of resources among members. The Council also aids in marketing the co-op identity to members and the general public through awareness-raising campaigns and events.
Goals
1. Provide a structure through which co-ops in Southeastern British Columbia can meet;
2. Facilitate joint promotion and the marketing of members and their interests;
3. Facilitate collaborative planning for members;
4. Facilitate shared education and training for members and boards;
5. Educate the region about the principles and techniques of cooperative enterprise;
6. Promote the development and use of the co-op model for the economic and social development of the region;
7. Secure funding to enable the Association to achieve economic sustainability to fulfill its goals and to provide for the needs of its members;
8. Assist members to effectively present their interests at the regional, provincial, and national level;
9. Promote linkages between regional co-ops and the broader co-op community through membership in BCCA;
10. Ensure benefits and services as members of the BCCA.