NEW AWARD EMPHASIZES YOUTH INVOLVEMENT WITH CO-OPERATIVES

Nominations are now open for the 28th annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards, which feature a new award recognizing the contribution of youth under age 35 to the co-operative sector.

“Just as co-operatives have always played a vibrant role in Saskatchewan’s economy, so too have youth been an integral part of Saskatchewan’s co-operatives,” Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said.  “Saskatchewan people see how our co-operatives are building better futures for us, so I ask that Saskatchewan residents take the time to nominate the individuals and groups who make these co-operatives so successful.”

The new Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Leadership Award will be presented this year along with the awards for the Co-operative Achievement Awards and Co-operative Contribution Awards for individuals; and the awards for the Co-operative Enterprise Awards for co-operatives and credit unions.

Sponsored jointly by the Saskatchewan Co-operatives Association (SCA) and Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development, the awards are made annually to recognize Saskatchewan co-operators, co-operatives and credit unions for outstanding contributions to the province.
 
“Co-operatives and credit unions are major contributors to social and economic innovation in Saskatchewan,” SCA executive director Warren Crossman said.  “With the wide variety of co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan, including day care, agricultural, recreational, home care, health care and housing co-operatives, nearly every person in Saskatchewan is affected by a co-operative in some way.”

Nomination forms are available from the SCA’s website at www.sask.coop, by phone 306-244-3702 or by e-mail at sca@sask.coop.  Nominations will be accepted until May 1.  Presentations will be made at a banquet during Co-op Week in October.

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For more information, contact:

Donna Rehirchuk
Regional Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: drehirchuk@agr.gov.sk.ca

Wayne Thrasher
Regional Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0190
Email: wayne.thrasher@gov.sk.ca

Warren Crossman
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-244-3702