CO-OPERATIVE MERIT AWARDS RECIPIENTS TO BE HONOURED DURING SASKATCHEWAN CO-OPERATIVES WEEK

Saskatchewan residents who have made outstanding contributions to co-operative development in the province have been named as recipients of the 2011 Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards Program.

Awards in three categories will be presented on Monday, October 17, at a banquet in Regina as part of the proclamation and recognition of Co-operatives Week in the province. Nominees are submitted annually by co-operatives and credit unions throughout Saskatchewan and the award recipients are selected by representatives of the Co-operative sector in Saskatchewan and the provincial government.

"The Merit Awards recognize the qualities we value most in the people who drive and support our province's successful co-operatives," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "These individuals are certainly not alone in their dedication and commitment to their communities, but they have set the bar particularly high and their contributions are an example for others to emulate."

The recipients are as follows:

• Bob Kirkland-Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award, which recognizes long, varied and meritorious service by volunteers and elected individuals.
• Lisa McEachern-Co-operative Young Leaders Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by young people to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan.
• Patrick Lapointe and Roger Herman-Co-operative Contribution Awards, which recognize those who, through their involvement with co-operatives and credit unions, have inspired others or otherwise improved their quality of life.

Other Co-operatives Week events on Monday, October 17, include the annual Co-operative Flag Raising Ceremony in the Rotunda area of the Legislative Building in Regina, and the Co-operative Council of Regina Luncheon. For more details, visit http://www.sask.coop/co-op_week.html.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: jamie.shanks@enterprisesask.ca