The past few months at BCCA have been fast-paced and rewarding as we navigated challenges and celebrated exciting milestones. A key highlight is welcoming Aaron Rideout to our team as Public Relations Manager on October 22. Aaron’s energy and expertise are already bringing fresh ideas and momentum to our work!
We’ve made significant progress in strengthening the co-op sector’s voice and presence in BC. Co-op Week was a standout, with two incredible events co-hosted with member organizations. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Complex Networks for Cooperative Economies webinar, co-hosted with the International Centre for Cooperative Management (ICCM), and to those who braved the blustery weather for the film screening and mixer event with Solid State and the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation (CWCF). Combined, these events brought together over 80 people! We also welcomed three new members, launched a social media member highlight series, and gathered invaluable member feedback through surveys and focus groups to refine our value proposition. This feedback will guide our upcoming two-day board strategy session in early December. During this session, BCCA staff and the Board will work together to develop our three-year strategic plan, which we look forward to sharing with our members for their input.
Looking ahead, 2025 will be monumental as we celebrate the UN International Year of Cooperatives. We’re planning two major initiatives to mark this occasion: a virtual trade show and a provincial co-op tour. These events will spotlight the diversity, strength, and potential of BC’s co-operative sector while fostering connection, learning, and collaboration.
We invite members and partners who are interested in sponsoring or participating in these events—or who simply want to learn more—to contact us. Together, we can make 2025 a year to remember for BC’s co-op movement.
Thank you for your continued support. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to working with you to build an even stronger cooperative economy!
Tara