Reflections on the 2024 Alberta Co-operative Conference: Moving Forward Together

Reflecting on the 2024 Alberta Co-operative Conference, themed "Moving Forward: From Us to What's Next," I'm struck by the sense of possibility that defined the event. This theme encapsulated a shared commitment to advancing the co-operative movement—celebrating our successes, addressing challenges, and inspiring new ideas for the future.

Gratitude for Our Sponsors and Participants

Organizing an event of this magnitude is no small feat, and it would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. I sincerely thank Calgary Co-op, Power Co-ops of Alberta, Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops, Alberta Central, Co-operators, Alberta Co-operative Energy, and Metrix Group. Your contributions were not just financial—they were pivotal in helping us bring this event to life and make it a success.

Equally, I want to thank everyone who attended. Your participation added incredible value to the discussions and brought energy and insight to every session. I'm deeply grateful for your involvement—your engagement makes this event meaningful.

Highlights: From Leadership to Laughter

Premier Danielle Smith's thoughtful reflections highlighted the vital "threads" co-operatives weave into Alberta's social and economic fabric—past and present—strengthening the province in unique and impactful ways. I also thank Hon. Dale Nally for his opening remarks, MLA Brandon Lunty for sharing GR insights, and Hon.Nathan Neudorf and Hon. Jason Nixon for their roles in elevating the annual Co-op Awards.

A particularly memorable moment was hearing mischievous, light-hearted stories from a gentleman in the energy sector, whose tales of youthful adventures sparked laughter and built connections across generations. These shared stories serve as a delightful reminder of the human connections and history that unite our co-operative community.

Inspiring Sessions and Visionary Leaders

This year's lineup of speakers brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Co-operatives First enriched the event by introducing guests from emerging co-operatives, sparking conversations about growth and resilience. The sessions led by Clark Banack, Tim Carson, Dan Ohler, Tonya Fleming, and Elliot Bridgewater—this year's Co-operative Visionary Leadership Award recipient—were a standout. They explored how investment co-operatives revitalize communities, enhance service delivery, and strengthen local economies. For further insights, I recommend checking out Clark Banack's recent publication, "Innovative Uses of the Co-op Model and Rural Economic Development Opportunities in Alberta and Beyond."

Another highlight was the session Great Stories ... Told: Addressing Awareness Challenges Co-ops Face, led by Heather Williams from Co-operators and Jeff Hoffart from Do Some Good. Their insights on using authentic storytelling to overcome awareness challenges resonated deeply, providing actionable tools to amplify co-ops' impact and connect with values-driven audiences.

I also want to acknowledge every speaker who contributed to this year's event. Your insights and expertise were the heartbeat of the conference. If you couldn't attend or want a recap, explore this year's entire lineup. We also welcome your feedback—it helps us improve future conferences. Here is the conference feedback link.

Looking Ahead: Building Together for 2025

While I'm proud of what Liane and I achieved as a team of two, one regret is not having more time to connect personally with attendees—it all felt like a blur! Your thoughtful feedback and thank-you notes have been energizing, reminding me of the importance of these moments to celebrate our successes and tackle challenges together.

Planning for 2025 is already on my mind, and we're looking to you—our members and the broader co-operative community—for ideas and inspiration. I'm excited about next year's event and the possibilities it holds. If you're interested in shaping next year's event, please get in touch with me at execdir@acca.coop. Together, we can ensure the conference continues to be a meaningful dialogue and collaboration platform.

The Value of Membership

Whether you're a member of ACCA or part of Alberta's wider co-operative community, your voice is essential in guiding the future of our sector. Consider joining us as a member—not just as a commitment but as a catalyst for driving growth, fostering innovation, and contributing to the vibrancy of Alberta's co-operative ecosystem. Membership helps build the momentum we need to tackle the challenges and celebrate the victories ahead.

If you're inspired to join our efforts and help shape the future of Alberta's co-operative sector, we invite you to explore membership opportunities with ACCA. Get your membership started today and become part of this growing movement. For questions or to learn more about membership benefits, contact Liane, Member Services, at connect@acca.coop.

Thank You

Thank you for making the 2024 Co-operative Conference such a success. As we move forward together, I'm inspired by the collective strength of Alberta's co-operative community and the possibilities ahead. Let's continue to connect, collaborate, and create a future where co-operatives lead the way.

Much Appreciation,
Corinne Remple
Executive Director - ACCA