New Alberta Co-op uses Covid-19 Funding to Take Guesswork out of Jasper Wedding Plans
Finding the right team of professionals for your wedding day in Jasper, Alberta, just got a lot easier. My Jasper Wedding (MJW) is a new co-op project led by wedding vendors for couples looking to get married in Jasper.
Armed with an intimate knowledge of Jasper, Alberta, MJW works with quality vendors
With its exhilarating landscape, rich history, and endless adventure sources, Jasper National Park presents an idealistic canvas to create unforgettable experiences for destination weddings.
Armed with an intimate knowledge of Jasper, Alberta, MJW works with quality vendors and suppliers to help clients connect the dots and bring their unique visions to life. From fairy-tale weddings to inspiring corporate retreats, MJW takes the stress out of wedding planning and helps ensure a memorable and seamless day.
"Living in and working in Jasper gives our co-op team a substantial advantage, said Peggy Plato, MJW co-op member and wedding photographer. "We have established relationships to help easily coordinate plans. Our packages, while highlighting local services, are flexible to meet the needs of our clients. And we know our community! The beauty calls you out to explore and play - and while you're out there, you can't help find breath-taking settings for the next photo-shoot or vow-ceremony. "
Funding helped move the project forward
According to Jordan Tucker, MJW co-op member and certified wedding designer, the concept of a unified approach was discussed before the funding stream arrived. The support provided by the Jasper Employment & Education Centre and the Alberta Community Co-op Association (ACCA) to explore the co-operative model was significant to moving the project forward.
"Co-ops models are very community-based and work to increase economic and social justice'" provided Tucker. "With all the added pressures both engaged couples and service providers are facing due to the outfall of the pandemic, launching this co-operative effort; is significant and timely."
In late 2020, funding was made available to the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association (ACCA) ) through the Department of Western Economic Diversification (WD) and a strategic partnership with Community Futures West Yellowhead (CFWY), connected local businesses with the opportunity to explore co-operative models as a solution to the impact of Covid-19. It was through this partnership that MJW was further developed.
Canadians Like the Co-op Model
A recent national poll conducted by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada(CMC) captured a picture of Canadians' perceptions about co-operatives. Nearly 80% of respondents consider co-op principles appealing characteristics for a business model. And a further 57% of Canadians identified a deep connection to the same values as the co-operative and mutual sector. (study Co-operatives and Mutuals in the Age of Uncertainty)
"When local businesses get together to build a strategy around common goals, there is no shortage of great ideas," explains Seth Leon, Manager of Co-op services for ACCA. "The co-operative business structure formalizes this work and builds capacity for the long-term growth of the local wedding business sector."
Planning to elope or want to learn more about MJW, call Jordan Tucker at (780) 931-2245. To learn more about local business development in Jasper, connect with Community Futures West Yellowhead.
For information about the co-operative model and opportunity or the ACCA, please contact Seth Leon at 587 216 2144 or email sleon@acca.coop.
