Message from the President for Co-op Week 2015
“Co-op Week takes place from October 11 to 17, and as President of the Mouvement, I am exceedingly proud to participate in this week that is celebrated around the world. The theme for Co-op Week 2015 is “Our Co-op Advantage.”
With more than $3.5 billion in assets belonging to their members, your Caisses populaires acadiennes are truly a collective success story. With nearly 80 years of history behind them, the Caisses were born of a need to join together, to organize and to create solid institutions built and developed on the strength of volunteer action.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is our desire to serve our members. We use the strength of cooperation not only to provide our members with a full range of financial services, but also to contribute to the economic and social development of the Acadian community. We are also proud to provide employment to nearly 1 000 people here in New Brunswick, and to be an employer of choice for those seeking a career in the world of finance.
With our 51 business locations, we have always been by far the financial institution that has the most presence in the province, and we continue to strive to meet the needs of our members in today’s highly competitive financial markets. Another major advantage will be put in place in January 2016, when members are provided with universal access in our business locations throughout New Brunswick.
By and for ourselves
Your financial co-operative belongs to all its members. It is locally administered by officers elected by the members. All Caisse members have a right to vote, regardless of the size of their portfolio or their financial requirements: 1 member = 1 vote! Our elected officers and committee members participate in the management and development of the Caisses populaires acadiennes and their communities. We made the decision together to modify our structure, and decisions will continue to be made here in New Brunswick, by people who are contributing to the successful operations of our Caisses populaires, and who like you, live here. Our bridging collectively project adopted on November 14, 2014 will, among other things, promote increased democratic participation by members.
Moreover, as this renewed co-operative model is gradually implemented over the coming months, the Caisses will continue to adhere to the co-operative values and principles that have been our strength for so many years. One undeniable advantage of being a member of your Caisse populaire lies with its generosity and active participation in the development of local communities. This is an important distinction that we intend to continue focusing on and improving. In the past year, more than $4.5 million was shared among members and communities in the form of individual and collective dividends. We are convinced that we can do even better in the near future!
A winning formula
Our experts provide members with access to high quality advice and services to meet their financial needs. Through our Financial Business Centre, your Caisse partners in the SME projects of thousands of businesses owned by men and women in our province. The values and principles on which the co-operative movement was founded are more compelling than ever: pooling of resources, democratic control, accountability, economic participation and autonomy. The financial co-operative model allows Caisse members to fulfill their needs under conditions that are in keeping with their aspirations. The Caisses populaires acadiennes make a unique contribution to the quality of life of the people of New Brunswick.
In closing, I invite you to join the Co-op Week celebrations by participating in the many activities that will be taking place in our communities. And please share what you consider to be the “Co-op Advantage” on social networks, using keywords #coops2015 and #cpacadiennes.
Take this opportunity as well to visit your Caisse populaire and its dynamic personnel, and experience the co-operative difference. On behalf of the employees and elected officers, I wish you an excellent Co-op Week 2015!”