Developers in / Des développeurs : Ontario

Mike Driscoll, P.Eng. MBA, Dipl. CED

Mike has been an engineer, business professional and currently a consultant with over 28 years of experience in a wide variety of organizations. He has created companies and organizations in the business and non-profit sectors, writing the business plans, raising capital, and managing operations. Most recent education and community experience is derived from Mike’s Graduate Diploma in Community Economic Development. Mike is on the roster of the Community Economic Development Technical Assistance Program and is a trained practitioner for The Natural Step’s™ system conditions for organizational sustainability.

Direct involvement in co-operative development began with the writing of the business plan for the Guelph Community Car Co-operative, and continues as a founding worker member of the Natural Burial Co-operative (www.naturalburial.ca). Start up facilitation and evaluation of three new co-operatives has fleshed out Mike’s knowledge of organization and incorporation issues. Mike’s general knowledge can be applied to any stage of the start up or operations phases of an enterprise.

Peter is the Co-op Development Manager at the Ontario Co-operative Association. Former Member–Owner of Planet Bean Coffee of SUMAC Community Worker Co-op – A worker’s co-operative that roasts and sells Fairly Traded organic coffee based in Guelph.

Past Executive Director of Ontario Worker Co-op Federation – Began with the organization as a Worker Co-op Developer servicing the Guelph region to evaluate business feasibility and entrepreneurial team spirit, write business plans, incorporate worker co-ops, and raise start-up capital. Acted as Executive Director providing public education, business consultation and networking information (Ontario Worker Co-op Federation, 1993 to 2004).

Past Executive Member – Representing the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation on the Executive Council of the Canadian Co-operative Association (Ontario Region), 2000 to 2004

EDUCATION – Hons BSc., McMaster University, 1974. President of McMaster Students Union 1974-75 (full-time position).  Graduate of the Co-operative Management Certificate Program 2010, sponsored by OnCo-op and the Schulich School of Business.

Peter has traveled extensively in Central and South America as well as Europe, Africa, and South East Asia. He enjoys playing guitar, skiing and hiking. 

Russ has been working with co-operative enterprises for twenty-six years.  Over the course of this time, he has encouraged and supported the development of over 120 co-operatives, with a seventy percent success rate (for which his gives the founders credit).   

A common theme for all of Russ’ work is co-operative sustainability:  The collective creation and sharing of wealth within an ecological framework.   
 

Catherine Lang has worked in management and consulting with social economy organizations for over 25 years.  She held the position of Regional Manager of the Canadian Co-operative Association in Ontario and created and directed many of their programs in co-op developmnet, youth and public education.  Through C. Lang Consulting, Catherine balances her grassroots community work with research and knowledge creation at the national and regional level. 

Recent co-op development experience includes the development of two arts-based co-operatives -- a workers co-operative of storytellers and a textile artists studio co-operative --as well as organizational development, research and fundraising with social co-operatives providing services with and for persons with disabilities in Ontario.  Catherine also facilitates networks and workshops for non-profits seeking to create social purpose enterprises. 

With a passion for connecting people and unleashing the power of collaboration, Catherine seeks to inspire and support innovation and innovators in rural, community and co-operative economic development.  In 2006 she co-authored Innovation Pathways: Tools for Rural and Northern Community Innovation (www.innovativecommunities.ca).  Catherine holds a Masters degree in Adult Education as well as a BA in Sociology and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Social Work. 

Graduted with a BA Princeton, MA and PhD Cornell University, MES York University. Has worked in co-op management for almost 20 years in both Canada and the United States. She has extensive experience as a consultant and manager in a variety of organic and natural food and agriculture co-operatives and enterprises. She has been designing and facilitating workshops and trainings for over 20 years for community groups, non-profits and co-ops. She was a founder of the Fourth Pig Worker Co-op in 2007, a co-op dedicated to the design and installation of alternative energy, and to natural home-building. In 2009-2010, she has been working with Toronto's West End Food Co-op. The Co-op recently received a grant to open a community cannery in the heart of Toronto's West End, in partnership with PARC, a drop-in centre for adult psychiatric survivors. She has also published a book on innovative approaches to achieving a more equitable and sustainable food system (Edible Action, Fernwood Publishing, 2008).

Angela is an advisor and consultant on co-operation matters within the Biotechnological and Biopharmaceutical industry with expert knowledge of the Co-operative Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990. She has experience in the preparation of feasibility research and business strategic plans for emerging co-operative initiatives. Angela has worked with cross-functional teams to execute business and strategic decisions to implement new and/or revised policies, procedures and standards. She has analysed and documented business/technical data/information and processes. She has over 6 years Project Managerial experience. Angela has a successful proven track record in organizing and implemention of specific objectives. She has strong leadership skills in motivating and providing support to team members. Education and training: Project Management Program Certification; Ryerson 2004, ISO 9001:2000; Lead Auditor Certification, 2000, Concordia University; CECEP-Dawson College, 1986.