Allied Member members

Joy Emmanuel is a co-op developer, researcher and community economic development practioner. She lives in OUR Ecovillage in Shawinigan Lake, BC. She was a senior researcher and project manager at the BC Institute for Co-operative Studies (now the Centre for Co-operative and Community-Based Economy) at the University of Victoria. Joy has been a board member of the Research Advisory Committee with CCEDNet. She has edited and contributed to several books on co-operatives including Effective Practices in Starting Co-ops.

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).

The Council offers a wide variety of services to help facilitate the continued success, growth, and competitiveness of co-operatives and credit unions in New Brunswick.

Whether you're a new or existing co-operative, or are just interested in finding out more about how to start a co-op, the Council has something for you. 

Kaye Grant is an experienced business consultant, project manager, researcher and trainer who has conducted a range of consulting projects and research studies over the last 15 years for a variety of clients. She has experience in project planning and management, market research and analysis, marketing strategy development, business development and planning, program reviews and management training. Kaye has been involved within community development with local non-profit organizations, co-ops and a social enterprise. Kaye has participated in co-op development training as well. Kaye brings a well rounded business consulting knowledge and experience to her co-op development work.

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.

Billy has run or participated as a member-owner in several small businesses. He is the founding member of Vasa Co-op, a worker co-op that deals in fairly manufactured and environmentally friendly garments and tote bags. Billy is a Business Counsellor with SEED Winnipeg and is the Project Co-ordinator for their work with immigrant, refugee, newcomer social enterprises and co-ops. He took Devco's Advanced Co-op Developer Training in March 2011.

Carinna is the Director of Business Development Services at SEED Winnipeg. She has assisted with the development, launch and aftercare of Diversity Food Services, a social enterprise co-owned by SEED Winnipeg. Carinna has completed Devco's Advanced Co-op Developer Training. She also has completed six core courses in Foundations for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding.

Mark Sparrow is the Business Development Officer for the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council for the Cape Breton region providing advisory assistance to start-up, and existing Co-operatives.

Since graduating from Cape Breton University's BBA program in 2006 with a concentration in Marketing, Mark has worked with various local organizations including Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, Coastal Business CBDC, and the Nova Scotia Association of CBDC’s.

An avid volunteer, Mark contributes his time to awareness and fundraising efforts with Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Big Brother Big Sister, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Children's Wish foundation. In February 2011 Mark took part in a volunteer co-operative study mission in Sri Lanka as part of a team with representatives from across Canada.

Mark believes strongly in JCI Cape Breton as an organization for developing young leaders and has been a member since 2006. He has served on the board as Chair of Membership Initiatives, Executive Vice President, Interim President, President, and is currently the Chair of the Board.

Mark was awarded a JCI Cape Breton HYPE award in 2007 for "Excellence in Individual Development" for his efforts to help others achieve their potential. Recently Mark was recognized by JCI Canada as the Most Outstanding Chapter President in the country for 2010, and also received the Young Alumnus of the Year award from Cape Breton University the same year.

Executive Director

Co-operative Development Officer