2012 Distinguished Co-op Hall of Fame Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2013

IRENE CASWELL & MARINUS VAN DE SANDE HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED CO-OPERATOR HALL OF FAME AWARD

Two of Nova Scotia’s esteemed members of the co-operative and credit union community were honored with the 2012 Distinguished Co-operator Hall of Fame award at a ceremony in Halifax on June 19th.

Irene Caswell, nominated by Atlantic Central; and Marinus Van de Sande, nominated by Scotsburn Dairy; were presented with the awards after a committee on behalf of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council deemed them the winners following an annual selection process.

The Nova Scotia Distinguished Co-operator Awards program was established in 1996 and is held annually to recognize and honor Nova Scotia co-operators for outstanding achievement and service to the co-operative movement.

Collectively, Caswell and Van de Sande have over 80 years of service to the co-operative sector, serving on various boards, committees and volunteer positions.

Dianne Kelderman, President and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, says these awards recognize the contributions made by co-op leaders, highlighting the importance of the sector, and encouraging our membership to support those that have helped to influence the economic and social well-being of our province.

To-date, there have been 32 presentations to deserving individuals.

“The Hall of Fame is intended to be a legacy”, says Kelderman. “We want to ensure that we celebrate the significant impact made by our leaders who support and sustain our rural communities, foster involvement in the sector and help our members to grow.”

The co-operative sector in Nova Scotia has 422 co-operatives and credit unions, with combined assets of $5.2 billion. The sector employs over 11,000 people; and over 300,000 Nova Scotians are members of a co-op and/or credit union.

For more Information:

Dianne Kelderman
902-899-0070
902-896-7291
diannefk@eastlink.ca