Elevating the performance of co-operative enterprises through customized business education
In this edition:
  • First Year Master's Student Me'Lea Connolly Named a Bush Fellow
  • Registration Open for Online Programs: Master's, Graduate Diploma and Certificate in Co-operative Management
  • Credit Union Leadership Program: CanadaDE (Halifax, June 3-8)
  • Executive Education: New Locations and Courses Announced
  • Other News
Master's Student Me'Lea Connolly Named a Bush Fellow
Connolly is working to establish the first Black-led financial co-operative in Minnesota. She was already a proud co-operator, but emphasizes the value of the CME program: "The Co-operative Management Education (CME) program in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University has been a pivotal point in my journey as a co-operator. My passion for the co-operative commonwealth was fueled by the broad and deep
education the CME program has provided. I'm also proud to have a strong foundation of support in my class cohort family. I consider the program to not only be an education but an entry point, thrusting my cohort and those past, towards the forefront of international co-operative growth and innovation. It is an honour and privilege to represent the vibrant community of the northside of Minneapolis (USA) as well as the brightest minds of the co-operative industry during my journey as a Bush Fellow. Armed with a Master's degree in co-operative and credit union management, I will have the opportunity to fill the talent gap as we cultivate new leaders," said Connolly.

The Bush Fellowship provides Fellows with up to $100,000 over 12 to 24 months to pursue learning experiences that help them develop leadership skills and attributes. The Fellowship is distinctive in its flexibility, allowing Fellows to articulate what they need to become more effective and agile leaders. Fellows can use the funding to pursue advanced education, networking opportunities, and leadership resources, workshops and training. "The 2018 Bush Fellows are exceptional leaders who have made the most of the opportunities in their lives," said Bush Foundation Leadership Programs Director Anita Patel. 
Registration Open and Bursaries Available: Master's, Graduate Diploma and Certificate in Co-operative Management (Online, part-time)
Let your future self thank you. Why not jump into education in 2018? You'll be on your way to building your knowledge, insight, management competencies and network. These Master's level business programs are designed to meet the growing demands of co-operative and credit union managers. From marketing to human resources,
co-operatives have a unique opportunity to take customized approaches that optimize this business model. The right education means doing business differently in a way that elevates co-operatives and credit unions to stand out.

Your opportunity is here! Each year we open 25 seats for co-operative professionals to join the ranks of some of the most innovative and creative leaders in the co-operative system. Join new, stimulating conversations. Meet other keen co-operators from around the world. Get exposed to new solutions to current issues.

Online, part-time education for working co-operative professionals:
  • Master of Management, Co-operatives and Credit Unions (3 years, includes 10-day co-operative study tour to Spain)
  • Graduate Diploma in Co-operative Management (20 months)
  • Certificate in Co-operative Management (10 months)
*Bursaries available - Contact us ASAP to be eligible for financial support* [email protected]
Credit Union Leadership Program in Halifax: Canada DE
Join inspired CU professionals from around the world for this international leader ship program. Canada DE is a week-long, immersion program focused on sharing and elevating your credit union knowledge while expanding your network. This program can be a stand-alone experience or taken as part of the International Credit Union Development Education (I-CUDE) designation.
June 3-8 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
*Several $1000 bursaries are still available*
New dates and locations: 3-Day Executive Education - Enhancing Business Performance through Co-operative Management Practices
This course tackles how to manage the co-operative equilibrium, building on the dual aspects of membership and enterprise embedded within the co-operative business model. Learn how to strengthen identity and loyalty. Led by Dr. Daniel Cote, in addition to co-operative sector featured speakers, participants will dig into case studies that help illuminate major issues and opportunities for the co-operative business model (co-ops and credit unions).

REGISTER TODAY! More details and registration information here.
  • May 15-17, 2018 (Nelson, BC, Canada)
  • November 1-3, 2018 (Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA)
  • December 3-5, 2018 (Manchester, UK)
  • May 7-9, 2019 (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
Other News 
New Executive Education Course - Co-operative Finance and Capital
This course will be offered in a 1- and 3-day format. The first offering will be October 2, 2018 (1-day version) in Washington, DC, USA. More details here.

Master's Graduate Wendy Carruthers of The Co-operators Featured in International Publication
Wendy Carruthers from The Co-operators was featured in the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation's magazine. See article entitled "The eureka moment: Tailoring management education to the mutual and cooperative business model" on page 18. Wendy reflected on her education: "I was inspired by amazing people from all across the co-op sector. Being involved with a global cohort is hugely valuable. We step back from regulatory and niche markets to look at our common challenges and struggles and this re-engages us in our roots and cooperative organisations. We are given the chance to inspire one another," she explains. View the article here (page 18)

Several Graduates Showcased in Cooperative Grocer Feature Article
In the feature piece "Teaching How to Do Business Differently", several US-based food co-op managers explain how they're taking on business after their CME education and what it means to optimize the co-op business model in all aspects of their work. Thanks to graduates Dan Arnett, Jeff Bessmer, Sean Doyle and Matthew Epperson for their commitment to doing business differently. View the article here

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For More Information:
Contact us at [email protected] or to join an upcoming informational webinar, register for April 18 (12pm EDT) here.

Quick links:
WWW.MANAGEMENTSTUDIES.COOP