In 2005 the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives (NLFC
) announced a partnership to advance the regional co-operative development strategy. The strategy will enhance the development and promotion of the co-operative model to support business growth in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
A regional co-operative developers’ network was established by comprising eight departmental staff with extensive experience working within rural communities. They were given co-op development training which helps them to identify co-operative opportunities, initiate regional projects, and promote the co-op model for business. Network members also assist existing co-ops with funding proposals and provide advice about by-laws, co-op legislation, board training, and business planning.
| Region | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | Jeff Mercer | (709) 729-7138 | jeffmercer@gov.nl.ca |
| Eastern | Craig Hiscock | (709) 466-4177 | chiscock@gov.nl.ca |
| Central | Darryl Perry | (709) 256-1499 | darrylperry@gov.nl.ca |
| Western | Sheila Earle | (709) 637-2634 | searle@gov.nl.ca |
| Labrador | Max Mullins | (709) 896-2400 | mmullins@gov.nl.ca |
| Corporate | Daxton Pinsent | (709) 729-2141 | dpinsent@gov.nl.ca |
| Strategic Industries - Agrifoods | Goldie Porter | (709) 729-7986 | goldieporter@gov.nl.ca |