Full Day Workshop (MG-1)

Co-op management is both a challenging and rewarding experience, where effective day-to-day management of operations determines the success of the co-op. A key component of having sound management is the Board’s role to manage personnel including co-op staff and external contractors.

In order to keep good staff, co-op Boards need to have a solid understanding of what makes a positive employer-employee relationship. This management workshop will equip you with the knowledge of principles and practice to help ensure the successful management of your co-op.

This workshop covers the following:

• governance vs. management in your co-op
• overview of the five “Core Management Standards”
• the interdependent roles of managers and directors
• working with the board to ensure principled leadership
• recruitment and selection of employees
• managing, motivating and evaluating staff
• the tendering process: scope of work, tendering call/award and managing the project

Full Day Workshop (MG-2)

This workshop is a must for new board members and a great review for long time members. A comprehensive introduction to the basics of the planning, forecasting and budgeting processes to ensure the viability of your co-op. Workshop attendees will find that the emphasis on real life examples will allow them to be an active and valuable participant in their very next board meeting.

This workshop covers the following:

• reading financial statements
• reducing risk through sound internal control processes and procedures
• managing arrears and vacancy loss
• setting co-op budgets
• planning and forecasting your co-op’s financial picture
• preparing for a financial audit
• your co-op’s fiduciary responsibility – rights and obligations

Half Day Workshop (MG-3)

Making the decision to evict a member is never a simple or easy one. Due diligence is key during this process. Ensure you are legally compliant and thorough while being fair to all parties involved during the process. This workshop will help ensure that paperwork and processes are in place and supported once this difficult decision has been made.

This workshop covers the following:

• overview of eviction procedure for co-ops
• making the eviction decision
• legal paperwork and process
• by-laws and legal obligations

Half Day Workshop (MG-4)

Finding good members can seem like it is the luck of the draw for your co-op. In reality, it is a process that requires some planning and a good deal of compliance. Ensure your co-op’s applicant selection process is both rigorous and fair with this informative workshop session.

This workshop covers the following:

• overview of co-op principles
• the membership interviewing process
• active listening skills
• member selection – federal program co-ops
• background checks, references and human rights legislation
• diversity and inclusion considerations in a co-op setting
• co-op membership rights and responsibilities
• best practices for new member orientation

Half Day Workshop (MG-5)

How does your co-op to attract new members? What works for you? What has worked for others? Communicating and promotion of co-op values and benefits is not as easy as it once was. Many co-ops are engaging in social media, newsletters, shared boards, etc. What will be your best practices for communicating with and marketing to your co-op audience? Walk away with new awareness and important suggestions, tips and feedback for new ways to reach your intended market.

This workshop covers the following:

• exploring best practices for communicating with members
• planning for communication to your current co-op membership
• attracting qualified applicants through promotion
• streamlining the membership selection process
• engaging digital marketing opportunities
• using social media to promote and communicate at your co-op

Half Day Workshop (MG-6)

Performing unit inspections provides a valuable opportunity to ensure safety, security and comfort for co-op residents. Taking a needs based approach, this workshop provides participants with an overview of the most effective, efficient and compliant processes for conducting various unit inspections. Save time and money with your newly acquired knowledge.

This workshop covers the following:

• conducting inspections in a co-op setting
• matching unit inspection types to the needs/requirements
• selecting qualified and skilled trades people
• reporting process for inspections
• managing safety and security during inspection
• procedures for move-in/out of units

Half Day Workshop (MG-7)

What does it take to be prepared for any emergency at your co-op? Preparation and planning is the key to managing risks in times of crisis. Reduce your co-op’s financial and legal exposure with this informative session.

This workshop covers the following:

• designing your co-op’s emergency plan
• disaster preparedness and readiness
• planning for community safety and security issues
• financial controls and financial preparation for emergency preparedness
• ensuring safety compliance in the contract tendering process
• roles and responsibilities of the board and members

Half Day Workshop (MG-8)

While conflict is a normal part of everyday life, it can be debilitating when it leads to communication breakdown. What do you do when you run out of options? And how can you avoid getting there in the first place? Explore new pathways to addressing conflict in this interactive session. Walk away with tips and hints for ways to manage conflict in your own life and to reduce the likelihood of conflict escalation in your co-op environment.

This workshop covers the following:

• understanding the origins of conflict in a co-op setting
• overview of conflict resolution process
• utilizing active listening skills in business communication
• rights and responsibilities of the board and members
• communicating difficult messages