Business View Magazine - Feb 2024

spans over a century. As Cornerstone Co-op points out, if the synergy between visionary leadership and engaged member- owners sets the stage for growth, then strategic planning, diversified services, and collaborative ventures propel a cooperative beyond the ordinary. The essence of a thriving local co-op lies in fostering a cozy, inclusive atmosphere where every member feels not just heard but essential to the co-op’s narrative. From the warmth of the staff greeting customers to the community events that spark new connections, every interaction should embody the cooperative spirit. Cornerstone Co-op embraces this sentiment and has already given it central focus in its day-to-day operations. At Cornerstone, success transcends profit margins. It’s about the familiar faces in aisles, the community projects funded, and the sustainable practices embraced. It’s about the joy of member-owners actively participating in shaping the co-op’s destiny, knowing that every purchase contributes to the collective well-being. This successful co-op stands as a hub of vitality, a brand embedded in its community’s heart, and a beacon of cooperative values that stand the test of time. In the annals of history, Cornerstone Co- op stands as a testament to resilience, community morale, and the enduring power of collective action. INITIATING AND UPGRADING THE COOPERATIVE SPIRIT Cornerstone Co-op was one of the first cooperatives established in 1919, at it’s first location in Mannville, Alberta. It held a pioneering role in the cooperative movement in the area. Picture the early days—a tight-knit community pooling resources for essentials like barrels of apples, loads of coal, heating fuel and meat lockers for fresh meat. It was about bringing vital services to central Alberta in a farming and agricultural environment that otherwise wouldn’t have access to these services. Of course, this also implied that collaboration 189 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 02 CORNERSTONE CO-OP