Manitoba's Top Employers

ARCTIC CO-OPS: EMPOWERED, ENGAGED & INCLUSIVE BY RHEA BARTSCH & LACEY CHYZ At Arctic Co-operatives Limited, service and accountability to independent Co-op businesses in Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon is the very foundation of every team member's role in the organization. Their commitment to fostering a diverse workforce to better serve a unique customer- base in the Arctic has put them on the map as one of Manitoba's Top Employers for the second consecutive year. The annual competition recognizes 30 leading Manitoba employers for their efforts to create exceptional workplaces. No matter the job, or length of career, the universal theme at Arctic Co-operatives is passion for the work that's being done. "You feel good coming to work. Every day you provide service to Co-ops in a part of the world where they must work extremely hard to provide goods and services to their communities. You get that feel-good feeling that you are providing something worthwhile and beneficial," says Estelle Moore, VP of Human Resources. Incorporated in 1972, Arctic Co-ops is a service federation governed by and designed for 32 community-owned, democratically- controlled businesses in the Arctic. The federation allows Co-ops to consolidate their business purchasing power, and maximize the value they can offer their own local Members in communities like Old Crow, Yukon, to places like Sanikiluaq and Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. To boost their reach, Arctic Co-operatives recently launched Facebook and Instagram pages. A social media pilot project has also taken flight, as Co-ops across Canada's Arctic are leveraging platforms that have become an essential communication tool and resource for Members who live in remote, isolated communities. "We are excited to continue sharing who we are and what we do. The recognition as a Top Employer helps us show passionate people the rewarding careers available through the Co- op System in the Arctic," Moore says. Arctic Co-ops' home office in the Inkster Industrial Park in Winnipeg employs about 100 people. The organization also has subsidiary operations including a restaurant, convenience store and gift shop in the newly renovated Iqaluit airport. Northern Images, which markets authentic Inuit and Dene artwork to people all around the world, employs another ten people from locations in Yellowknife, N.W.T., Iqaluit, Nunavut, and Mississauga, Ont. In early 2017, an employee engagement survey received 100 per cent participation by all home office employees with diversity in the workplace ranking highest with 91 per cent. CEO Rod Wilson says, "Arctic Co-ops makes a conscious effort to create a workplace environment where employees feel empowered and engaged. That includes providing self- development opportunities and promoting the strength in diversity." Maintaining a strong employer and employee relationship can be the key to success for any organization. At Arctic Co-operatives, managers and supervisors have an open-door policy that encourages employees to meet to exchange feedback, discuss goals and ensure their task list is manageable. In September 2017, Arctic Co-operatives Limited was acknowledged for excellence in leadership by the Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC). "We thank our employees who are interested in continuing education and growth within the Co-op System!" Moore says. "We also believe that when our employees are educated, equipped and healthy, they are better able to face any challenges ahead." In addition to covering 100 per cent of health and dental premiums, the organization matches the six per cent employees contribute to a pension plan on a dollar-for-dollar basis. A flex-scheduling option allows employees to begin their work day at a time that best suits their personal or family needs. To improve concentration and help find their chi, Arctic Co- operatives recently started yoga on Wednesday afternoons. Moore says their home office has started incorporating more team-building exercises and after-hours events for their employees. Folklorama and Winnipeg Blue Bomber games have become a tradition with a Staff Council playing a large role in the event co-ordination. Even with the addition of wellness speakers, training, education and much more, Arctic Co-operatives Limited continues to explore new initiatives. The workplace encourages innovation when supporting the 32 community-owned co- operative businesses in the Arctic, and empowering the staff who support them from Winnipeg. For more information, please visit arcticco-op.com. YOUR ARCTIC ADVENTURE AWAITS! Visit us online to find out more http://www.arcticco-op.com/career_opportunities.htm 1. Voluntary and Open Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Member Economic Participation 4. Autonomy and Independence 7 CO-OP PRINCIPLES: 5. Education, Training and Information 6. Co-operation among Co-operatives 7. Concern for Community @ArcticCoopsLtd @ArcticCoopLtd Arctic Co-operatives Limited 07 ARCTIC CO-OPERATIVES LIMITED STAFF COUNCIL, LEFT TO RIGHT, ARE JEREMY CHAN, DARLENE DOMINIQUE, KAREN LOUCKS, SCOTT GORDON, DENISE SPENCE, ANITA SHORTING AND AENA TEODOCIO. PHOTO BY RHEA BARTSCH

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