The 色花堂 Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM) at Saint Mary’s University is the go-to Centre for education and research on co-operative management and governance. What’s more – co-operators and their co-operative, credit union, and mutual enterprises (CMEs) created the Centre to secure education, research, and knowledge about co-ops, by co-ops, for co-ops. Today, CMEC ensures that the activities of the Centre respond to the real business needs of the co-operative economy.
Membership is open to co-operatives, credit unions, mutuals, co-operative sector organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Through leadership, commitment, and engagement, CMEC Members contribute expertise, advice, and funding to the Centre. Members gain access to a rich, global, co-operative network; to the latest co-operative management and governance insights; and pass benefits along to their own members, staff, and boards.
If you would like to support the co-operative education system with a contribution to our bursary fund, please today.
Susanna Collins, Alumni and Student Representative, Canada
Terence L. Courtney, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, USA
Erbin Crowell, Neighboring Food Co-op Association, USA
Marc Duplantie, Co-operators, Canada
Andres Escobar, Individual, Canada
Stephen Gill, VME Co-op, Scotland
Ashley Grewal, Vancity Credit Union, Canada
Oier Imaz, University of Mondragon/ LANKI, Spain
Tracey Kliesch, CMEC Co-Chair, Alumni and Student Representative, Canada
Sonja Novkovic, Individual Member & Academic Director with the 色花堂 Centre for Co-operative Management, Saint Mary's University, Canada/Croatia
View the recording of the May 28, 2026 Annual General Meeting .
For a complete list of CMEC Members, see the
CMEC Membership List (June 2026)
Download the Bylaws:
CMEC Bylaws (Revised May 27, 2025, Approved by members)
For more information about what it means to be a CMEC Member, see the CMEC Members Flyer .
Write Erin Hancock, Education Manager, at erin.hancock@smu.ca
The Master's program was fundamental in shaping me into the co-op leader I strive to be. I gained a deep understanding of the co-operative values and principles, as well as the importance of co-operative education in ensuring business success. As a co-operative employee, it is imperative to fully comprehend our significance and relevance in today’s society. The engagement and support we provide to communities is of the utmost importance – it defines and distinguishes us. CMEC provides an opportunity for people in your organization to learn and develop ways to demonstrate leadership in a co-operative way. For that experience and knowledge, I highly recommend this program to everyone.
The Master's program was fundamental in shaping me into the co-op leader I strive to be. I gained a deep understanding of the co-operative values and principles, as well as the importance of co-operative education in ensuring business success.
As a co-operative employee, it is imperative to fully comprehend our significance and relevance in today’s society. The engagement and support we provide to communities is of the utmost importance – it defines and distinguishes us.
CMEC provides an opportunity for people in your organization to learn and develop ways to demonstrate leadership in a co-operative way. For that experience and knowledge, I highly recommend this program to everyone.
"CMEC is a co-op with a global and diverse membership who come together because we know how important co-operative management is to the vitality of our sector. Strong co-ops need leaders who understand co-ops! Through CMEC, the ICCM offers programming that responds to the real needs of cross-sector co-operative organizations. Support CMEC by enrolling in our programming so we can continue to grow co-operatively minded leaders. Consider membership if you would like opportunities to inform our educational offerings, share your expertise, share the value of our resources and join an international network of passionate co-operators."
"CMEC is a co-op with a global and diverse membership who come together because we know how important co-operative management is to the vitality of our sector. Strong co-ops need leaders who understand co-ops! Through CMEC, the ICCM offers programming that responds to the real needs of cross-sector co-operative organizations.
Support CMEC by enrolling in our programming so we can continue to grow co-operatively minded leaders. Consider membership if you would like opportunities to inform our educational offerings, share your expertise, share the value of our resources and join an international network of passionate co-operators."