Aboriginal Co-operatives in Canada - Centre for the Study of Co ...

A P P E N D I X I ~Reasons for SuccessThe Cambridge Bay co-op has one of the most viable operations of its type because of thevolume of business it generates through the strong support of the community. It is a majorpresence in the community as an employer and promotes circulation of money in the communitythrough its patronage refunds. Bill Lyall has had a continuing positive influence on theoperations of the co-op. He promotes a friendly, family-type atmosphere with his employeesand customers.Bill comments on the success of the co-op. “The Native lifestyle works very much aroundco-operation so that the community will survive. For example, we share meat amongst ourextended family. The co-op banks on the support of the community for its continued success.”Bill also notes, “Every part of this organization complements the other.” The restaurant andbakery complement the hotel business. Customers staying at the hotel are encouraged to shopat the retail outlet. The retail store provides a needed service to the community, which iscomplemented by the arts and crafts centre. The fishery provides a means of livelihood forindividuals following a traditional lifestyle or who want seasonal employment, while alsomeeting a demand in the marketplace for arctic char. The cable system provides a service thatmeets a desire of local co-op members.It seems to be in the community’s economic interests that the co-op businesses succeed. Billnotes, “In the first five days of opening the fish plant, we made out cheques for over $11,000.With the other businesses, the co-op contributes a lot to the local economy with a payroll ofabout $10,000 every two weeks. Patronage refund cheques are another example of moneystaying in the community and benefiting local members.”Bill tries to follow a philosophy of personal service.I know the people that shop with us personally and I always try to greet them or helpsomeone out who might be short of cash one month. It’s just temporary, so I think thatkind of a help goes a long way in a small community. I try to keep our staff happy andI encourage our staff to treat our customers well. We listen to everyone’s suggestionson how to improve our service, but everybody has to work together to have a successfulbusiness. If I have a good manager, I try to keep at arm’s length from their activitiesand only become involved if they ask for help. This policy does tend to keep goodpeople here. By giving somebody full authority, they know you trust them and they tryharder to make it work.If someone is sick or wants extra time off, we try to have that flexibility in everypart of the co-op, as long as we have a little notice. My job is to make sure everything300 ~