We are so very proud of our Executive Director, Kelly Storie, who received this October the prestigious 2019 Co-operative Spirit Award for her commitment and contributions to the Ontario Co-operative movement. This recognition is the latest in a long series of industry awards for La Siembra Co-operative, which 20 years ago started the fair trade chocolate industry in North America with the introduction of Cocoa Camino.
The Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA) was founded in 1989 and is the apex organization for the Ontario co-operative sector, which involves over 1,500 democratically organized businesses that are driven by people, planet and profit, and contribute $6 billion annually to the Canadian economy.
Since 1989, OCA has awarded leaders in the co-operative movement with the Co-operative Spirit Award. In accepting the award, Kelly cited, “I feel especially privileged to be chosen amongst the ranks of so many amazing co-operators and friends that do great work for this sector.” Kelly also noted, “Camino products are made to support democratically organized farmers and connect them with Canadian consumers, and vice versa. It is only natural that we organized ourselves as workers into a democratic co-operative model. I’m humbled to accept this award and to go to work every day with all the wonderful co-owners of La Siembra.”
