Ms. Kathy Bardswick reports

THE CO-OPERATORS AND SUNSHINE COAST CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO BETTER SERVE CLIENTS AND MEMBERS

Co-operators General Insurance Company and Sunshine Coast Credit Union (SCCU) have entered into an arrangement to provide clients and members with more convenient access to each organization's products, services and expertise.

Co-operators has relocated its adviser's office in Gibsons, B.C., to be side by side with SCCU's Gibsons branch and head office. Operating as Sunshine Coast Insurance Services Inc., the arrangement facilitates a one-stop-shop experience for Sunshine Coast residents, who will benefit from convenient access to a complementary suite of insurance, lending, banking and wealth management products, services and expertise.

"As two co-operative organizations with a long-standing relationship, it was natural for us to work together to further leverage our co-operative advantage for the benefit of our respective clients and members," said Kathy Bardswick, president and chief executive officer of Co-operators. "The collaboration, which exemplifies the principle of co-operation among co-operatives, allows us to offer a better experience to our clients, while strengthening our presence in B.C."

"Coming together with the Co-operators as Sunshine Coast Insurance Services Inc. is in complete alignment with our commitment to create value for our membership," commented Shelley McDade, CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union. "Now we can provide financial advice to our members and refer them next door for their insurance needs. Consumer expectations are increasing; our goal is to create a better, more efficient experience for those who choose us as their financial institution."

The collaboration builds upon the long-standing relationship SCCU has built with Co-operators via its credit-union-focused subsidiary, the CUMIS Group Ltd. The side-by-side locations in Gibsons will provide easy access to knowledgeable advisers, and a range of financial tools for clients of the Co-operators and SCCU members.

Celebrations will take place at each SCCU branch in Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour on May 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with refreshments, prize draws and giveaways.

Sunshine Coast Insurance Services is located at 101, 985 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, B.C.

About Sunshine Coast Credit Union

For 74 years, Sunshine Coast Credit Union has worked collaboratively with stakeholders to enrich the lives of its members and the Sunshine Coast community at large. Trusted by over 15,000 members and known for playing a lead role in the community, SCCU is locally owned and operated, holding over $447-million in assets and employing over 75 people in the Sunshine Coast.