One of Carman Co-op's board members has been elected to represent 14 retail co-operatives in F.C.L.'s District 14, which covers south central and southwestern Manitoba.
She replaces Barry Gosnell who held the position for the past 15 years, and decided to retire. Van Koughnet has been the Secretary for Carman Co-op's Board the past 6 years, and a Director for 8.

She tells us she enjoys being a Co-op Director because it's a unique business.



Van Koughnet is the first woman to represent a Co-op District in Manitoba, and believes she will be the first of many because there are a lot of capable women serving on Co-op boards everywhere.

Federated Co-op has divided western Canada into 15 districts, representing 240 retail co-operatives. Van Koughnet explains there will be a transition now where her focus will not be on the local Co-op but rather shift to the success of all co-op retails in western Canada.



She says she's looking forward to getting to know the rest of the board members. Van Koughnet adds over the years she has taken advantage of the training opportunities offered to her through the Co-op. She has participated in provincial conferences and was honoured to chair the past event.