GUELPH, ON, April 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The Co-operators welcomed seven new directors to its board as the Canadian-owned insurance and financial services co-operative wrapped up its Annual General Meeting today in Toronto. The meeting brought together representatives of the organization's 44 member-owners, including 85 delegates and 22 directors.

As a co-operative, The Co-operators Group Limited is governed on a democratic basis by its member-owners, which include Canadian co-operatives and credit union centrals. Member-owners appoint representatives to regional committees, who nominate the members of the Board of Directors.

The seven new members of the board are:

• Dave Abel, Credit Union Central of Manitoba (Manitoba Region)
• Don Altman, Ontario Natural Food Co-op (Ontario Region)
• Phil Baudin, Modo The Car Co-op (British Columbia Region)
• Johanne Charbonneau, Central 1 Credit Union (Ontario Region)
• Jim MacFarlane, Atlantic Central (Atlantic Region)
• Emmet McGrath, Central 1 Credit Union (British Columbia Region)
• Don Rolfe, Central 1 Credit Union (Ontario Region)

"Our member-owners represent a wide variety of sectors of the Canadian economy, from coast to coast to coast," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our member-owners govern the organization on a democratic basis, which is a key characteristic of co-operative enterprises."

The Co-operators Group Limited is a national group of companies that provide insurance and financial services to Canadians. It includes property and casualty insurers Co-operators General Insurance Company, the Sovereign General Insurance Company and COSECO Insurance Company; life insurer Co-operators Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary TIC Travel Insurance Co-ordinators Ltd.; The CUMIS Group Ltd., which insures credit unions and their members; and institutional asset manager Addenda Capital Inc.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $35 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators