The CYL Advantage - keep it top-of-mind!

Since its beginnings, almost 50 years ago, the Co-operative Young Leaders Program has been an important part of the Ontario agriculture co-operative sector. It has changed and grown in many ways since agriculture co-operatives launched the program in 1967; but today it is still vital that we continue to sponsor kids to CYL.

Last week, GROWMARK was the weekly sponsor for Senior-A session at Lake St. George Field Centre in Richmond Hill. I had the opportunity to participate as a panel judge and listen first-hand to four groups of young presenters give their pitch on an idea for a new co-op business start-up. It is during these brief opportunities that one realizes the impact the program has on these kids. From everyone behind the scenes to the facilitators that volunteer their time, it is apparent this program really matters to all involved.

I was also able to meet a very appreciative young man, who was the first recipient of the Bernie Daly (send a kid to CYL) Memorial fund during my visit.

As founders of the Co-operative Young Leaders Program, we must keep a strong focus on promoting the program in our rural communities, with our boards of directors and employees. 

Remember to sponsor a young person to CYL!  

After their "create-a-co-op" panel presentations, and the last day of their CYL experience, 25 senior CYLers and facilitators took a moment to say thank-you to GROWMARK!