Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 23/02) - Last Saturday ended Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op's celebration of Co-op Week.

"It's a national week celebrating co-ops and credit unions in Canada," said Arctic Co-operatives Ltd.'s Chris McCarville.

Board members were at the store handing out magnetic fridge magnets and shopping bags.

Earlier this week, Arctic Co-ops launched a new Web site at www.arcticco-op.com. There are 35 Co-ops in the NWT, Nunavut and Northern Manitoba. The stores are owned by member-shoppers.

The first Yellowknife Co-op opened in 1981 and was first run by volunteer staff. Today it has a staff of about 70 people.

Every year the Yellowknife Co-op board uses the October week to listen to members' concerns and suggestions. Last year the Yellowknife grocery store increased its membership by 30 per cent and finalized plans to double its size.

The store's renovations plans are scheduled to be tendered by Christmas.