The Co-operators and Sunshine Coast Credit Union announce collaboration

The Co-operators and Sunshine Coast Credit Union (SCCU) announced on Monday that they have entered into an arrangement to provide clients and members with more convenient access to each organization’s products, services and expertise.

The Co-operators has relocated its advisor’s office in Gibsons, British Columbia to be side-by-side with SCCU’s Gibsons branch and head office, The Co-operators said in a press release. 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,” the release said.

 “As two co-operative organizations with a longstanding 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 CEO of The Co-operators.

 Shelley McDade, CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union, added that “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 The Co-operators via its credit union-focused subsidiary, The CUMIS Group Limited. The side-by-side locations in Gibsons will provide easy access to knowledgeable advisors and a range of financial tools for clients of The Co-operators and SCCU members, the release said.