CHASEO Member Services

Representation \ Advocacy

CHASEO acts as a local grassroots lobby centre to defend the rights and interests of housing co-ops. Co-ops are represented at:

• local housing networks;
• government and government agencies;
• co-op housing sector and other groups where appropriate.

Co-op Housing Investment Program (CHIP)

This innovative service allows housing co-ops to earn excellent interest rates on their operating accounts and save money on service charges. The interest rates co-ops can earn on their accounts is comparable to longer term investments. Your co-op can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollar$ in bonus interest! A brochure [PDF] is available.

This program is offered in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton Education Credit Union.

Co-op Cost Cutters

CHASEO members get substantial discounts on products for co-ops such as appliances, carpet and flooring, building maintenance supplies, software, paint, photocopiers and fax machines.

Telephone Consultation

Expert advice on co-op-related issues is a phone call away for member co-ops:

• interpreting by-laws
• interpreting the Co-operative Corporations Act
• interpreting funding program requirements
• solving community problems

Call during business hours: 613-230-2201 extension 223 or e-mail at ksexsmith@chaseo.org

Chairing Difficult Meetings

We have a team of experienced and skilled chairpersons available for your more difficult meetings. You are assured of professional and impartial chairing.

Special Consulting

This service is available to help address any special operating concerns that co-ops run into from time to time. Our first meeting with you is offered at no cost. We work with your co-op to find an acceptable solution financial or management issues.

Mediation

When co-ops have exhausted their own ability to resolve a conflict, CHASEO has experienced mediators that can help. We mediate conflicts between individuals or between groups (such as the board or committees) in the co-op.

Newsletter

CHASEO publishes a quarterly newsletter: Co-op Contact. Co-ops receive enough copies for each household in their co-op. Co-op Contact features news affecting co-op members in Eastern Ontario.

Staff Salary Survey

An annual survey that compiles information on salaries and benefits of local co-op staff. This is a useful tool for co-op boards in their role as employers.

CHASEO Yellow Pages

This useful guide for co-op members and staff needing to hire professional help lists local businesses and professionals that housing co-ops deal with. Businesses are rated by co-ops for their service so you have a meaningful reference. It is available exclusively to CHASEO members at no cost.

Vacancy Report

Member co-ops can advertise upcoming vacancies on our website.

Education Program

The Education Program features:

• Scheduled Workshops designed to help members manage their co-ops more efficiently and get the basic training they need.
• Special Custom Workshops can also be set up for co-ops with specific needs or to schedule a workshop at the convenience of the participants.
• Member Forums are more informal sessions that allow members to discuss current issues affecting co-ops.
• Spring Conference, a one-day education event that features a range of special workshops. It is combined with our Annual General Meeting, mini trade show and other special events.
• Fall Education Day, a one-day education event that features a range of special workshops. Also a great opportunity for informal interaction with members of other co-ops.

Free Board Basics Workshop

A free evening workshop is four times a year. It is an excellent introductory workshop for new directors who also benefit by learning from each other's experience.