Long time producer organization the Alberta Barley Commission (ABC) has joined forces with the brand-new producer group the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) in opening a joint office in Calgary.
“It seemed like a natural fit to come together in a collaborative partnership and share resources to be more cost effective for our producers,” says Doug Cornell, general manager for the AWC. “We are two organizations that are working for the same purpose and the same members.”
The two organizations will have some of their own dedicated staff — the ABC has seven full-time employees and the AWC has six. Both organizations will share seven administrative employees.
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“Our organizations have very similar goals and priorities,” says ABC general manager Lisa Skierka. “Working out of the same office allows us to co-ordinate resources while ensuring that we are an effective voice for the farmers we represent.” This is the first time that two Alberta marketing commissions have entered into such a joint administrative partnership. It has already been extended into other areas — some of this year’s regional meetings will be combined ABC/AWC events to make it more convenient for producers to attend.
The joint office will also house the office of the Barley Council of Canada, which is the national organization representing barley growers. The council’s affairs are being managed by the ABC. A national wheat industry group is being organized but its head office has not yet been determined.
The new joint office is located in the Deerfoot Atrium in NE Calgary. Those adjacent buildings are already a hub of producer and industry agency and organization offices, including Alberta Beef Producers, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and Canada Beef Inc.
