The Co-operative Spirit Recognition Awards, part of the Co-operative Conference and Gala, celebrated 11 years of supporting the co-operative sector. The event, held on October 14th 2009, was hosted by the Ontario Co-operative Association. The Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) develops, unites and promotes co-operatives throughout the province of Ontario. Their mission is to link, cultivate and connect co-operatives.The Ontario Co-operative Association has recognized outstanding individuals and organizations in the co-operative sector since its inception in 1999. In 2009, nine new recipients were added to the Spirit Award “Hall of Fame” in an extra-special ceremony. This year, TEUCU’s very own CEO, Diane Kocet was honoured with the Co-Operative Innovator Award. The Co-operative Innovator award honours recent co-operative or credit union initiatives. Diane excels as a mentor to staff and members, and has embraced social media to strengthen her credit union community.