Co-op delegates are goading Federated Co-operatives Ltd. management to get with it and get wired.
“It’s not a big deal, eh,” said St. Leon, Man. co-op delegate Robert Smith, who supported a resolution that calls for an FCL site on the worldwide web to be set up before the next annual meeting.
An internet site would allow FCL to educate people about co-operatives, reach young people on the net, and tell people about the co-operative retailing system, proponents said.
The resolution was overwhelmingly supported by a delegate vote.
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The support came despite lukewarm FCL comments on the resolution, and an urge for caution from Ponoka, Alta. delegate Vern Dick.
“I think we’re maybe trying to jump a little too fast,” said Dick, pointing out that computer equipment changes very rapidly and can soon be outdated.
FCL officials said “some companies have found it difficult to achieve real benefits through their websites and some sites have been abandoned.”
It listed other concerns about the worldwide web, and said: “we will continue to closely monitor the changes occurring on the web and set up a site at the time when it is clearly beneficial for FCL to do so.”
Phil Valleau of the Eastalta, Alta. co-op urged faster action.
“At one time they were against the automobile too,” he said about technological fears.
The resolution passed, but FCL’s board of directors only has to take it as a recommendation.
