October is Co-op Month!
Oct 01, 2020
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There are more than 40,000 cooperative businesses in the United States with 350 million members (many people belong to more than one co-op). These cooperatives generate $514 billion in revenue and more than $25 billion in wages, according to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, with support from USDA Rural Development (http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/default.htm).
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Cooperatives represent a strong business model and greatly contribute to both the national and local economies
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Studies show that consumers want to do business with companies that share their values, making today’s environment ideal for cooperatives and their commitment to the communities in which their members live and work
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Co-ops don’t have to answer to outside shareholders; they care about meeting their members’ needs
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Co-ops represent democracy in action, with control exercised by a board of directors elected from the ranks of members; the board hires and directs management and is ultimately responsible to the members
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Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives often take part in community improvement programs, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the cooperative experience.
Cooperative Month Videos:
100 Years of Cooperation - Visionaries PBS Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=Igh1qcFHo-4