John Sheller, Trustee PCC Natural Markets Seattle, WA John shares a unique perspective he brings to his board by way of his professional work as a manager of public libraries in the Seattle region. You may be surprised at how much overlap exists between a public library system and a community-ownd co-op. A fascinating watch!
Doug Hoffer, State Auditor of Vermont In terms that economists and policy-makers can appreciate, Doug Hoffer enumerates a handful (but certainly not all) of the benefits to local communities and economies of growing cooperative enterprises of all sorts.
Madeline Rogero, Mayor City of Knoxville, TN Mayor Rogero tells an important story about the partnership between the Three Rivers Market Co-op and the City of Knoxville. The results of that partnership have been fruitful for all involved including the members, the citizens, the co-op and the City.
Russ Wille, Community Development Director City of St. Peter, MN Another successful tale of cities and co-ops cooperating to everyone's benefit. Mr. Wille takes us through the types of aid that were made available to the St. Peter Food Co-op, as well as the benefits to the city as a result of the partnership.
Jon-Michael Muise, Area Director of Rural Development US Department of Agriculture Mr. Muise shares what he sees as the role of cooperatives in actualizing positive change in the marketplace.
Clem Nilan, General Manager City Market Onion River Co-op Ed Antczak, Economic Development Specialist City of Burlington Community & Economic Development Office Look at what is possible when there's the political will to cooperate! The City of Burlington, VT, and the Onion River Co-op, in a brilliant display of cooperation on a civic level, have forged a partnership now 10 years strong.
Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy-Secretary [bio] US Department of Agriculture Washington, DC Don't miss this brief talk on the opportunities that cooperatives have, especially right now, and the resources that the USDA has available to support cooperative growth and excellence.
