Every October, cooperatives from all sectors across the country celebrate National Cooperative Month. The purpose of this annual celebration is to recognize the cooperative difference and allow Cloverland Electric Cooperative to highlight our purpose.
Celebrating National Cooperative Month showcases our unique business model, which is based on the Seven Cooperative Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership; Democratic Member Control; Members’ Economic Participation; Autonomy and Independence; Education, Training, and Information; Cooperation Among Cooperatives; and Concern for Community.
For co-op employees and members that are familiar with the principles, the month of October is a great opportunity to renew our connection to each other and the purpose of our co-op.
To celebrate National Cooperative Month, look for a variety of programs we offer – from energy optimization savings to time-saving services like Auto Pay plus promotional contests to celebrate – you – our members.
In the U.S., there are more than 29,000 co-ops serving in every single industry. Many co-ops from different sectors join together during the month of October to promote the benefits that cooperatives provided to their members and the communities they serve.
There are more co-ops in our local community than most people realize. Soo Co-op Credit Union, Parker’s Ace Hardware, Les Cheneaux Area Artisan Cooperative, Soo Co-op Nursery, plus agricultural co-ops, food co-ops, and more. Last month, we featured a Marquette Brewery Club that used the co-op business model to open a brewery. Co-ops are even represented on the shelves at our local grocery stores, such as Land O’Lakes, Welch’s, Organic Valley, Cabot Cheese, Sunkist, Ocean Spray, and many more.
According to the latest data, more than 130 million people belong to a co-op in the U.S. alone, and co-ops employ more than 2 million Americans.
This factor speaks to the heart of why we must take every opportunity to celebrate and to promote the value of the cooperative business model. Participate in these celebrations by purchasing co-op products and look to do business with co-ops right here in our local community. We celebrate you as an active member of Cloverland Electric Cooperative!
Kind regards,
Michael (Mike) Heise