Podcasts about cooperatives

New @greenpillnet pod out today!

Bryan is joined by senior journalists Neal Wallace and Richard Rennie and AgriHQ senior analysts Suz Bremner and Mel Croad, to reflect on the big news stories of 2025. They cover the big company sell-offs, the changing regulatory landscape and what the export and local markets have in store for 2026.

In a time when organizations are navigating generational change, evolving leadership expectations, and shifting workforce dynamics, cooperative boards have a unique opportunity to lead differently, anchored in values, purpose, and shared ownership. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton, Vice President of Organizational Development for FCCS Jay Lux, and Angie Coleman, Organizational Development Consultant with FCCS. Their conversation centers around director strategies for connecting with the spirit of cooperative identity so that every choice made in the boardroom strengthens both the organization and the people it serves.    Episode Insights Include:   What makes cooperative governance distinct? The cooperative structure is made up of the members, for the members.  Decisions made by the board directly impact those whom it serves.  Boards include member-owners of the organization.  Cooperative governance starts with member benefits, not shareholder return.  Decisions are made with and for the people that the board serves.  Cooperatives exist to create value with their people.    The future of cooperative boards As businesses grow in complexity, cooperative boards offer insights into how to best serve their members.  Shifting workforce and generational shifts are aligned with what cooperatives value.  Board focus is shifting toward what really matters to employees today.  The collaborative nature of how organizations are structured and governed is revealing.  Key differentiators between corporate and collaborative structures benefit the patrons of the cooperative, rather than the owners.  Cooperatives exist to create value with their people. These principles matter in today's current landscape more than ever before.    Three leadership challenges that cooperatives address Employees are distrustful of organizations that value profit over people.  The triple bottom line affects consumer and employee decision making.  Workforce expectations have shifted toward what the cooperative structure offers.  The cooperative model is uniquely positioned toward employee expectations.  Performance and purpose are effectively addressed by the cooperative model.   Board decision-making principles in the cooperative model  All seven cooperative model principles may show up in the boardroom at any given time Cooperative boards are focused on long-term viability of the business, and ultimately, the member-owner. Annual returns are positively impacted by the cooperative model.  These principles are the foundation for the structure and purpose of the institution.    Employee engagement and good governance Employees today expect transparency, participation, and purpose.  Employees want to know the why behind decision making.  High-performing teams have clear expectations, visibility, and effective feedback loops.  When people understand the why, the don't just buy-in, they believe-in. Board decisions need to reflect employee needs. Respectful dissent in the boardroom is addressing conflict done well.  Healthy conflict requires getting curious and asking clarifying questions.    Shifting governance expectations in the face of leadership transitions and increased complexity Demographic changes for management transitions with the new generation.  Growing organization size creates new complexities. Technology advancements are regular conversations in today's boardroom  Businesses are run of people, by people.  Regulatory landscape requirements have made business operations increasingly challenging.  Individual expertise must be balanced with collective decision making at the board level.    Effective board and management collaboration and education Preliminary preparation is essential for effective conversations.  Engage in robust debate about ideas, not individuals.  The executive session is a powerful tool for meaningful board discussions. When in doubt, bring in a subject matter expert.  Directors have a responsibility to build regular learning into the boardroom.  Annual board performance reviews are essential.  Succession planning should be embedded throughout the boardroom culture.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Jay Lux — Jay Lux   Connect with Angie Coleman — Angie Coleman   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   "Cooperative governance starts with member benefits, not shareholder return." — Angie Coleman   "Cooperative boards are focused on long-term viability of the business, and ultimately, the member-owner, not just the profit of the cooperative institution itself." — Jay Lux   "When people understand the why, the don't just buy-in, they believe-in." — Angie Coleman   "In the cooperative model, it's not optional to have a voice. It's part of the cooperative principle." — Angie Coleman

As the capitalist economy grows more expensive and predatory, Stephanie Rearick and her colleagues are building an alternative social economy that meets people's needs through care and cooperation. As founder of the Madison Mutual Aid Network Cooperative and Dane County Timebank in Wisconsin, Rearick is a leading champion of mutual aid projects as a force for building the "real wealth" of community. She also works internationally through Humans United in Mutual Aid Networks (HUMAN), a global network of networks dedicated to building the mutual aid economy. More on Mutual Aid Network at https://mutualaidnetwork.org/man. More on the commons at www.Bollier.org.

Today, I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Nathan. He's the Director of Soil and a long-time force behind Rust Belt Riders, a cooperative composting operation that's grown from bicycles and buckets to launching a mid-scale compost facility. Their story is truly inspiring—not just because of the growth, but because of how intentionally they've done it.We talk about the early days, what it's been like to scale, and the importance of their unique cooperative business structure—which sets them apart in the composting world. And toward the end of the conversation, Nathan shares his beautiful vision of a compost-centric utopian future. It's heartfelt, imaginative, and honestly, something we could all use a bit more of.Check out Rust Belt Riders (

Gaétan Desroches, former CEO of Sollio Cooperative Group, has been named to the 2025 class of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, an honour, he says, that came as a surprise. In this interview, Desroches reflects on the 40 years he spent with the cooperative, including seven as CEO. Under his leadership, Sollio underwent significant... Read More

For many families in Australia, securing safe and affordable housing has become increasingly difficult. Some are turning to housing cooperatives (co-ops), but how exactly do they differ from traditional social housing? - Sa gitna ng nararanasang krisis sa pabahay sa Australia, housing cooperatives o co-ops ang nagiging alternatibo para sa ilang pamilyang nangangailangan at wala pang kakayahang bumili ng sariling tahanan. Pero paano ito naiiba sa public housing na alok ng gobyerno?

Connecting growers and showcasing the latest agriculture technologies are a focus for one of Brazil's largest cooperatives, Coopercitrus Rural Producers'. At the latest Coopercitrus Expo —  spanning many hectares of innovation — Chairman of the Board of Directors Matheus Marino shares with Jeremy Matuszewski how the cooperative supports farmers in Brazil and the similarities to agriculture in the United States. The event's family-friendly atmosphere and excitement contribute to its continued success. Year after year, Coopercitrus welcomes members from across its operating area, connecting them with leading business opportunities, technologies and sustainability initiatives, establishing the expo as one of the most important agricultural fairs in the area.

Samantha Parrot of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association explains the complicated but very exact formula for how Idaho sugar beet producers get paid.

The complicated but very exact formula for how Idaho sugar beet producers get paid.

Executive Director - Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association Samantha Parrot helps us better understand the federal sugar policy.

If they get deported and we can't find an adequate labor force for farmers and ranchers, where will we get the food to feed America?

The Missouri Association of Electric Cooperatives is led by chief executive officer Caleb Jones, a former state lawmaker from Columbia. Mr. Jones joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Mr. Jones spoke in-detail about what the cooperatives do. Their members statewide were busy this spring and summers with numerous storms and tornadoes:

The Missouri Association of Electric Cooperatives is led by chief executive officer Caleb Jones, a former state lawmaker from Columbia. Mr. Jones joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Mr. Jones spoke in-detail about what the cooperatives do. Their members statewide were busy this spring and summers with numerous storms and tornadoes:

This week's Open Mic guest is Duane Simpson, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Simpson brings a wealth of experience from the private sector as well as farmer and retail associations. Despite a bolstering of Title 1 policy in the Budget Reconciliation Act, Simpson sees headwinds in Washington from completing the farm bill, labor reform and a resolution to many regulations facing farmers and the ag industry. Simpson sees a need for verifiable standards for words like sustainability and phrases like "regenerative agriculture practices". 

Aaron Benanav, author of this article, outlines possibilities for a democratically planned economy • Jerome Nikolai Warren on the possibilities for cooperatives The post Better futures: planning the economy, building cooperatives appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode Nick Smoot sits down with Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute. Chapters09:42 Engagement with the Community26:00 Lessons from International Aid42:36 The Joy of Helping Others46:24 Building Community Through Collaboration56:21 The Importance of Passion in Business01:00:22 The Role of Cooperatives in Society01:06:08 The Nature of Entrepreneurship01:08:57 The Debate of Nature vs. Nurture in Development01:12:03 The Role of Pain and Love in Growth01:13:50 The Importance of Community Participation01:15:24 Finding Passion and Purpose in Work01:17:46 Creating Value and Beauty in the World01:19:08 The Journey from Idea to Market01:19:57 The Sacred Act of Creation01:21:00 Unlocking Social Capital for Community Growth01:23:59 Measuring Community Prosperity through Social Capital01:25:42 The Role of Frameworks in Economic Development01:27:56 Indicators of Community Success01:32:41 Enlightened Capitalism and Community Transformation01:35:09 The Unexpected Beauty of Human Potential01:38:10 The Importance of Digital Infrastructure01:39:57 Empowering Communities for the Future

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Glenn Marzluf, CEO and General Manager of Del-Co Water, to explore the growth, innovation, and strategic leadership shaping one of Ohio's fastest-growing water utilities. With roots in civil engineering and a unique journey through municipal roles in Florida and Ohio, Glenn shares how intentional career steps and a deep sense of purpose led him to his current role.We trace Del-Co's origins from a rural cooperative founded in the 1970s to an expansive utility covering 830 square miles across eight counties. Glenn explains how Del-Co's growth has been fueled by regional consolidation and a commitment to member-focused service, supported by a nimble governance model. This structure allows for flexible, proactive planning—like pre-engineering transmission lines for anticipated industrial users—and innovation in rate design. Glenn highlights their recent shift to an inclining block rate to encourage water conservation, a rare move in the Midwest, aimed at reducing peak-day demand and extending infrastructure lifespan.On infrastructure, Glenn outlines the utility's deliberate investments: four treatment plants, several new elevated tanks, and significant capacity at their flagship Olentangy plant. Water quality is a priority, with upgrades like ultraviolet disinfection and an upcoming granular activated carbon retrofit to combat PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and taste/odor issues. Distribution strategies focus on resiliency and redundancy, ensuring the system remains robust and future-proof.Del-Co's remarkable source water resiliency stems from 2.6 billion gallons of upground reservoir storage, allowing operational flexibility and water quality control unmatched by many peers. Their partnership with the City of Columbus on the Doutt Reservoir further strengthens supply.Technology adoption is another pillar. From IBM Maximo for asset management to Esri GIS and Oracle's cloud-based customer system, Del-Co emphasizes scalable, cloud-based platforms. Glenn even discusses canine-led leak detection, a novel tool for maintaining low water loss in a modern, distributed network.Community engagement is intentional and deep-rooted. Del-Co has grown from an inward-facing utility to a community pillar, earning corporate citizenship honors and serving as a statewide training hub with its Wolf Water Center. Annual member meetings have evolved into educational open houses, reflecting a broader commitment to transparency and trust.As we look ahead, Glenn defines his legacy around securing sustainable source water, leveraging data and conservation to manage peak demand, and developing the next generation of leaders. Del-Co Water, under his guidance, is a case study in how cooperatives can drive 21st and 22nd century water excellence in both growth and governance.Del-Co Water Website: https://delcowater.org/ Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

Even the age of automation and artificial intelligence, businesses still need good people to serve customers.

AlabamaAL congressional delegates in favor of ban on CCP owned US farmland Federal funds for AL public schools frozen by Trump admin. for reviewTN non profit gives $1M to Katherine Robertson for her AG campaignAL Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives endorses Jay Mitchell for AGMontgomery mayor touts 28% drop in crime from year ago, ignores MACS unit contributionAttorney Ben Crump joins legal team for Jabari Peoples, teen shot and killed by police this past JuneThe TSA will no longer require the removal of shoes when going thru securityNational161 people still missing in TX after flash flooding of Guadelupe RiverPresident Trump issues tariff on all copper imports to USSCOTUS rules 8-1 to green light Trump's effort to downsize governmentUSDA secretary says "amnesty" for illegal farm workers is not happeningUSDA secretary also details the goal of the National Farm Security Action PlanCIA director sends criminal referral to DOJ re: John Brennan & James ComeyThe IRS is making concessions on the Johnson amendment and churches that endorse a political candidate.

When young South Sudanese have guns, which they do, and are raiding other people's cattle and produce for their livelihood, which they are, how do you get them to lay down their guns? The answer is an alternative form of income, another livelihood.  And the path to income is cooperatives according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Cooperatives, economic organizations in which work and risk are shared by members, are forming in more and more corners of South Sudan.  They are an acknowledgement that it is easier to surmount livelihood challenges, specifically food insecurity and climate crises, together as a community as opposed to alone as individuals.  But they may be more than just a path towards economic empowerment, they may also bring peace and security to the world's youngest nation.  Ahead of the International Day of Cooperatives, which is marked annually on 5 July, UN News' Naima Sawaya sat down with FAO's Louis Bagare, who's based in South Sudan, and began by asking him to explain what role cooperatives play there.  

It's another installment of our series on Cooperatives in Rhode Island! Host Emily sits down with Khiry Chivers of PVD Flowers (@pvdflowersri) to chat about the Cooperative Cannabis industry coming soon to Rhode Island. With the passing of legalization of cannabis in RI, the state set aside 6 licenses for cooperative businesses to be set up. PVD Flowers is manifesting to hold one of those licenses. Hear about their journey, the importance of cooperatives in the cannabis industry, and manifesting your future in this week's episode! Visit PVD Flowers online at pvd-flowers.com and learn more about Cooperative work in RI with Co-Op Rhody   Check out other episodes in the Cooperative series: Start here: RI's Growing Solidarity Economy Cooperative Bookstore, Heartleaf Books Cooperative Birthing, RI Birthworker's Cooperative Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.  Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The world is Yours: The Awakening by Thomas Lee Kurtis Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap Artifice by Sharon Cameron Media Power Bad Boys Matlock (2024) Sherlock Holmes (2009)   Other pvd-flowers.com - merchandise  Co-Op Rhody  

It's another installment of our series on Cooperatives in Rhode Island! Host Emily sits down with Khiry Chivers of PVD Flowers (@pvdflowersri) to chat about the Cooperative Cannabis industry coming soon to Rhode Island. With the passing of legalization of cannabis in RI, the state set aside 6 licenses for cooperative businesses to be set up. PVD Flowers is manifesting to hold one of those licenses. Hear about their journey, the importance of cooperatives in the cannabis industry, and manifesting your future in this week's episode! Visit PVD Flowers online at pvd-flowers.com and learn more about Cooperative work in RI with Co-Op Rhody   Check out other episodes in the Cooperative series: Start here: RI's Growing Solidarity Economy Cooperative Bookstore, Heartleaf Books Cooperative Birthing, RI Birthworker's Cooperative Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.  Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The world is Yours: The Awakening by Thomas Lee Kurtis Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap Artifice by Sharon Cameron Media Power Bad Boys Matlock (2024) Sherlock Holmes (2009)   Other pvd-flowers.com - merchandise  Co-Op Rhody  

We're talking this month about Building a Bigger Tent at our farmers markets. Let's remember that the more people and communities we welcome to markets, the deeper our variety of produce, products and personalities. Exclusion, whether purposeful or just thoughtless, means we miss out on all the richness that comes with diversity.   Sagdrina Brown Jalal is back with us for this episode, just in time for Juneteenth. While that day of historic remembrance is coming up next week on June 19th, observances and events will start this weekend and extend into next. We're talking about how your market can support that holiday. And we're looking at how organizations like the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative are working to level the playing field and lift up small farmers all year round. Tune in while we discuss:   Support can be more appropriate than leadership The exhausting history of resilience Bridging urban and rural division Looking beyond Federal funding Partnership and collaboration as strength #Farmersmarkets #Juneteenth #Blackfarmersmarkets #Cooperatives #Belovedcommunity #SageDCollective

Un any més, alumnes de cinquè de primària de les escoles de Sitges han aprés com funciona el procés de creació d'una cooperativa orientada a vendre els seus productes. Unes vendes que, després d'un procés de disseny i producció, van poder fer el dijous 5 a l'Hort de Can Falç. Avui han passat per la Ràdio sis cooperatives de quatre escoles: la Sara i la Martina de l'Agnès de Sitges, amb Cultivem Somriures i CACCI; el Pep, el Manel i la Berta del Maria Ossó amb Creavity Ossó; l'Emely i l'Inacio de l'Esteve Barrachina amb OB Coop i FAI; i la Clàudia del Miquel Utrillo amb Territori Animal. L'entrada Les cooperatives escolars difonen la cultura emprenedora entre l’alumnat de cinquè ha aparegut primer a Radio Maricel.

https://www.knee-n-nalgas.com/https://www.instagram.com/knee_n_nalgas/https://www.tiktok.com/@knee_n_nalgasAlyssa Lopez in San Antonio has an enlightening conversation with me about colonization and how it affects massage practices in the U.S. Deep questions are raised about how we got to the point we're at.You can find out more about Robert Gardner and his practice here.Sign up for your free trial membership to my video educational vault here.

Electricity consumption will drive U.S. economic growth, with data centers leading the charge. Join CFC's Chris Whittle to explore the challenges and opportunities for electric cooperatives in this evolving landscape.

Think globally, act locally is an old adage, but one that might be relevant as Canada works to strengthen our national economy. With US economic aggression shaking the economy, everyone is searching for ways to bolster businesses and industries here. Dr. Heather Hachigian says Canada's policy makers need a renewed approach to economic development – one that focuses on the local. Hachigian is an assistant professor in the Masters of Global Management Program at Royal Roads University.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Specialist Maura Henn is joined by Blake Lineweaver, Co-op Development Program Manager at Mission West Community Development Partners. Maura and Blake talk about how farmers markets in Montana are using the cooperative business model to build resilience in their local food systems, as well as the steps to forming a cooperative farmers market, as well as the principles that guide all cooperatives. ATTRA Resources:Farmers MarketsAdditional Resources:Everything Co-op PodcastCooperatives at Work BookCooperationWorks! Co-op Development Center Map"We're Team Farm" Co-op Farmers Market MW Case StudyMission West Community Development PartnersContact Maura Henn at maurah@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

March 27, 2025 Everything Co-op continues its Women's History Month series centering on the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” set by the National Women's History Alliance. This episode features Renee Hatcher, Professor and Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law. Vernon and Renee discuss the vital role of solidarity economy and cooperatives at this moment in history. Renee Hatcher is a human rights and cooperative lawyer and solidarity economy organizer. She is currently a Visiting Associate Professor of Clinical Law at GW Law School in DC. She serves as the Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law in Chicago, a pro bono legal clinic that provides free legal support to community-based businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and other solidarity economy enterprises. Recently, Renee served as the Co-Director of Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem at CUPPA's Center on Urban Economic Development (CUED). Renee has significant experience organizing and providing legal support to worker cooperatives and community-based initiatives to empower workers and community residents. Her work and research focus on legal and non-legal strategies to build power in Black, low-income neighborhoods and other communities of color rooted in solidarity economy organizing and theory. In 2022, the city of Chicago allocated $15 million dollars to support the cooperative ecosystem, including a substantial grant to UIC, as the “hub” organization, to conduct research and convene the Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem. Renee co-directs the “hub” with her close colleague, Associate Professor Stacey Sutton. Most recently, Renee served on Mayor Johnson's Transition Committee on Economic Vitality and Equity. This appointment has been a part of Renee's long-standing efforts to advance cooperative development in Chicago to improve the lives of Black, brown, and poor communities.

These days, most people automatically think of technology when they think of innovation, but innovation doesn't require fancy digital bells and whistles. In fact, sometimes the most impactful innovations aren't about dramatic invention, but rather incremental iteration. Philanthropy is a field that's rife with opportunities for iteration, and Gloria Dixon, BECU's Director of Philanthropy and the Executive Director of the BECU Foundation, isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. As one of the top five largest credit unions in the United States, Washington-based BECU is known for its massive breadth, but what's remarkable about the credit union's community development work is that its impact runs both wide and deep. In this month's episode, we talk to Gloria about how she's steering the credit union's philanthropic efforts and iterating as she goes. We also address our BIG question: How can credit unions be more involved in meaningful systems change, particularly when it comes to economic inequality?  

Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says ag labor is a problem everyone recognizes.

Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says ag labor is a problem everyone recognizes.

Outback tourism operators say they're seeing a slow start to the season because travellers are staying away, worried about flooding.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) launched the promotion of International Credit Union Day 2025 in April under the theme “Cooperation for a Prosperous World”. It ties into the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World." WOCCU Director of Member Services Thom Belekevich joins the podcast to discuss the importance of that theme, which will be celebrated on Thursday, October 16. Marcey Ciaccio, Philanthropy Manager for Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), also joins us to explain the thought process behind this year's ICU Day 2025 posters, and to highlight how WFCU is offering an ICU Day commemorative pin for the second straight year, as well as paid media kit, which is new for 2025.International Credit Union Day 2025 is sponsored by Velera, one of the largest card issuers for credit unions in the United States. Brian Caldarelli, Velera's Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer - who also sits on the WFCU Board of Directors, also joins me to discuss the organization's passion for cooperation and collaboration as it relates to ICU Day.

Cooperatives are guided by a set of seven principles that help shape their actions and policies. In this solo episode of the podcast, host Nathan Grimm details those seven cooperative principles and how they relate to Southwestern Electric and its members.

March 20, 2025 Everything Co-op continues its Women's History Month series, that follows the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” set by the National Women's History Alliance. This episode features E. Kim Coontz, Executive Director for the California Center for Cooperative (CCCD). Vernon and Kim discuss how her work continues to educate and inspire future generations. E. Kim Coontz is the Executive Director of the California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering and supporting cooperatives. With over 30 years of experience, she began her cooperative work at UC Davis' Center for Cooperatives before co-founding CCCD when the program closed. Kim has helped launch cooperatives, led governance seminars, provided technical assistance, and conducted research to strengthen the cooperative movement. She has authored over a dozen publications including Bringing Families Together: A Guide to Parent Cooperatives, Steps to Starting a Worker Co-op and Steps to Starting a Marketing Co-op. Kim has also contributed to various journals. Her contributions have earned her awards from the National Association of Housing Cooperatives, Parent Cooperative Preschools International, and the California Council of Parent Participation Preschools. Previously, she was the Executive Director of Yolo Mutual Housing Association.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. How do cooperatives enhance stability, resilience, and profitability in the grain industry? In this insightful episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Dr. Keri L. Jacobs, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Missouri and Executive Director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL).Dr. Jacobs offers a deep dive into the pivotal role that cooperatives play in supporting grain producers, strengthening local economies, and ensuring the long-term success of agricultural supply chains. From managing volatility in grain markets to advocating for producer interests, cooperatives offer critical solutions that balance market power while creating shared value for members.Curious about how cooperative governance and leadership impact grain operations? This episode explores how effective cooperative boards and leadership teams can drive innovation, manage risk, and position their organizations for future success. Dr. Jacobs also highlights the importance of leadership development through GICL, which equips cooperative leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today's complex agricultural landscape.Episode Highlights for the Grain IndustryThe impact of cooperatives on grain supply chain stability and producer profitabilityHow cooperatives help mitigate price volatility and market risk for grain handlersGovernance models that strengthen cooperative resilience and operational successChallenges and opportunities for cooperatives in grain storage, transportation, and processingInsights into GICL's role in developing strong cooperative leaders for the grain industryWhy continuous education and leadership development are key to cooperative successAbout Our Guest: Dr. Keri L. JacobsDr. Keri L. Jacobs is an Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Missouri and the Executive Director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). With a focus on cooperative governance, leadership development, and agricultural economics, Dr. Jacobs collaborates with cooperative boards, CEOs, and industry leaders to strengthen the effectiveness and resilience of cooperatives in the grain and agricultural sectors.Links and ResourcesDr. Keri L. Jacobs LinkedIn Profile Follow GICL on LinkedInGraduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL) website  Build Better Boards PodcastGrain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS' website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS' Whole Grain podcast.

This week's Open Mic guest is Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. With planting season underway in some areas of the country, Conner suggests the nation's farmer owned cooperatives are well stocked as producers prepare for the 2025 growing season. Conner says many or coops anticipated tariff issues and took early shipment of supplies for this season. A veteran of Capitol Hill policy debates, he acknowledges plenty of uncertainty surrounding the farm bill, tax policy and tariffs. Despite challenges, Conner believes legislators will take action on taxes and hopefully a new set of farm and nutrition programs. 

Discover effective survival strategies under authoritarianism in "Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation," featuring insights from global contributors and activists.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!How do people survive authoritarianism? With harsher policing, market chaos, mass layoffs and healthcare cuts, Americans are fearing the worst under Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and many are seeking effective survival tools. Arriving just on time, “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” was published last year by OR Books. It's packed with collective wisdom for surviving, and in so doing, creating a more just, equitable society. With over 70 contributions from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Indigenous peoples around the world, change is everywhere, it can start anywhere, and as “Beautiful Solutions” reminds us, “our problems are global and interconnected, and our solutions must be too.” To expand on some of the models in the book, Laura Flanders is joined by one of the co-editors Eli Feghali, former director of the New Economy Coalition, and contributor Nikki Marín Baena, co-founder and co-director at Siembra NC, a Latino base building and political organization in North Carolina. Lauren Hudson co-hosts. Hudson is a cooperative and Solidarity Economy organizer and researcher and teaches at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.“. . . How do we dream our big dreams about not just what we're fighting against, but what we're fighting for, and really hold onto those and also understand that the little projects and the little connections that we make with each other, those are the only things that can become those big dreams.” - Nikki Marín Baena“The only thing that I feel some fear about in this moment is that maybe some of us will give up ground that we don't need to give up out of anticipatory fear of what might happen . . . That's not to say that the risks aren't real, that's not to say that the plans that are being telegraphed and the news aren't real, but it's to say that we should not let go of what we fought for until we absolutely have to . . . We just have to trust each other and trust ourselves.” - Eli Feghali“I have to think as an educator . . . how do we teach this moment? . . . I think what [my students] will say is this was a rupture, and it was a rupture that forced many of us back into some corners, but it was also an invitation to participate in the world in a different way.” - Lauren HudsonGuests:•. Eli Feghali, Co-Editor, Beautiful Solutions; Former Co-Director, New Economy Coalition•. Nikki Marín Baena, Co-Director, Siembra NC•. Lauren Hudson, Organizer & Researcher, Cooperative and Solidarity Economy Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via Patreon *Recommended book:“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” by Elandria Williams, Rachel Plattus, Eli Feghali and Nathan Schneider, *Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Cooperation vs Authoritarianism in Spain, Watch / Listen•  Taking Power vs Making Power: A Special Report from Greece, Watch / Listen  •  Armed with Art: Taking Down the Wall of Whiteness, Watch / ListenRelated Articles and Resources:•  Beautiful  Trouble, Sister Project to Beautiful Solutions Learn More•  Pandas And The Informal Economy of Mexico, by Medium• Prepare to Oppose Trump's Immigrant Purge, by Nikki Marín Baena, November 22, 2024, Progressive Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O'Conner. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Join CFC's Brian Sloboda for a look at the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) and the role electric cooperatives can play.

Today, we share the story of how Arkansas Valley Electric partnered with a North Carolina cooperative to provide aid after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. Listen to firsthand accounts of the destruction and the powerful community response, showcasing the cooperative principle of 'concern for community' in action.

2025 has been designated the “International Year of Cooperatives” by the United Nations, recognizing the vital role that cooperatives play in building stronger economies and communities around the world. Here in Nebraska, cooperatives have long been a cornerstone of rural development, supporting local businesses, agriculture, and essential services. The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has been at the forefront of fostering cooperative businesses across the state for more than two decades. On this episode, we're joined by Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with NCDC, to talk about the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives, how Nebraska's cooperative movement fits into this global recognition, and what opportunities exist for communities and businesses looking to explore cooperative models.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/2025-year-cooperatives-building-better-nebraska-and-beyond-houlden-250218/

The listeners of this podcast are likely to know that credit unions are financial cooperatives — an identity that some credit unions lean into and others don't talk about much. Amongst the general U.S. population, our understanding of cooperatives is limited, at best. Most people are ill-equipped to distinguish between, say, a consumer co-op, like a credit union, and a worker co-op, like PixelSpoke!  We'd like to change that, and we think that credit unions can play a crucial role, not only in expanding our general understanding of what co-ops are and why they matter, but also in supporting the broader cooperative ecosystem. We're excited to be joined by two guests who have made it their life's work to expand access to ownership through the cooperative business model. Frank Cetera is the Business Transfers Program Director for the Democracy at Work Institute, which helps communities overcome accelerating economic and social crises through worker ownership, and also a Board Member of local CDFI, Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union. Stacey Smith is SVP and Head of Programs at Project Equity, which helps raise awareness of broad based employee ownership and supports businesses transitioning to employee ownership. Frank and Stacey help us tackle this month's BIG Question: How can credit unions more broadly support a cooperative economy, and what specific needs can they address for co-ops in their communities?

Unlock the power of community and innovation in rural North Dakota as Cally Peterson, editor of North Dakota Living Magazine, joins me, Jim Sabby, for a riveting exploration of Rural Electric Cooperatives. Listen to compelling stories of the brave farmers and ranchers who banded together to light up rural areas, overcoming harsh winters like that of 1977-78. This episode shines a spotlight on the enduring cooperative spirit, celebrating the unsung heroes who keep North Dakota's lights on against all odds.Explore the dynamic landscape of electricity in rural America, where demand is soaring with the advent of smart technologies and electric vehicles. Cally and I discuss the intricate challenges posed by the shift from traditional power sources to renewables. Despite the complexities, we bring promising news of how electric cooperatives are stepping up with strategic plans to meet future energy needs, ensuring continual reliability for rural North Dakotans.Step into the heart of rural communities, where the cooperative principle of concern for community thrives. Together with Cally, I highlight the integral role of cooperative employees and the charm of local museums that weave rich tales of North Dakota's past. We encourage active community engagement, inviting listeners to contribute to the vibrant tapestry that makes rural life unique. Join us in this celebration of community spirit and shared efforts that keep rural North Dakota flourishing.Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & FacebookContact the team at Pifer's

December 26, 2024 Everything Co-op continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. This episode features an interview with Adrian Roman, co-owner of Colmenar Cooperative Consulting (Colmenar). Adrian discusses how the Colmenar team leverages their experiences as immigrants and their skills in navigating diverse cultures, languages, systems, and life challenges to promote democratic governance and civic participation. Adrian is a cooperative organizer and believes that prioritizing the culture of the team and relationship to the community leads to resilient organizations that can adapt and care for those involved. Adrián feels that art is a way to shift culture and speak clearly about the state of our times. He is a co-owner of Colmenar Consulting Cooperative, a co-owner of Dorchester Art Project, a certified mediator, an authorized teacher of Full Presence Mindfulness and currently sits on the board of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Greater Boston Chamber of Cooperatives. He is from Miami, FL, of Cuban and Chilean descent and his culture and family history informs his approach.

Join our Mailing List - https://www.mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Jan 2025 Mastermind Groups have opened up for registration: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching Introduction to Regenerative Coffee Farming is now Available On-Demand at https://ondemand.mapitforward.coffee for as little as $10. Why not grab a gift card for your team, suppliers or favorite coffee human******************************This is the 3rd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.The guest on this podcast series is Felipe Croce, a Brazilian coffee producer and exporter from FAF Coffees.In this series, Felipe and Lee will be discussing the current coffee crisis from the perspective of a coffee producer, paying particular attention to the overall economics of things.In this episode of the podcast series join Lee and Felipe as they dive deep into the complex world of coffee economics and logistics and discuss four potential market scenarios and their impacts on coffee producers and the specialty coffee industry.The conversation covers the challenges of keeping up with demand, the struggle for labor, the importance of understanding market trends, and the implications of high coffee prices.Discover strategies to navigate these scenarios and protect your business, whether you're a producer, roaster, or cafe owner.00:00 Introduction and Current Coffee Crisis Overview01:52 Understanding the Four Scenarios05:23 Challenges in Specialty Coffee Production07:54 Impact of C Market Prices on Producers11:06 Role of Cooperatives and Market Dynamics16:53 Future Planning and Market Speculation25:23 Scenario D: Lessons from Cacao and Market Speculation37:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Felipe and FAF here:https://www.instagram.com/felipecroce/https://www.instagram.com/fafcoffees/https://fafbrazil.com/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Electric co-ops in the Southeast grappled with unprecedented damage from back-to-back hurricanes this fall, with Helene and Milton making landfall just a couple of weeks apart. This month, we hear from the CEOs of two of the many electric cooperatives impacted by these storms to talk about their preparation, response and recovery: Matt Stanley of Laurens Electric Cooperative in South Carolina and David Lambert of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in Florida.

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff discusses U.S. Universities and Politicians' repression of student protesters, the continued global demands of indigenous people for liberation from colonialism's legacies, and Harvard's corporate administration sacrificing its students' and faculty's freedom of expression to pander to some of its donors.  Finally, an interview with Professor Jerome N. Warren, editor of the newly published Routledge Handbook of Cooperative Economics and Management.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so. You can support our work by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate   Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else. We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week. We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info