WHAT IS A CO-OP?

From the outside, cooperatives may look like any other business. But inside, they are very different. A cooperative, also known as a co-op, is owned and controlled by the people closest to the business – those that do business with the company – and not distant shareholders.

HISTORY

MEMBER CONTROL

PATRONAGE

“What is a Co-op? History” teaches the structure and basic principles of the cooperative business model and how the unique infrastructure that once began in the 1800’s still thrives today.
  • Learn more about cooperative history by clicking the links below. Each item on the list links to a free downloadable resource that accompanies the video above.

GROW MORE by utilizing these materials at home, in the classroom, or the workplace.

“What is a Co-op? Member Control” shows what it means to be a member-owner of a cooperative. And how members exercise control over a co-op directly by voting and indirectly through the election of a board of directors.  
  • Learn more about member control by clicking the links below. Each item on the list links to a free downloadable resource that accompanies the video above.

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“What is a Co-op? Patronage” makes it fun for viewers to learn about one of the biggest benefits of being part of a cooperative – patronage. Co-op profits aren’t only shared among member-owners, they’re reinvested.  
  • Learn more about patronage by clicking the links below. Each item on the list links to a free downloadable resource that accompanies the video above.

GROW MORE by utilizing these materials at home, in the classroom, or the workplace.

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