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 remind you, the members of our co-op, about Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative’s purpose.
I must admit that occasionally, I have been somewhat cynical of PR “holidays” that fill up social media, but National Cooperative Month has a genuinely special purpose that’s near and dear to me.
This month is all about celebrating co-ops’ unique business model, 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 who 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. TVEC’s main purpose is to provide safe and reliable electricity to our members. But we also offer many other programs and services to our members.
In the U.S., there are more than 30,000 co-ops in many industries. These diverse yet connected businesses join together this month to educate members—and nonmembers—about the community of cooperatives.
There are more co-ops in our local community than most people realize. Co-ops are even represented on the shelves at our local grocery stores, such as Land O’Lakes, Welch’s, Organic Valley, Cabot Creamery, Sunkist, Ocean Spray and many more.
In fact, In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, co-ops count more than 350 million members in the U.S. alone (with some folks belonging to multiple co-ops), and cooperatives employ more than 2 million Americans and generate more than $700 billion in annual revenue.
The Seven Cooperative Principles speak to the heart of why we must take every opportunity to celebrate and teach others about the cooperative business model. So plan your own co-op celebration by purchasing co-op products, do business with co-ops right here in our community and be an active member of TVEC.
One of the best ways to support us and the cooperative business model is to attend our annual meeting. That will be October 10 at the Canton Civic Center. We look forward to seeing you there.
