Promoting the International Year of Cooperatives

Video Series on Food Co-ops

A video series, "Lights, Cameras, Co-ops: Exploring the Country's Thriving Food Co-ops" has been launched by the National Cooperative Grocers Association:
www.strongertogether.coop/premiere/index.html.  

This production is colorful and fast-paced, highlighting local producers, delicious food, and co-op businesses and their community impact. It began Jan. 21 with three examples in Minnesota; on Feb. 6 shifted to Putney, Vt.; and the Feb. 20 story was based in Bellingham, Wash.

This yearlong series of video releases will continue in March and beyond with more co-op stories from the Northwest, California, New Mexico, and elsewhere.

Paul Hazen Heads Overseas Development Council

Paul Hazen has been named executive director of the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC). Hazen recently resigned as president and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). Under his leadership, the NCBA international cooperative development portfolio grew from $8 million annual to over $30 million. Hazen also serves as board member of the Consumer Federation of America; was a member and chair of OCDC; and currently serves on the International Cooperative Aliance board of directors and chairs the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives steering committee.

Members of OCDC, each with international cooperative development programs:  ACDI/VOCA, CHF International, Cooperative Resources International, Communications Cooperative International, HealthPartners, Land O'Lakes International Development, National Cooperative Business Association, NRECA, and the World Council of Credit Unions.

IYC Websites

Remember to visit www.USA2012.coop and www.stories.coop for instructive and inspiring examples of cooperative enterprise from around the globe during IYC, the International Year of Cooperatives.