This is a video on the nature of cooperatives as a business organizational model. It gives a well rounded explanation of what cooperatives are, cites various examples from around the world (including Mondragon) and how to form them.

The presenter, Margaret Bau, is a cooperative development specialist and works for the USDA Rural Development Center.

The presentation was sponsored by the Jefferson County Inventors and Entrepreneurs Connect and Sustain Jefferson. It was filmed September 9, 2009, at the UWEX building in Jefferson, WI.

It's likely a study group will be exploring the cooperative business model as an organizational model this fall and winter. If you are interested in participating in this effort, please contact me at: Earth1st@mac.com

We'll start posting agendas, minutes and such from the Cooperatives Study Group to the Town and Country Resource and Development Council's website as they are generated. Please see clic on Sustainability Issue Team to keep abreast of the groups work.

Thanks,
Greg