Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed October as “Co-op Month in Iowa” to help celebrate the positive impact Iowa’s cooperative organizations have in the state.
Almost one in two Iowans belongs to a cooperative, whether in agriculture, energy credit unions, telecommunications, farm credit, petroleum, or retail. Cooperatives are member-owned and member-governed, with boards of directors elected from within their membership. Unlike traditional businesses driven by outside investors, co-ops prioritize service to their members over profits.
The proclamation highlights several key points:
- Concern for the community is a fundamental cooperative principle
- Cooperatives invest significant human and financial resources to benefit their communities beyond their core business activities. This includes charitable contributions that address the needs of underserved groups, investments in community development that create jobs and services, involvement in environmental protection efforts, and innovative projects aimed at improving child health, welfare, and quality education.
- The commitment of cooperatives to their communities boosts economic opportunities and enhances the quality of life in towns and cities across Iowa.
- In October, cooperatives from various sectors and industries reaffirmed their dedication by pledging to remain actively involved in the communities where their members live and work.
Murray Williams, President and CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League, reflected on the strength of the cooperative movement: “Iowa credit unions remain focused on improving the financial lives of Iowans. Our philosophy of ‘people helping people’ reflects the values of cooperatives everywhere, and by working alongside other co-ops, we make a powerful impact on the growth and strength of our communities.”…