Cooperative Network has several exciting initiatives and activities for 2023, including a new magazine called Cooperative Focus, a series of six tutorial videos on subjects vital to cooperative leadership, and a golf tournament in June.
CN also announces the return of several activities not held since the start of the pandemic, including Co-
op Days at the Capitol. Additionally, CN also will host a business issues conference in March focusing on cooperative governance, finances and leadership, and other topics.
“As a trade association representing hundreds of cooperatives large and small in Wisconsin and
Minnesota, Cooperative Network is committed to protecting and promoting our member cooperatives
through world-class legislative and regulatory advocacy, a wide range of learning development
opportunities, and creative leadership in public awareness and advocacy,” says CN president and CEO
Dan Smith.
Published biannually (January and July) Cooperative Focus highlights member projects, improvements,
and initiatives. The inaugural issue of the magazine was mailed to CN members this week and is posted
on the Cooperative Network website.
“Our communication platform is a big part of our public awareness and advocacy efforts and our new
magazine, Cooperative Focus, is a new addition to an already robust communication platform,” Smith says. “Our intent with Cooperative Focus is exactly what the title suggests – we want to focus on the successes of our members and the influence of the cooperative model.”
Other new initiatives and events:
Director Education Video Series
“Cooperative Network is pleased to respond to the growing demand for cooperative education
programming with six tutorial videos, available only to members, which can be played in the boardroom
to instruct directors and staff on subjects of importance,” says Smith.
Topics include:
Toad Lane and the Seven Cooperative Principles
Best Practices in Cooperative Governance
Planning for Tomorrow: Cooperative Success & Talent Recruitment
Cooperative Finance: Understanding the Numbers
Roles and Responsibilities for Cooperative Directors
Best Practices in the Cooperative Board Room
CN Business Issues Conference: Cooperative Pathways to Success!
Thursday, March 16, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Held in conjunction with the Minneapolis-based CoBank Customer Meeting, the conference features a
full slate of presentations by cooperative experts on cooperative governance, finance, leadership, and
workforce engagement. Cooperative leaders, staff and directors are encouraged to attend.
Minnesota Co-op Day at the Capitol, Wednesday, March 29
Wisconsin Co-op Day at the Capitol, Tuesday, April 18
Co-op Days at the Capitol provide opportunities for representatives from various types of cooperative
businesses to discuss cooperative issues in person with policymakers and advance the cooperative
legislative agenda.
First Annual Golf Outing
Wednesday, June 21, The Golf Club at Cedar Creek, Onalaska
Open for individual, twosome, or foursome golfers, registration includes lunch, a goody bag, round of
golf with cart, dinner, and a chance to win prizes.
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