Co-op Stories

A great way to wrap your head around the concept of co-ops is to explore some real world examples. Check out stories and profiles from a range of featured co-ops.

Pella Cooperative Electric

"Pella Cooperative Electric made it possible for us to get the power we needed to start our business in 1995," said Loren Van Wyk, owner of LDJ Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa.

Kind of Co-op: consumer, utilities

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)

What began as a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies is now the nation's largest consumer cooperative, with more than 3 million active members.

Kind of Co-op: consumer, other

Self-Help Credit Union

When Martin Eakes was a teenager growing up in a poor, rural community outside of Greensboro, N.C., his best friend was shot and killed on a playground near Martin's home.

Kind of Co-op: consumer, financial services

The Wedge

The Wedge in Minneapolis thrives in a marketplace full of competition for local, natural and organic food.

Kind of Co-op: consumer, food retail

Weavers Way Co-op

In 2000, Weavers Way Co-op and member Norma Brooks established Weavers Way's Mort Brooks Memorial Farm in honor of her late husband, a pivotal figure in the early years of Weavers Way.

Kind of Co-op: consumer, food retail

Woodshanti

In 1997, Tom Clossey and Shawn Berry took over a furniture shop in San Francisco's Bayview District and started down the road to economic self-sufficiency.

Kind of Co-op: other, worker