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Iowa Cooperatives
October is National Cooperative Month
Show your support by sharing why you love your cooperative on social media with #MyIowaCooperative
What is a Cooperative?
MEMBER-OWNED
Cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members. Members elect the board of directors. This elected board of directors oversees the business and sets policy.
EMPLOYS 12,000+ IOWANS
If all cooperative employees were grouped together, they would be one of the top 10 largest employers in the state; employing more than 12,000 Iowans!
FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEMBERS
Cooperatives operate for the benefit of their members, rather than earning profits for investors.
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED
Along with community-focused missions, cooperatives generate more than
$60 million in property taxes, which is paid to Iowa communities.
The
Cooperative
Advantage
Iowans receive unique benefits when doing business with a cooperative vs a non-cooperative business model. Distinct qualities of the cooperative advantage include:
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Members can work together to meet challenges and solve problems
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Democratic control through member-ownership
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Reduced cost of expenses for members
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Access to products or services that might otherwise be unavailable to the cooperative members
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Provides new and existing market opportunities for cooperatives and members
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Maximized member earnings
The Cooperative Principles
1. VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP
2. DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
3. MEMBERS' ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
4. AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE
5. EDUCATION, TRAINING &
INFORMATION
6. COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
7. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
TYPES OF COOPERATIVES
Credit Unions
Electric Utilities
Health Care
Real Estate
Telecommunications
Agriculture
Transportation
Insurance
