National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International Celebrates October's National Co-op Month

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in celebration of October as National Co-op month, the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) announces several events and activities occurring throughout the month. These events highlight the important economic role cooperative businesses play locally, nationally and internationally, in creating a more inclusive, sustainable and stable economy.

"National Co-op Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the impact co-ops have in our daily life," said Doug O'Brien, president and CEO of NCBA CLUSA. "From farming to financial services, cooperative businesses transform the communities they're in and the workers they employ. Throughout the month, I look forward to celebrating the many ways co-ops contribute to economic growth and educating the public about ways they can engage with co-ops, both locally and globally."

NCBA CLUSA is sponsoring or supporting the following events this month:

• 2018 Co-op IMPACT Conference - From October 3-5, this pivotal event will bring together a broad spectrum of cooperative sectors to build on and amplify the economic impact co-ops have in the U.S. and worldwide. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and engage with co-op members, supporters, policymakers and other stakeholders. Key guests include Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Bette Brand, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
• National Co-op Festival - The festival will take place Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This free, family-friendly event will showcase how cooperatives are strengthening communities and providing a real alternative to the traditional business model. Featuring co-ops such as Cabot Creamery, REI, the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Credit Union National Association, Flooring America, Carpet One, Riceland and Organic Valley, this festival will highlight the contributions of American cooperatives, which not only vary in size from local community businesses to large household name brands, but are also job creators and economic stabilizers. The event will include live music, giveaways, food samples and games.
• The Co-op 5K Race - On Saturday, October 6, the Cooperative Development Foundation will host its annual Co-op 5K at Hains Point in East Potomac Park, in Washington, DC. This family fun race/walk is a great way for runners, walkers and their four-legged companions to kick off the Co-op Festival weekend. This fun event will feature prizes for the whole family, from REI Co-op Backpacks, to Co-op Swag baskets. Learn more and register via www.cdf.coop/5k/.     

For more information about the festival, please visit www.coopfestival.coop.

For more information about NCBA CLUSA and its initiatives, please visit www.ncba.coop

About NCBA CLUSA
The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector advocacy, education and technical assistance that helps cooperative businesses thrive. For over 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance, promote and defend cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals, families and communities. Since 1953, NCBA CLUSA has worked in more than 85 countries in the areas of cooperative development, food security and nutrition, agricultural development, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women and youth. NCBA CLUSA currently implements projects in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

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SOURCE National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International