Cooperative Builder Award

What is the Award?

The annual Cooperative Builder Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions at the local, state, and/or national level to advance cooperative philosophy and ideals. Wisconsin and Minnesota have a strong cooperative heritage that includes many people who have committed substantial time and energy to advancing the cooperative movement.

A committee selects up to three distinguished individuals to receive the Cooperative Builder Award each year. Honorees are celebrated at an evening banquet during the Cooperative Network annual meeting in November.

2023 Cooperative Builder Award Videos

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Who is eligible?

Nominees should fit into one of three categories: cooperative member, cooperative employee, or friend of cooperatives. Cooperators currently serving as Cooperative Network directors are not eligible for this award until their board term has ended. Past winners are also ineligible.

How are award winners selected?

Winners are selected based on the information provided in their nominations and through supporting materials. It is important, therefore, that the impartial judging committee have complete and detailed information to fairly evaluate each nominee on his or her accomplishments and contributions. Please do not feel constrained by the space on the application. List the nominee’s activities and honors and explain in detail how these efforts have contributed to the good of cooperatives. Letters of recommendation, newspaper clippings, and other published materials about the individual are also an important aid to the selection committee. We strongly encourage you to include a minimum of five support letters with the application. If your nominee is selected to receive an award, you will be asked to provide photos of that individual for the awards ceremony. We will provide instructions on the types of photos needed and will give you ample time to collect them.

Do I need to resubmit a previous nomination?

Cooperative Builder Award applications are kept on file and in the selection pool for three years. Nominating cooperatives and individuals are encouraged to update information and provide additional support letters during the nomination period.

How do I nominate someone new?

Nomination forms are due in August. The form and supporting materials can be submitted by email, or five copies of all materials by mail, to Cooperative Network’s Madison office.

Nominate a Cooperative Builder Today!