We invite you, your staff and directors to join fellow Cooperative Network members at this year’s summit and annual meeting on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3.
The theme for this year’s annual meeting is Cooperative Connections.
Cooperative Connections is more than a theme—it’s the heartbeat of our movement. When cooperatives come together, we create something powerful: shared strength, new opportunities, and a united voice shaping the future. This year’s summit and annual meeting is your chance to build those connections, spark collaboration, and celebrate the values that make us stronger together. Join us as we connect, learn, and lead the cooperative movement forward.
Holiday Inn Eau Claire South
4751 Owen Ayres Court | Eau Claire WI 54701
Call the hotel at (715) 830-9889 to reserve a room based on availability.
Welcome
Shaping the Cooperative Landscape: Legislative & Policy Update
Jennifer Wickman, Government Affairs Director-WI, Cooperative Network
Bennett Smith, Cooperative Network Minnesota Contract Lobbyist
Aaliyah Nedd, Director of Government Affairs, NCBA CLUSA
Ralph K. Morris Foundation, Cooperative Development Services, and Tom Lyon Family Leadership Symposium Present: What connections are worth keeping and which need ditching?
Audra Krueger, Executive Director, Co-operatives First
In the last 15 years there have been drastic changes in the co-op ecosystem. Support organizations struggle to maintain their relevance as the big players and funders walk away from long-established relationships. While some view their disengagement as a threat to the co-op movement, perhaps we are better served by asking ourselves: are we connected in the best ways? Or do we need to build something new? Join Audra to learn from the Western Canadian example of how one of the big co-op players made a bold decision to fund the creation of a new co-op support organization. While this disruption created some turmoil and fear in the Canadian co-op ecosystem, it has resulted in a new generation of modern and relevant co-ops and spurred the education of thousands of people. In her talk Audra will reveal if she is still the skunk at the garden party and a saboteur of nice co-opy things, or if she is working to welcome new people and ways of connecting within the co-op movement.Break
Keynote: Cooperatives Build a Better World: Lessons, Leadership, and the Road Ahead
Moderator: Jennifer Wickman, Government Affairs Director-WI
Panelists: Gretchen Hacquard, Director of Membership, International Cooperative Alliance; Audra Krueger, Executive Director, Co-operatives First; Cathy Statz, Outreach Specialist, International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University; Leslie Watson, Executive Director, Cooperative Development Services
A dynamic discussion on the power of cooperation to strengthen communities, advance economic opportunity, and build a better world. Cooperative leaders and advocates from across the country will reflect on the legacy of the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives and explore what’s next for the movement. Panelists will share stories of impact, discuss how cooperatives can better tell their own stories, highlight key policy challenges and opportunities, and offer inspiration for the future of cooperative enterprise.Cooperative Connections: Meet, Mingle, Motivate
Join fellow cooperative leaders and members for an energizing networking session where friendly conversation meets big ideas. Share experiences, swap tips, and leave with new connections that can spark growth and innovation in your cooperative.Closing remarks for the day
Cooperative Builder Award Reception, Banquet and Ceremony
Breakfast
Opening Business Session
Welcome
Call to Order & Adjourn 2024 Annual Meeting
Chair Report | Sadie Frericks, Board Chair
Executive Director Report
Secretary/Treasurer Reports | Michelle Gubser, Secretary/Treasurer
Certification of Annual Meeting Notice
Credentials Report
Approve 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
Treasurer’s Report
Cooperative Connections: Real talk with cooperative leaders
Discover how today’s cooperative leaders are tackling challenges, celebrating successes, and shaping the future of the movement. This panel will offer candid reflections on their journeys—what it takes to successfully lead their cooperative, the strategies that have worked, and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll hear fresh perspectives, inspiration, and practical insights that you can bring back to your cooperative.Break
Curing Adultitis: Your Prescription for Less Stress and More Success
Jason, Kotecki, Artist who Speaks, Escape Adulthood
Adultitis is an epidemic that can infiltrate even the best working environments, producing stress and instigating burnout. Left unchecked, Adultitis will eat your productivity, teamwork, and morale alive. Surrendering need not be an option, however. In this light-hearted but hard-hitting program, Jason will arm you with the fresh perspective you need to revitalize your passion for making a difference amidst the burden to do more with less. He provides witty observations, humorous anecdotes, and real-world techniques that will entertain and inspire you to reclaim your passion and create a better harmony between work and home. You’ll learn easy, practical tips for bringing more fun and less stress to the job at hand, contributing to a workplace that’s more positive, enjoyable, and engaging for yourself AND those you serve. Adultitis may be a formidable foe, but Jason can help you annihilate it.Break
Closing Business Session
Meet your 2025 Cooperative Network Board of Director Nominees
Action on Director Elections
Action on Resolutions
Director Elections Results & Confirmation of Directors
Closing Remarks – Adjourn
Cooperative Network Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting
Mailing address: 820 West Wingra Drive #259008, Madison, WI 53725
Phone: 608.258.4400