Fredrikson to provide government relations services for Cooperative Network in Minnesota

by Rick Hummell, Cooperative Network Communications Specialist

Cooperative Network has entered into a new relationship with the Government Relations group at the Minneapolis-based Fredrikson law firm. Throughout the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, Fredrikson will assist Cooperative Network with policy priorities, and these efforts will include preparing alliance leaders for bill hearing and legislator meetings, developing strategic communications recommendations, securing bill authors, tracking specific legislation, and monitoring committees, among other tasks.

Fredrikson has expertise in agriculture, rural broadband, health care, energy, technology and regulatory, housing, capital investment, tax, transportation, and local government.

Fredrikson government relations specialist Bennett Smith will lead the efforts for Cooperative Network. Smith has deep experience with Minnesota agriculture policy and practices and is involved with his family’s farm operation.

“Cooperative Network is excited to have the expertise and experience of the Fredrikson team lead the government affairs efforts in the state of Minnesota,” said Cooperative Network president and CEO Dan Smith. “Cooperative members will benefit from the team’s multi-sector experience, and their ability to work across party lines for the good of the cooperative model.”