MCEF was formed in honor of Minnesota Association of Cooperatives (MAC)* Executive Director Edward Slettom, who led MAC for 30 years. Established in 1986 as a nonprofit corporation, MCEF serves as a tribute to the work of Slettom, a long-time cooperator who embodied the spirit of cooperation not only throughout his career but well into retirement.

A passionate educator, he co-authored the first co-op outline for vocational agricultural teachers and the nationally distributed “Careers in Cooperatives.” Earning the name “Mr. Co-op,” he also educated the public and elected officials about the cooperative form of business. Slettom’s belief in the cooperative system was a lifelong passion and his impact on cooperatives extended around the world. As a result of his solid leadership and lasting mark on the cooperative community, Slettom received the highest honor bestowed by the United States cooperative community, having been inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2009.

*MAC is now known as Cooperative Network, the Minnesota and Wisconsin trade association for cooperatives

Watch a short video shown prior to Ed Slettom’s induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame.