Minnesota Cooperative Summit: Cooperatively Building a Better World

Presented by CoMinnesota, Minnesota Farmers Union, University of Minnesota Morris, and West Central Initiative.

Co-ops have the power to build a better world that includes everyone. Co-ops have been and will continue to be key for economic development in our state, from succession planning to incorporating marginalized groups to solving challenges that cannot be done alone.

Join us at the first annual Minnesota Cooperative Summit to:

• Celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives
• Learn about the power and versatility of the cooperative model
• Engage in Minnesota’s rich history of cooperation to do better together
• Gain inspiration from creative co-op success stories

This event welcomes current cooperatives and cooperators exploring collaboration but is designed to inspire those newer to cooperatives who could learn about and incorporate cooperative strategies to meet the economic and social needs of our state in the years to come. We aim to spark cooperation across the state in the spirit of the International Year of Cooperatives.

Timing:

The main event will take place Wednesday, July 30 at University of Minnesota Morris' Oyate Hall with optional co-op tours and a dinner reception the day before on Tuesday, July 29. On July 29, the co-op tours will begin around 2:30 p.m. and the dinner reception at 5 p.m. at Prime Steakhouse (7 MN-28, Morris, MN 56267).

Lodging:

Lodging is available at GrandStay Hotel Morris with a block of rooms reserved on 7/29 and 7/30. Individuals can call 1-320-585-4000 and make their own reservations and should indicate they are with the 'International Year of the Cooperatives' group.

Affordable lodging on University of Minnesota Morris campus will also be available 7/29 and 7/30. Stay tuned for details.

Transportation:

There is an optional bus transporation option for attendees coming from the Twin Cities. The bus will leave from Minnesota Farmers Union in Roseville, MN late morning on 7/29.

For attendees driving, there is free parking located behind Oyate Hall.

Scholarships:

Thanks to our sponsor, Ralph K. Morris Foundation, we have been able to keep registration costs low, but we don't want financial access to be a barrier to attending this event. Please reach out to info@cominnesota.coop to request a scholarship.

Childcare:

We are looking to secure onsite, free childcare for attendees. If you are interested in childcare, please let us know on your registration submission and we'll be in touch.