This interactive panel session will explore how co-ops manage their money, addressing such issues as liquidity, return, security, philosophy and other topics. What policies, procedures and practices do co-ops use in the arena of financial management? Attendees will hear from 2-3 co-ops about their practices. Attendees will also hear about opportunities available for investment in credit unions and cooperative-oriented non-profit lending institutions (Community Development Financial Institutions). What lessons have co-ops, credit unions and cooperative lending institutions learned from working together?

Presenter: Betsy Black, Cooperative Fund of New England.

Co-ops are not just friendly associations of folks who share certain values and use the Rochdale principles -- they are distinct legal entities with special rights, specific responsibilities, and some formidable legal challenges. This presentation will offer a whirlwind tour of the law that applies to Co-ops in Vermont and considers incorporation issues, tax questions, and capital raising challenges, as well as how co-ops can remain relevant amid a growing number of alternative business models.

Presenter: Don Kreis, Vermont Law School.

What is our shared impact on the economy? How can co-ops work together to grow the movement and benefit their members and communities? The Neighboring Food Cooperative Association (NFCA) is a New England-based alliance of 20 food co-ops with more than 80,000 member-owners. The session will include a brief presentation on the NFCA?s vision of a thriving regional economy, rooted in a healthy food system and co-operation among co-ops, and then we will engage participants in strategic dialogue about current examples of collaboration, opportunities for development and member-owner value related.

Presenter: Erbin Crowell, Neighboring Food Co-op Association.

Co-operative values and financial success are not mutually exclusive goals but complementary and interdependent elements of co-operative business success. This workshop will discuss the unique nature of co-operative management and the need for appropriate training and support for co-op employees. We will also explore St. Mary?s University?s Master of Management: Co-operatives & Credit Unions, a graduate level program that is overseen by the Co-operative Management Education Co-operative.

Presenter: Sonja Novkovic, Saint Mary's University.

Content: This interactive panel session will explore the sources of financing available for cooperatives (CFNE, Vermont Employee Ownership Loan Fund, USDA RD, etc.) and include the perspective of lenders including alternative financial institutions (CDFIs and credit unions) as well as new and seasoned co-operatives. What works well, what obstacles do co-ops face, where are there financial gaps for co-ops and how are these gaps addressed?

Presenter: Lynda Brushett, Cooperative Development Institute.

There is an inevitable tension in co-operatives between the interests of stakeholders: consumers, workers and producers. A multi stakeholder structure can address this tension by giving all member types a place at the boardroom table and a share of patronage, leading to a more satisfactory discussion and resolution of issues. Explore how this model works in various sectors: Consumer/worker co-ops, Farmer/ consumer co-ops? Writer/ worker/ consumer media co-ops?.

Presenter: Don Jamison, Vermont Employee Ownership Center.

Whether in response to member or business needs, cooperatives are fertile ground for creating new cooperative business enterprises. Learn from a wealth of examples and take home an array of strategies for how your cooperative can be an even stronger engine of economic development in your community.

Presenter: Noémi Giszpenc, Cooperative Development Institute.

If your business accepts plastic card payments, this is a session you cannot afford to miss. Workshop leader Aaron Addition will explain exactly what card processing is and the different entities that are involved. He?ll discuss how your processing fees are determined, what you?re actually paying for, and how you can lower your fees. He'll answer questions such as, "Should I rent or own a terminal?" and "What are the benefits of accepting plastic card payments?" He'll touch on Payment Card Industry (PCI) data handling rules and discuss the many different ways card payments can be accepted. Most importantly, Aaron will provide insightful questions that all merchants should ask while vetting a prospective card processing company.

Presenter: Aaron Additon, PowerPay Financial Institution Group.