Getting Ready to Tour Influential Co-op Association in Spain
We're gearing up for a transatlantic trip! From April 23-27, we're leading a delegation of civic leaders from Greater Cincinnati on a tour of the Mondragon cooperative business association in Spain.
A group of 40 will tour Mondragon, our North Star, an international benchmark for cooperation, and the largest industrial association of cooperatives in the world. Mondragon has transformed a region with a similar population size as Greater Cincinnati, reducing economic inequality while fostering long-term growth.
The diverse delegation includes business, philanthropic, and faith leaders; worker-owners from Co-op Cincy’s network of cooperatives; and representatives from Co-op Cincy’s sister organization in Dayton, Co-op Dayton.
We initially planned to take this trip before the pandemic; we're thrilled it's finally happening.
For more on why this trip is important, check out this 1-minute video. If you want to donate to help a group of 6 worker-owners join the trip, you can do so here.
We'll keep you posted on how everything goes!
2023 Union Co-op Symposium Registration Opens
From Dream to Action: The Transformative Power of Co-ops, Labor, and Community
We're excited to announce our 6th biennial Union Co-op Symposium, From Dream to Action: The Transformative Power of Co-ops, Labor, and Community, which will take place in-person on Oct 20 and Oct 21 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Symposium will focus on combining the best of the co-op and union movements to forge a new economy rooted in connection. The event will be dynamic and inspiring, waking us up to the possibilities of being networked in meaningful ways. Activities will highlight equity, labor, community wealth-building, and care for the earth and ourselves.
Property Management Co-op Joins Network
E Team became our newest co-op last month after Martin Eisen (one of 3 co-op members) signed the articles of incorporation last month! 👏👏👏
E Team is a property management and repair company that emerged from our Construction Co-op U. Stay tuned for more news on them!
Queen Mother's Market Included in Congressional Funding Request
Queen Mother’s Market was one of the 15 local projects that Congressman Greg Landsman put forward for federal funding!
Landsman's request was for $2 million of the expected $5 million cost for QMM's co-op grocery store. From his description: “The Queen Mother’s Market Establishment project would establish a brick-and-mortar grocery store in Walnut Hills. The new grocery store would primarily benefit seniors and vulnerable community members who have lacked nearby access to quality food options since 2017.”
Watch a short video of the announcement on Instagram.
Sustainergy Offers Free Assessments
Sustainergy, the 2nd oldest co-op in our network, is offering a free residential energy assessment: "Considering the 30% federal solar tax credit, as well as brand new rebates and incentives for insulation, there has never been a better time to explore improving your home energy performance!" Contact Sustainergy at 513-667-6900 or www.sustainergy.coop.
Queen City Commons Nears Half A Million Pounds of Compost
In a few months, Queen City Commons will hit a half a million pounds of scraps diverted for composting since starting operation in 2020! Check out their newest community drop-off bin at Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub in Lower Price Hill.
Co-ops and Boot Camp Featured in Spectrum News
Spectrum News Ohio highlighted some of the worker co-ops in our network, along with our co-op business boot camp! 💜💜💜
A Touch of TLC Home Care and Queen City Commons were both interviewed for the article, as was our Co-Director Ellen Vera.
“We want to build an economy that’s equitable and inclusive — an economy that works for all,” Vera said.
Business Legacy Fund Builds Off Success
After 2 successful acquisitions in 2022, the Business Legacy Fund is looking to acquire 3-4 businesses in 2023!
Chris Bennet, the BLF Acquisitions Manager, will be presenting "Leave an Enduring Legacy: The Benefits of Selling Your Business to Your Employees" at Maple Knoll Auditorium on the campus of Maple Knoll Village from 11 am-1 pm on Wed 5/17.
Board Convenes for Retreat
We had a great time at our board retreat last month! 💫
We visited 3 of the worker-owned businesses in our network: Our Harvest, Sustainergy, and Shine Nurture Center. We also deepened connections while conducting strategic planning. Thanks to our board members for making it so special and for helping us launch and support worker-owned businesses!
Movement
Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations has developed a free online program to help minority and female business owners learn about employee ownership strategies for business succession planning. The program will help business owners assess the relevance of establishing an ESOP or worker co-op.
An article in Next City highlights the efforts to build community wealth through worker ownership on both sides of the Atlantic. The article spotlight’s Cleveland’s Evergreen Cooperatives, Colorado’s Center for Community Wealth Building, and the UK’s Centre for Local Economic Strategies.
Some news from the wave of unionizations happening around the country: “by an overwhelming majority vote, workers at REI, Inc. in Beachwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland and the only REI location in the greater metropolitan area, have voted to join the RWDSU, making this the third unionized REI store in the nation.”
WePower is hiring a Vice President of Community Wealth Building.
Belén Marco and Tori Kuper of the New Economy Coalition reflected on the cooperative and economic democracy movements from Barcelona in Nonprofit Quarterly.
