East End Food Co-op receives grant for cooperatives discussion course (6/2006)
The East End Food Co-op has received a $1,550 grant for a discussion course on cooperatives.

    Together, the National Co-op Grocers Association, a cooperative development organization, a university and more than 24 food cooperatives are organizing an education program designed as a discussion course on cooperatives, available online or with written materials. Support will be used for preparation expenses, including the initial printing, for the June workshop at the 2006 Consumer Cooperative Management Association Conference.

    The ultimate goal of the course is to engage co-op owners and members in a productive, fun and innovative format. The program will allow individuals to understand the differences between cooperatives and other business enterprises.

  Canadian Association for Studies in Cooperation Conference receives funding (6/2006)
The Cooperative Foundation has awarded a $2,250 grant to sponsor the Canadian Association for Studies in Cooperation (CASC) annual conference at the Congress of the Social Sciences and Humanities. The sponsorship will be used to provide financial support for presenters at the conference and to provide refreshments for a special gathering of the participants.

    "Cooperating in a Global Economy: challenges to be faced, lessons to be learned", is the theme for the 2006 conference. Presentations will be given by national and international scholars, as well as individuals who assist in developing cooperatives. The Cooperative Foundation will have the opportunity to present a paper on the evolution of education on cooperatives in the U.S. at the event.

    The CASC annual conference will provide sufficient information and examples to all attendees for use in their own cooperative business industries. Five years ago, CASC was primarily focused on Canadian researchers and practitioners. This has since changed to include members from the U.S. and international organizations. CASC leaders say, "The Cooperative Foundation's contribution will serve as a stepping stone to further development of our membership base to include U.S. students, academics and practitioners."

  Consumer Cooperative Management Association receives funding (6/2006)
The Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) received a $3,750 grant from The Cooperative Foundation to sponsor the 2006 annual conference in Atlanta, Ga., June 8-10. This year reflects 50 years of existence for CCMA.

    The Cooperative Foundation is a long time supporter of the CCMA annual conference. Sponsorship will be used to assist in the payment of registration fees for participants from low-income or emerging cooperatives, as well as support of the overall program.

    The CCMA promotes a variety of manager and director aspects, including training, inspiration, challenge and a good time.

New cooperative textbook receives funding (6/2006)
The Cooperative Foundation has approved $2,000 grant to NCERA-194 for a new cooperative textbook. The grant will support a Co-op Textbook Working Group that will congregate for two days.

    During this time period, Michael Boland, Kansas State University professor, will be the lead editor. The working group is anticipated to consist of ten faculty members, which will be paired to evaluate the chapters written. All suggestions and comments will be incorporated into the chapters and returned to the authors for final approval. The ending result will be an integrated text book designed as an educational textbook.

    The National Food and Agribusiness Management Education Commission, which Boland co-chaired, successfully experimented with the format.