Gov. Reynolds declares October as Cooperative Month

Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed October as "Cooperative Month" in Iowa to help celebrate the positive impact Iowa's cooperative organizations have in the state.

Almost one in two Iowans belongs to a cooperative, whether in agriculture, energy, credit unions, telecommunications, farm credit, petroleum, or retail. Cooperatives are member-owned and member-governed, with boards of directors elected from within their membership. Unlike traditional businesses driven by outside investors, co-ops prioritize service to their members over profits.

The proclamation highlights several key points:

• Concern for the community is a fundamental cooperative principle
• Cooperatives invest significant human and financial resources to benefit their communities beyond their core business activities. This includes charitable contributions that address the needs of underserved groups, investments in community development that create jobs and services, involvement in environmental protection efforts, and innovative projects aimed at improving child health, welfare, and quality education.
• The commitment of cooperatives to their communities boosts economic opportunities and enhances the quality of life in towns and cities across Iowa.
• In October, cooperatives from various sectors and industries reaffirmed their dedication by pledging to remain actively involved in the communities where their members live and work.

Leslie Kaufman, EVP and General Manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, highlighted the economic impact of local electric co-ops: "We are proud of our legacy of powering homes and empowering communities. In a recent five-year span, electric cooperatives contributed $4.7 billion to economic development projects across rural Iowa."

Bobby Martens, Executive Director of the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, emphasized the dual mission of cooperatives: "Cooperatives are dedicated to serving their member-owners, strengthening communities, and connecting rural Iowans to suppliers and markets."

Across Iowa, cooperatives reach over 1.5 million members and make a significant impact in both rural and urban communities. In rural communities, they contribute close to $60 million in property taxes that support vital infrastructure, while also creating jobs for more than 12,000 Iowans statewide.

Murray Williams, President and CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League, reflected on the strength of the cooperative movement: "As affordability is top of mind for everyone, Iowa credit unions remain committed to improving the financial lives of Iowans. Our philosophy of 'people helping people' reflects the values of cooperatives everywhere, and by working alongside other co-ops, we make a powerful impact on the strength of our local communities all across the state."

For more information on the role of cooperatives in Iowa's economy, visit www.iowacooperatives.com.

For More Information:

Erin Campbell
Director of Communications
[email protected]