Brainerd Lakes Area, MN — Nine local cooperatives have come together this year to celebrate what makes them unique: their members. 2025 is the International Year of the Cooperative, and October is recognized as Cooperative Month across the country.
Participating cooperatives include Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Brainerd BN Credit Union, Crow Wing Food Co-Op, Crow Wing Power, Crow Wing Power Credit Union, CTC, members Cooperative Credit Union, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, and Tremolo Communications. Although their services vary, cooperatives are united by one foundation: the people they serve are members with a voice, not customers in a transaction.
The group meets regularly to plan joint outreach and education efforts. Their focus is on the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives,” which highlights the power of working together.
“The way these organizations work together and support our communities is absolutely amazing!” says Jill Casper, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, at CTC.
“Each cooperative provides such a needed service to its members on top of the additional ways they support the communities,” adds Jenna Anderson, Public Relations Manager at Crow Wing Power. “It just makes sense for us all to work together.”
Throughout the fall, members and residents will see more stories, events, and activities highlighting the cooperative difference—whether through scholarships, community giving, volunteer efforts, or simply reliable services.
For more information on Cooperative Month and how local cooperatives support their members, contact:
Jenna Anderson
Public Relations Manager, Crow Wing Power
218-829-2827
info@cwpower.com