The 30th annual Co-op Couples Conference will be held July 15-17, 2008 in Louisville, Miss. Couples from across the state attend the three-day meeting which is presented by the Mississippi Council of Cooperatives, a non-profit educational association of cooperatives. The conference is sponsored by cooperatives serving in Mississippi.

Cooperative leaders from across the state led discussion groups focusing on the manner in which co-ops operate and the variety of products and services they offer to their membership. The breakout sessions included agri-financing, marketing of products and board/management relationships. The closing ceremony features an inspiring speaker, the awarding of certificates and special recognition.

“This is an outstanding conference as evident by it’s 30th year of existence,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president of cooperative services for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. “The success of this program lies in the commitment of our cooperative leaders and their willingness to attend the conference and provide facts and information that has proven to be helpful in explaining the cooperative form of business.” Each session provides the participants with opportunities to ask questions about the cooperatives they do business with and the importance of their membership. “Co-op leaders are also available for one-on-one sessions to ensure the couples have the opportunity to receive needed information’” added Stewart.

In Mississippi, cooperatives are very active and provide services and products to more than 2 million Mississippians through various activities: electric service through electric power associations, farm supply products through local farmer-owned cooperatives, financing through federal land banks and production credit associations, and marketing of products through dairy, cotton and grain cooperatives.

During the closing ceremonies of the 2007 conference, Daniel and Sharon Case and Jody and Heather Dolan were selected to serve as host couples for the 2008 conference. They will help plan the conference and serve as program presenters. Prior to the conference co-op leaders attend the council annual meeting and hear reports on various activities sponsored by the council.

If you would like more information about activites sponsored by the Mississippi Council of Cooperatives, please email Brett Marlar.

NOMINATION FORM