Rural Grocery Initiative

2024 Cooperative Stakeholder Convening

Cooperative Stakeholder Convening

As Kansans explore innovative solutions to address local challenges, the cooperative business model is one possible strategy for promoting community development.

Join us for the 2024 Cooperative Stakeholder Convening, where we will examine the potential of this self-help model and its relevance to Kansas. This event will provide insights into how cooperatives can foster collaboration in the pursuit of shared goals.

When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: 4105 North Ridge Rd, Wichita, KS


SPEAKER BIOS


AGENDA

9:00 am Check-in Begins - Light refreshments available
9:30 am Welcome
10:00 am

Collaboration in Action: An Introduction to the Cooperative Business Model - Erica Blair, Rural Grocery Initiative
10:25 am

Kansas Farmers Union and the Cooperative Movement - Nick Levendofsky, Kansas Farmers Union
10:45 am

Co-op Skill Building: Is the Cooperative Model Right for You? Assessing the Possibilities - Margaret Lund, Co-opera Co.
12:00 pm Lunch
12:30 pm

Cooperative Developments Across Kansas - Teresa Kelly, Kansas Rural Center; Betsy Davis and Jennifer Burgardt, McPherson County Community Foundation; Erica Blair, Rural Grocery Initiative
1:30 pm

Panel Discussion: Harnessing the Power of Cooperation in Community and Economic Development - Brandy Willett, Kansas Small Business Development Center; Chuck Laughlin, K-State Research and Extension; Margaret Lund, Co-opera Co. Facilitated by Brandi Miller, Kansas Cooperative Council.
2:15 pm Roundtable Discussions
2:50 pm Thank You and Closing Comments

 

 

This convening is made possible by a USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant.
Sponsored by the Kansas Cooperative Council and CoBank.

 

K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the Erica Blair at least two weeks prior to the start of the event at 785-532-3828 and elblair@ksu.edu. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.