Registration is now open for the 63rd annual Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) Conference, to be held in Durham, North Carolina on June 6-8, 2019. Co-hosted by Durham Co-op Market, Weaver Street Market, and the UW Center for Cooperatives, the conference will bring together food cooperative leadership and industry experts from across the country to build skills to strengthen food co-ops and their communities.

The CCMA 2019 theme, “Cooperative Tapestry: Fostering Democracy and Equity in Our Communities,” recognizes the influence of the textile industry on North Carolina’s economy and on the modern cooperative movement.

This year’s program will feature an inspiring keynote address from Dara Cooper, national organizer for the National Black Food & Justice Alliance. Ms. Cooper is a leading voice of the food justice movement, and was recently recognized as a recipient of the James Beard Foundation 2018 Leadership Award for dedicating her life to racial equity and justice in the food system.

The opening plenary session will address the Future of Retail and how food cooperatives can compete in a rapidly changing landscape. Our closing plenary session will highlight North Carolina cooperatives that are maintaining their relevance by helping their communities address the challenges and opportunities that arise from changes in our economy and society. Speakers include: Molly Hemstreet from The Industrial Commons, Leila Wolfrum from Durham Co-op Market, John Herrera from Self-Help Credit Union, and Cornelius Blanding from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.

Webinar: Demystifying lending to shared equity housing models

This week on Everything Co-op: Pat Thornton, Justin Franks and Rob McClinton interview Hall of Famer Vernon Oakes

Breakout sessions addressing a variety of topics from elevating your co-op’s engagement strategy to mentoring staff, the role of board oversight to addressing implicit bias. Attendees will enjoy co-op tours that highlight Durham’s gems including cooperative businesses, producers that are committed to sustainable and organic practices, as well as organizations making an impact on food access.

Register now to join 400+ of your fellow cooperators as they share ideas and inspiration to strengthen their co-ops and communities, address issues of equity and democracy, and challenge the status quo. More information can be found on the conference website.