Every year, the Cooperative Hall of Fame brings the cooperative business community together to honor the people whose leadership, vision and commitment have helped shape the movement—and to celebrate the impact cooperatives continue to have in communities across the country.
On October 8, join the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, DC, as we welcome five extraordinary leaders into the Cooperative Hall of Fame: Margaret Bau, Fannie Lou Hamer, Crystal Long, Kevin Still and Michael Toelle. Their stories span cooperative development, agriculture, credit unions, rural communities and more, demonstrating the many ways cooperative leadership can create opportunity and lasting change.
The evening begins with a reception from 6-7 p.m., followed by the Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony from 7-9:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity not only to celebrate this year’s inductees, but also to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the cooperative community and be reminded of the values and shared purpose that bring us together.
Individual tickets are $325; tables are available for organizations that want to celebrate together.
Buy an individual ticket Sponsor a table of 10
As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we’re already looking for the cooperative heroes who should be honored next. Nominations are open for the 2027 Cooperative Hall of Fame. There is no single path to the Hall of Fame: inductees may be volunteers, public officials or cooperative leaders; their impact may be local, regional, national or international; and nominations may be submitted by either individuals or organizations. What matters is a record of extraordinary contributions that have strengthened cooperatives and the cooperative community.
Nominations and letters of endorsement for the Class of 2027 are due by 5 p.m. EST on September 11, 2026.
Come celebrate the heroes of today—and help us discover the cooperative heroes whose stories should be told next.