After close to three decades at the National Cooperative Bank, currently as president and CEO, Casey Fannon has seen firsthand how co-ops create resilience and build democratic participation—especially in moments of economic uncertainty.
In a recent op-ed for the World Financial Review, he calls for greater policy investment and innovation to unlock the full potential of this time-tested business model.
Through examples spanning housing, finance and retail, Fannon makes a compelling case for why the cooperative difference matters now more than ever. From food co-ops tackling neighborhood food insecurity to housing co-ops giving residents dignity and control, cooperatives are redefining what it means to build wealth and stability at the community level.
“The cooperative advantage isn’t just about business—it’s about building communities that endure,” Fannon writes. That “double bottom line—economic returns alongside measurable social impact” is worth investing in, he adds.
“The cooperative advantage isn’t just about business—it’s about building communities that endure.” – Casey Fannon