Growing economically, cooperatively

This is the last week of National Co-op Month, the annual opportunity to consider the importance and potential of cooperative businesses. The theme this year, “Co-ops Build Economic Power,” is, sadly, more hope than reality for co-ops, their member owners and our communities.

It is definitely true that specific co-ops here in the Skagit Valley are economic powerhouses. The Puget Sound Food Hub, Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Skagit Farm Supply and credit unions such as BECU and North Coast are thriving, growing opportunities for their member owners. But the number of co-ops locally and nationally a...