The 3rd Annual Food Co-op Start-Up Conference
This year we’ve expanded our workshops and added more topics around operational issues and governance. Learn about Model Start-up Governance Policies, Building a Food Service Program in Your Co-op, How to Grow your Membership, and more!
We’ve added an optional day on Thursday, March 8, with the opportunity to spend time at the Bloomingfoods Commissary Kitchen or to participate in a day-long workshop on "Membership and Recruitment." The conference will also include a public keynote address by Mark Kastel of Cornucopia Institute on Thursday evening.
The conference begins on Friday, March 9 with regstration at 9:00 am and concludes with an evening reception from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. We start Saturday, March 10 at 9:00 am and conclude the day at 4:00 pm. Please see attached agenda for additional program information.
Check back often for further information.
Conference Registration Fees :
$150 for 1st and 2nd person from an organization
$100 for 3rd and additional people from an organization
One day conference registration: $75 (either Friday or Saturday, per person)
Pre-Conference workshops on Thursday: $60 per person
Scholarships may be available through the Ralph K. Morris Foundation Cooperative Leadership Fund. Please visit their website at www.ralphkmorrisfoundation.org for more information.
Conference hotel:
Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington
310 S. College Ave.
812-335-8000
Online hotel room reservations
NOTE: The room block expires on Feb. 22.
THANK YOU to our SPONSORS:
National Co-op Grocers Association
Call Debbie Trocha at 317-692-7707 or email at dtrocha@icdc.coop for additional details.
“We began working as a multifarm agricultural cooperative in 2006 with assistance from ICDC and a grant for legal expenses. Without that support, our co-op growers wouldn’t have been able to confidently create its FarmFreshCSA project to direct market our naturally grown fresh produce.”
—Claire Whalen, Laughery Valley Growers
