SMCU Celebrates the Co-op Difference

Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union presents Co-opalooza, a family-friendly celebration of local cooperative business, emceed by Northwest comedy legend, Pat Cashma

October 16, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion in Seattle Center

Live music from The Moondoggies, Recess Monkey, and Caspar Babypants, free food samples, and fun activities for kids

SEATTLE, July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The economic crisis and stalling recovery have left consumers disenchanted and distrustful. Major players in the drama, such as Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and AIG, have made the subject of corporate social responsibility a topic of concern for most Americans. Against a backdrop of unemployment and waning consumer confidence, the cooperative business model provides hope for everyone, just as it has since the 19th century.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110705/DC30576LOGO )

To celebrate the wonderful things that co-ops do in their community Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union (SMCU) will be gathering co-ops from across the country in the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 16 for Co-opalooza. Co-opalooza is a free, all-ages event that gives attendees a chance to see the impressive diversity of cooperatives and gives each co-op a chance to tell its story.

"Co-ops play a critical role in the Pacific Northwest economy," said Eric Bowman, Co-op Development Specialist at the Northwest Cooperative Development Center. "Co-ops market farmer's products through [agriculture] co-ops like Tillamook, provide housing to families and at-cost financial services through credit unions like SMCU. Co-ops demonstrate that a different, more civilized and more rational, economy is possible. By focusing on consumer-owners or producer-owners, they avoid the volatility of a Wall-Street-driven business. They are a way forward for our country in these times of economic turmoil. It's critical for these vital businesses to tell their story and explain what sets them apart."

Co-ops in attendance include Group Health, PCC Natural Markets, Central Co-op, Equal Exchange, the National Cooperative Business Association, Northwest Cooperative Development Center, and the Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery. Additional support for Co-opalooza comes from REI, Organic Valley, and Seattle Met Magazine.

PCC Natural Markets, one of the oldest and most loved co-ops in the region will be bringing their popular Kid Picks Mobile to the event.  CEO Tracy Wolpert explained their participation in this year's event:

"Offering great food and even better customer service is what we do; creating community around common values is what we are.  Participating in the second annual Co-opalooza is an opportunity to celebrate our cooperative roots which have given PCC strength and stability for almost sixty years."

Participating co-ops will offer free food samples, discounted massages, coffee samples and more. There will also be live music from original local bands, Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkeys and The Moondoggies.

For more information about Co-opalooza 2011, visit http://www.smcu.com/coop.

About SMCU
Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union, "Home of the Seven Cooperative Principles," has provided sound solutions to its members' financial needs since 1933. Originally founded by City of Seattle municipal employees who wanted a fairer and more accessible financial institution, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union now serves the entire State of Washington with a full range of financial services.

About PCC:  Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retail cooperative with annual sales of $148 million and an active membership of 46,000 households. Founded in 1953, PCC operates nine stores in the Seward Park, View Ridge, Greenlake, West Seattle, Fremont, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds and Issaquah neighborhoods.

About NWCDC:  NWCDC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit which provides business development services for new and existing co-ops in the tri-state Northwest and Hawaii. It works in sectors ranging from worker co-ops to farmer co-ops. Its mission is to foster community economic development through the co-op business model.

More on Cooperatives
Cooperative businesses have played an important role in the United States since pre-independence times, especially during economic downturns. During the Great Depression, before government programs became prevalent, people set up "self-help" groups to help each other meet their needs for basic household goods and financial products.

Cooperatives can now be found in nearly every sector of the economy. From credit unions to grocery and farming co-ops, cooperative businesses work to provide unique value to their members. Not only do they provide great deals on the products and services they offer, they often look to create a social balance in the arenas in which they do business.

Cooperatives often work together to achieve their goals, not just as a matter of convenience but as a matter of principle. Cooperation amongst cooperatives is one of the foundational tenets that make the co-op system great for everyone.

SOURCE Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union