How Different Types of Co-ops Make an Impact in Their Communities

October marks the beginning of National Co-op Month — a time to celebrate the unique cooperative business model and how co-ops across the country make a positive impact on the communities they serve. While DEC is an electric co-op — part of the broader category known as utility co-ops — there are many other types of cooperatives you should also be aware of: 

• Utility Co-ops: Provide essential services like electricity, water or broadband and are led by the members they serve. 
• Consumer Co-ops: Owned by the people who shop there or use its products and services. 
• Producer Co-ops: Help farmers, ranchers or other producers work together to market and sell their products.
• Worker Co-ops: Owned and operated by the employees who work there.
• Housing Co-ops: Give residents the opportunity to own and manage their housing together.
• Retail Co-ops: Allow members to shop at and help support a member-owned retail business.
• Financial Co-ops: Member-owned financial institutions, such as credit unions, that provide banking services.

Co-ops may look a little different depending on the services they offer, but one characteristic is true for all: they exist to serve their members, and DEC is no exception!

(Information for this article provided by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)