Cooperatives and Community Economics

Jacqueline Hannah, general manager of Common Ground Food Co-op, on how cooperatives build community wealth and economic sustainability. She explained what legally distinguishes a co-op from a nonprofit or corporation, traced the model to the Rochdale Pioneers and the seven cooperative principles, and surveyed consumer, worker, producer, housing, and purchasing co-ops, including the Art Theater Co-op and local credit unions. She then recounted Common Ground's history from its 1974 founding as a student buying club in the Illinois Disciples Foundation basement through its 2008 move to Lincoln Square and 2012 expansion. Audience Q&A on financing, the Illinois co-op statute, and growth followed.