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All in favor, say woof! Co-op model secures a veterinary business’s future
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We're excited to share our new video highlighting the transformative journey of a local veterinary business that successfully converted to worker cooperative ownership in 2023. This work is the perfect example of how the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) leverages resources such as the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant and the WEDC’s Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant to retain jobs and businesses in their communities.
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Veterinarians John Dally, Ann Vetter, and Mark Baenen, co-owners of two Wisconsin clinics, faced a dilemma as they approached retirement. They hoped Spring Green Animal Hospital and Mazomanie Animal Hospital would continue to serve future generations, but many younger veterinarians lack the financial capacity or desire to take over established practices. At the same time, the trio was troubled by the growing trend of corporations buying up independent veterinary clinics nationwide, which often results in more profit-driven, less personal care.
Instead of following the corporate route, Dally proposed converting the clinics into a worker-owned cooperative. “It just made intuitive sense to me,” he said. “You can become an owner with minimal financial risk, and you get to have a say in your job.” In late 2021, Dally contacted UWCC to explore how the cooperative model could work for their business. After a year of planning and collaboration with UWCC, the business officially became Cooperative Veterinary Care in January 2023. It is believed to be the first worker-owned veterinary cooperative in the U.S.
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The board members of Cooperative Veterinary Care gather for a co-op meeting at Grandma Mary’s Cafe.
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This transition not only preserved the clinics but also gave employees a greater stake in their workplace. The worker cooperative model empowers all staff members to have a voice in decision-making, creating a more inclusive and motivating environment. During one particularly memorable meeting, UWCC Director Courtney Berner playfully suggested, “All in favor, say woof!” Without missing a beat, the co-op members enthusiastically woofed like their canine patients. Since then, voting with animal noises—woofs, meows, moos, and neighs—has become a beloved tradition.
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The cooperative model has strengthened employee engagement, financial performance, and overall morale. Staff members report feeling a deeper sense of ownership and commitment to the clinic’s success, which has led to better care for both animals and their owners. By offering a sustainable alternative to corporate buyouts, Cooperative Veterinary Care stands as an inspiring example of how local businesses can thrive through cooperation, ensuring that these vital services remain in the community for years to come.
This article is summarized from "All in favor, say woof! Co-op model helps ensure a veterinary business’s future" by Nicole Sweeney Etter, published in News from Extension on July 22, 2024.
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William Nelson: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation in the Cooperative Movement
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To commemorate a cooperative career spanning over 30 years, William Nelson of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation recently spoke with the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) to reflect on his extensive history in the cooperative world. This brief summary can only touch on the many contributions William has made over the years. Anyone who has had the privilege of working with him would attest to his remarkable influence. UWCC has been fortunate to benefit from William’s guidance for over two decades, through his participation on our advisory committee. Nonetheless, we hope to highlight his invaluable work for all to appreciate.
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William’s journey to the cooperative movement began much like many others – by chance. As a college student, he was simply looking for a place to purchase snow tires for his 1963 Chevrolet Impala. Little did he know that this mundane errand would spark a lifelong interest in cooperatives. After purchasing the tires, he unexpectedly received a $5 check from the local farmer cooperative. Intrigued, William met with the store manager, who introduced him to the cooperative model – a moment that sparked a passion that would define his career for decades to come.
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The cooperative business model left a lasting impression on William, leading him to connect with several cooperative leaders, including some of the founding members of The Cooperative Foundation (now part of the Cooperative Development Foundation). While pursuing graduate studies at the University of Houston at Clear Lake City in Texas, William undertook a research project on the future of cooperatives, which gave him the opportunity to work more directly with cooperatives, particularly in the agriculture sector. Though he described his cooperative work as “a small part” of his role, William took the initiative to identify the cooperatives that provided scholarships for students. He then organized a luncheon that brought together scholarship recipients and their cooperative benefactors. The event not only strengthened ties but also spurred an increase in scholarship offerings, revitalizing the focus on cooperative education for young people.
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From there, William’s career took off, and his involvement in agriculture cooperatives expanded. As a professor at the University of Minnesota - Waseca, he encouraged students to engage with cooperatives on a “real world” level, beyond what could be found in a textbook. Throughout his career, William has served on many boards of directors, but his contributions went beyond mere involvement. He transformed the organizations he worked with, relentlessly revitalizing, adapting, and growing each one.
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William’s work with The Cooperative Foundation and the CHS Foundation challenged the idea that these organizations existed simply as financial resources. He emphasized the importance of leadership programs and education, elevated both, and took the organizations to new heights.
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William Nelson with scholarship winners and Ralph K. Morris Foundation board members.
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Over the years, William has provided important leadership to cooperative organizations. While serving as a director at the Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE), William identified declining membership and recognized its crucial role within the cooperative ecosystem. He was a critical part of creating the ACE Institute, a national conference that is still bringing cooperative educators together today. Additionally, William was the primary architect behind the growth and evolution of the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, taking it farther than ever expected.
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In 2010, when William was nominated for the Cooperative Builder Award, his colleagues expressed deep admiration for his unwavering commitment to cooperative leadership development and education. William was also described as a visionary, with the exceptional ability to see connections between organizations, anticipate their future potential, and strengthen relationships. His foresight has shaped many of the programs we continue to participate in today. William’s list of honors is long. Being recognized with such prestigious honors, including the Cooperative Hall of Fame induction and the VIP Citation by the National FFA Organization, speaks volumes about his contributions to both the cooperative community and the agricultural sector.
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UWCC has been honored to have William sit on our advisory committee, where he has brought perspective that is both innovative and deeply rooted in a profound understanding of cooperative businesses and their importance in our world. His connections with many of us run deep, and we are grateful to have witnessed his remarkable skills in action.
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In Brief: Resources and Updates
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UWCC Recruiting Worker Cooperatives for Co-op Study
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We are conducting a study on worker co-ops across Wisconsin. The study is intended to enhance our understanding of the opportunities and challenges worker cooperatives encounter. Worker co-ops are invited to share their perspectives by completing a 30-60 minute interview. The interview can be conducted in person or over a phone/video call. Those who complete an interview will receive a $50 gift card. If you are interested in this study, please contact Yanni Liang, PhD, at (608) 261-1355 or yanni.liang@wisc.edu.
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UWCC Receives RCDG and SDGG Funding
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UWCC has been awarded a total of $355,000 to provide technical assistance to rural cooperatives through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) and Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) programs. These programs exist to help rural cooperatives and small businesses expand, create jobs, and strengthen their capacity to serve rural citizens and communities. While UWCC has received regular RCDG funding since 2011, this is the first time we are also receiving SDGG funding directly.
These grants will enable UWCC to provide cooperative development services to rural clients in Wisconsin and throughout the upper Midwest. The SDGG funds in particular will support education and cooperative projects with Latino communities in the southern part of the state and the Hmong community in counties around Eau Claire. Types of assistance available include organizational development, cooperative education, board training, strategic planning, and support during feasibility and business planning activities. Key project areas include food and agriculture; farmland access; forestry; housing; and the promotion of employee ownership including work with formerly incarcerated individuals.
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Over 400 U.S. Co-ops Complete 2024 CGRI Survey
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In 2021, UWCC launched the Cooperative Governance Research Initiative (CGRI) to gather much-needed data on cooperative governance practices in the U.S. across sectors and over time. The first wave of data collection consisted of a survey and follow up interviews with cooperative leaders. In May 2024, UWCC launched the second wave of data collection with the 2024 CGRI survey. Over 400 cooperatives completed the 2024 survey, which closed in mid-July. Data cleaning and analysis are underway. We will begin rolling out aggregated findings from the 2024 study and tools for cooperative practitioners in early 2025.
If you would like to be kept up to date as we release these resources, be sure to sign up for the CGRI e-mail list. In the meantime, the reports we produced using the 2021 CGRI data can be found here.
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Immigration, Employment, and Entrepreneurship: A Legal Symposium for Wisconsin’s Workforce
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The Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative will host a legal symposium for Wisconsin’s workforce at the WI Latino Chamber of Commerce in Fitchburg. This is a professional development event, led by the Law and Entrepreneurship (L&E) Clinic. This symposium will provide insights into enhancing service providers’ understanding of laws, regulations, and practical solutions concerning employment and entrepreneurship for new immigrants, migrant workers, and undocumented workers. UWCC Cooperative Development Specialist, Kelly Maynard, will participate on the Business Life Cycle Planning & Immigration Compliance panel. The training will cover topics relevant to employers, employees, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. The event costs $40 to register.
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Now Accepting Applications for Graduate Student Scholarships for Research, Outreach, and Training on Cooperatives
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The UW Center for Cooperatives, School of Human Ecology, and Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics are offering Graduate Student Scholarships for Research, Outreach, and Training on Cooperatives. Awards are available to support graduate students’ pursuit of research, outreach activities, or further knowledge related to cooperative businesses and associations in all sectors, both domestic and international and including credit unions.
Visit our website for more details on the application process and eligibility. Applications are due December 15, 2024.
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UW Center for Co-ops to Co-host 21st Anniversary Tom Lyon Family Leadership Symposium with the Ralph K. Morris Foundation
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For more than twenty years, the Ralph K. Morris Foundation's flagship symposium event has featured experts in cooperatives, farmland preservation, and thought leadership. This year, Chuck Connor, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) will provide the event keynote.
In 2020, the Ralph K. Morris Foundation named its annual flagship event the Tom Lyon Leadership Symposium, in honor of the longtime cooperative and civic leader and founding member of the foundation. In 2022, at Tom's request and shortly before he passed away, the symposium was renamed the Tom Lyon Family Leadership Symposium.
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Governance Training for New Directors
October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Finance Webinar - virtual - October 30, 1-3 p.m. CT
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Outstanding board leadership is a critical component of being a successful cooperative business. Great boards don’t just happen, they are built and honed. Governance training is critical to developing a productive and forward-thinking board and ensuring a positive relationship between the board and management.
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Employee Ownership Webinar
October 24, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Free Webinar
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Join us for a free webinar on October 24, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. to learn about the benefits of converting to a cooperative as a business succession plan!
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FEED Summit
October 28 - 29, 2024
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Join UW-Madison Extension for business workshops, networking sessions, great local food, and field trips to Milwaukee food businesses! UWCC's Kelly Maynard will present a Co-op's 101 Session.
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Agricultural Cooperative Director Training
January 7-8, 2025
Mankato, Minnesota
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Join fellow ag co-op directors for a highly interactive program highlighting the latest issues impacting farmer cooperatives.
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CCMA 2025: Save the Date!
May 29 - 31, 2025
Duluth, Minnesota
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Join food cooperative directors, management, staff, and sector allies for a conference focused on highlighting issues impacting the cooperative movement.
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