Co-ops Across US Shine Brightly at CCMA 2025 “Lighting the Way”

Kristen Moore, Council Member
Kristen Moore, Council Member

from Kristen Moore, Council Member

Incredible warmth and strength was the feeling generated during the Consumer Cooperative Management Association’s 2025 conference themed “Lighting the Way”. Traveling to Duluth, MN with a small group of Council leadership, General Manager and staff members to learn among other cooperators was inspiring!

The conference offered a variety of keynote speeches and breakout presentations. I attended an incredible presentation: Onboarding with Gratitude to Nurture a Culture of Inclusivity, given by Norman Gonsalves and John Crane from Portland Food Co-op in Maine. Norman shared in detail how to help new co-op employees become confident, well-trained staff. Norman said, “There is kindness in clarity.” He shared how he leads staff through training with humor and humility. Modeling vulnerability demonstrates how to communicate about difficult topics. Thoughtful trainings can instill positive habits, which decrease potential conflicts in the workplace. Norman mused about creating a digital space to celebrate staff called “You’re Berry Appreciated for What You Do!”

Creating a welcoming environment for others has been a leading priority of my work in hospitality, recreation and education. To hear how co-op employees are invited to join into organizations where people are valued and uplifted is beautiful.

Raised beds at Denfeld High School
Raised beds providing a hands-on learning space for Denfeld High School students.

Tours highlighted different groups working to support the greater Duluth community. Visiting a deep winter greenhouse in West Duluth, operated by Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success program was an impressive first stop. This small space featured a year-round greenhouse, a Mobile Market in a refrigerated van and gardens that are hands-on learning space for Denfeld High School students. Eco3Urban Farm and Duluth Farm to School continued to wow tour participants as we saw healthy gardens and proud program leaders.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op shared the experience of developing and opening their co-op. It was exciting to hear the satisfaction of the community’s teamwork and the joy of fellowship around the experience.

Interior of Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success deep winter greenhouse
Interior of Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success deep winter greenhouse.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op is a Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative. The co-op’s purpose is to provide improved access to healthy food and food education to Detroit residents. Meeting the needs of the community is achieved through the democratic control of the co-op by its member/owners.

CCMA - Rejuvenation Station
Being able to see the water while we were inside buildings and being near the lake when outside was a tangible health benefit!

Recognizing our human needs to relax amongst all of this excitement was kind and wise of conference planners. There were many logistics to navigate and so much amazing information to discover. A quiet space to unwind was available for conference guests. Fondly named, The Rejuvenation Station, this oasis was a meditative space complete with cushions and views of open water. Being able to tuck into this enclosed space, to be quiet and reflective was meaningful to many.

Writing these articles leads me to original sources. So thankful for my notes and the brief, spontaneous conversations that occurred throughout the conference. Happy to thank Norman-at least twice, honored to hear from elders and fulfilled to know the 400 CCMA 2025 attendees represent so many more cooperators across the US.

This recent release “Room on the Porch for Everyone” from TajMo reminds me of the feeling generated by cooperators at CCMA 2025.