We are delighted to announce that 2010 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductee, David Thompson, has agreed to be the 2016 Cultivating Cooperative Roots Keynote Speaker on Saturday, February 6th!
David Thompson is a pioneer in the Cooperative movement, nationally and internationally. He has an impressive list of accolades and interests, all relating to Cooperatives, and he understands the important role that co-ops play in their local and regional communities. Thompson is currently the President of Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation, one of the largest co-op funder of cooperatives in the nation. Under Thompson’s leadership, TPCF has created Cooperative Community Funds for almost 30 US cooperatives. Thompson authored Weavers of Dreams: Founders of the Modern Cooperative Movement (1994), and co-authored Cooperation Works! (1996) and A Day in the Life of Cooperative America (1994). In addition to these works, Thompson has written over 300 articles, many of which have been translated and published around the world.
As the Keynote Speaker for this year’s conference, Thompson will situate cooperatives within a historical context in order to examine the role of co-ops in today’s world. David has the world’s largest private library on cooperatives. He was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, in the same county as Rochdale, the birthplace of the cooperative movement. Known for his forward thinking and innovation, Thompson will conclude his talk with a look at the future of cooperatives. Here is a sneak peek at David Thompson.
Join us on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 4pm for what is sure to be an informative and inspiring talk! This event is free of charge for conference goers! Community members that would like to attend have two options:
- Option A: Attend David Thompson’s talk followed by a catered reception – $10 (no host bar).
- Option B: Attend David Thompson’s talk, the catered reception, and the three course Local Foods Dinner – $30 (no host bar).
- If you are unable to attend David Thompson’s speech but would like to join us for the Local Foods Dinner – $25