By
its very nature, the co-op evolves in a local setting, firmly anchored
to the needs of the community. Its membership and production are
entirely local, while its commercial activities are pursued as much on
local and national levels, as on an international one. The dynamics may
differ according to size, sector or membership, but the basic reason
for its existence remains unchanged: the creation of use value and
community wealth by and for its members through sustainable
exploitation of community resources
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“The
co-op is after all a partnership based on trust and social cohesion,
and is a corporation that conducts business… With this aim, must we
organize our co-ops with rigor and professionalism. Make them
competitive and efficient like any other business launched into the
market. We must move in that direction quickly, without losing sight of
the principles and values that make us unique, it is imperative that
our businesses adopt procedures that allow for mergers and
incorporation in order to reduce costs. They must also forge strategic
alliances with a view to adding value to their products and services,
as well as find partners and establish trans-national co-ops.” (Roberto
Rodriguez, ICA President)
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In regards to the issue of development and equitable growth, co-ops create a triple effect :
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Through their internal dynamics, they facilitate community and individual empowerment;
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Through their external dynamics, they increase a community’s social capital
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By their very mission, they become powerful market activity regulators
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The
co-op of the Americas answer the challenges of development and global
competition, while retaining their identity in the face of
local/continental challenges
