Cooperatives and Credit Unions are a core part of the Pacific Northwest’s regional economy. Since 1948 when Minnesota became the first state to declare “Co-op Month,” October has been a time to reflect on the value of the cooperative enterprise model that engages a market economy to meet the needs of its members—building purpose-driven, human-centric, and democratically controlled businesses that focus on sustainable development and creating strong, resilient communities.
In 2025, National Co-op Month has been recognized as Co-op Month in the State of Washington, while the State of Oregon and the City of Olympia, WA have also designated 2025 as the Year of the Cooperative for their respective regions.
The Pacific Northwest has one of the most diverse cooperative economies in North America. Over 170 credit unions and 565 cooperatives serve the people of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Cooperatives provide goods and services in food production, childcare, pre-school, financial services, utilities, technology, retail, hospitality, media, transportation, home care, and funeral services. Our region is one of the few “cradle to grave” co-op economies in North America.
A growing number of businesses have chosen cooperatives as their succession plan. When owners seek to retire, selling to employees or consumers is a proven way to retire securely, preserve a business legacy, and help the community maintain jobs, economic activity, and a sense of place. Conor Byrne Pub in Seattle and Blue Heron Bakery in Olympia model the value of converting to the cooperative enterprise model as a method of sustainable economic development.
As the United Nations has highlighted during the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, cooperatives are uniquely positioned to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether ensuring decent work and economic growth, promoting gender equality, improving access to affordable and clean energy, or fostering sustainable communities, cooperatives provide innovative, people-centered solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In the Pacific Northwest, this commitment is visible in agricultural co-ops reducing hunger, credit unions promoting financial inclusion, and home care co-ops addressing health and well-being.
NWCDC encourages people in the Pacific Northwest to celebrate National Co-operative Month and the International Year of the Cooperative by patronizing and joining your local cooperative. By doing so, you not only strengthen your local community, but also contribute to global progress toward the SDGs—demonstrating that together, cooperatives truly build a better world.
