Various cooperative sectors covered in Summit workshops

Leaders from the various cooperative sectors will have the unique opportunity to discuss issues and forge strategic alliances thanks to six sector-based workshops to be held during the Summit. These six workshops, presented under the unifying theme of “Doing business our way – Winning strategies for doing business differently,” will cover the following sectors: – Agriculture and agri-food – Production (forestry, fishing, manufacturing, energy) – Public services (health, childcare, homecare, education, housing) – Consumption (food services, school services, cable television, funeral services) – Financial (cooperative banks, credit unions, caisses populaires) – Insurance (mutual personal insurance and general insurance companies) These sector-based workshops will be the perfect place for cooperatives active in the same sector to forge high-level strategic alliances around economic and financial issues unique to them. They will also give participants a chance to look at major international trends and adopt a common vision of their particular cooperative sector and its potential. Expert speakers and case studies In addition to discussing best practices and sharing their experiences and concerns, participants will hear from speakers from the ranks of management and boards of directors of cooperatives from around the world. These presentations are intended to stimulate discussion and debate thanks to the various perspectives these speakers will provide on the cooperative and mutualist movement and related economic and social issues. A round table, « Doing business our way – Winning strategies for doing business differently, » will launch the debates, presenting case studies of cooperatives that have managed to remain agile and innovative while ensuring optimal development.