By definition, cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize common, social, and cultural needs and aspirations. 

Cooperatives allow people to take control of their economic future and, because they are not owned by shareholders, the economic and social benefits of their activity stay in the communities where they are established. Profits generated are either reinvested in the enterprise or returned to the members. 

Cooperatives stand out because they are member-focused, not-for-profit and community driven. They go the extra mile because they care. Cooperatives are built on the premise of neighbors helping neighbors.

As they did in the 1930s and 1940s, co-ops are once again stepping up and bridging a divide; this time, it’s not the urban vs. rural divide for electric power, it’s the digital divide. It is important for co-ops that their members have reliable internet service to thrive in business, access to health care and education. This is the cooperative difference.