Co-operatives are an important, but often unacknowledged part of the community, according to a senior representative from a peak industry body.
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Sam Byrne, the secretary of Co-Ops NSW, was in the city on Monday to provide training for about 25 directors of co-operatives in the Wagga region.
Directors from businesses including Riverina Co-Op, the Junee District Co-Op supermarket, Yenda Producers and the Walbundrie IGA.
Mr Byrne said the biggest difference between this business model and others was that co-operatives were owned by members.
These member-owned businesses often brought valuable businesses to smaller communities.
“We’ve had a lot of requests for training in this part of the state for director training,” Mr Byrne said.
“Because theses businesses are community-based, they are about delivering back to the community.
“The importance of co-operatives to the community is often under-estimated.”
Mr Byrne said a gathering such as Monday’s seminar not only provided the co-operative directors with the chance to learn more about the roles, but also gave them a chance to get together with others and discuss relevant issues.
Co-operatives can operate a wide range of businesses from banks and supermarkets to childcare centres and schools, taxi companies and farm supply stores.
Kevin Salmon, the general manager of Riverina Co-op attended the seminar.
“It’s great we have the opportunity to hear from Sam and to meet the representatives of other co-ops from around the region," he said.