Minnesota is the number one co-op state. Come learn about what makes cooperatives, including credit unions, unique. This is a good class for anyone who is new to cooperatives, especially new staff and directors, who want to enrich their contribution to co-ops through greater understanding and participation.

This introductory workshop will describe the basic attributes that distinguish a cooperative from other ways to organize and conduct a business. Its purpose is to promote an understanding of what makes a cooperative unique so that co-ops can better market their products and services and meet the needs of their members.

Key Topics
• A comprehensive summary of basic information on the cooperative way of organizing and operating a business
• The nature and extent of cooperative businesses in Minnesota
• How cooperatives compare to other business structures and how co-ops are different than their non-co-op competitors
• The roles various people play in a cooperative
• Equity accumulation and income taxation
• Marketing co-ops to current and potential members

Cooperative boards are responsible for directing the affairs of their business. This course discusses and explains the duties of loyalty, obedience, and due care, and the need for directors to acquire the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their responsibilities as a board director. Unlike most general sessions on director liability, this course focuses on Minnesota's state cooperative and corporate law and the liability they potentially place on cooperative directors.

Key Topics
• Focus on Minnesota cooperative and corporate law and the liability they potentially place on cooperative directors
• A review of a Minnesota cooperative director's duties of care, loyalty, and candor
• The business judgment rule and how it applies to your cooperative's board of director decisions
• How to limit your liability as a director in your cooperative's articles and bylaws
• Roles and responsibilities of the board of directors
• The role of board of directors vs. management
• Discussion of director and officer liability insurance