Providing a space for networking, collaboration, and mutual support is central to the work of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA). Member co-ops are invited to send representatives from Management, Staff and Board of Directors to participate in our Member Gatherings. These events are typically attended by over 100 co-operators from our member co-ops and representatives from partner organizations, and include workshops, guest presentations, and strategic discussions, as well as open time for networking.
NFCA Gatherings are free to our Member Co-ops, supported by dues and additional support from other co-operatives, co-op support organizations, and partners.
See below for links to presentations and photos from past gatherings:
- 8th Annual Meeting & Gathering, 2019
- “From Soil to Sovereignty: Good Food For All,”
- Featuring Ruth Tyson, Coalitions Coordinator for the Food & Environment program at Union of Concerned Scientists
- 7th Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering, 2018
- “Building an Inclusive Economy: The Co-operative Difference,”
- Featuring Doug O’Brien, President & CEO, NCBA CLUSA.
- 6th Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering, 2017
- “Building a Co-operative Future: Diverse, Inclusive & Resilient,” Featuring Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director, Federation of Southern Co-operatives / Land Assistance Fund.
- 5th Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering (Morning) 2016
- “Reflecting on the Vision of the Middlebury Manifesto,” Featuring Judy Ziewacz, President & CEO, NCBA CLUSA.
- Afternoon Sessions, 5th Annual Meeting, 2016
- 2015 Fall Regional Food Co-op Gathering
- “Co-ops & the Civil Rights Movement,” Featuring David Thompson, Twin Pines Foundation.
- 4th Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering, 2015
- “Connecting Our Co-operatives,” Featuring Jerry McGeorge, Vice President for Co-operative Affairs, Organic Valley.
- 2014 Fall Regional Food Co-op Gathering
- “The Co-0perative Difference in Challenging Times,” Featuring J. Tom Webb, Global Co-operation, Inc.
- 3rd NFCA Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering, 2014
- “Farmers & Consumers — Together,” Featuring Roger Noonan, President, New England Farmers Union.
- 2013 Fall Regional Food Co-op Gathering
- “Creating a Welcoming Food Co-op,” Featuring Faye Conte Mack, Hunger Free Vermont.
- 2nd Annual Meeting & Regional Food Co-op Gathering Photos, 2012
- “Charting Our Course in the International Year of Co-operatives.”
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) held its Fifth Annual Meeting on March 5, 2016 at the Arts Block in downtown Greenfield, MA. The meeting brought together over 100 co-operators from 35 food co-ops, start-up initiatives and partner organizations from across our region for networking, strategic dialog and workshops.
Special thanks to Judy Ziewacz, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) for joining us a keynote and setting the tone for the day as she reflected on NCBA CLUSA’s 100 year legacy and vision moving forward. NFCA Executive Director Erbin Crowell and Bonnie Hudspeth, Marketing and Outreach Manager, reported on the activities of the past year, and NFCA’s priorities moving forward, followed by small group dialog on our founding document, the Middlebury Manifesto.
Special thanks to our sponsors from our co-operative community for their support of our gathering: CoBank, Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, CDS Consulting Co-op, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Cooperative Development Foundation, Cooperative Fund of New England, Cooperative Grocer Network, Deep Root Organic Coop, Equal Exchange, Food Co-op Initiative, Franklin Community Co-op, National Cooperative Bank, National Cooperative Business Association, National Co+op Grocers, New England Farmers Union, Organic Valley, Real Pickles, Sobey School of Business Co-operative Management Education Program, Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation, and Valley Co-operative Business Association.
The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) held its Fifth Annual Meeting on March 5 at the Arts Block in downtown Greenfield, MA. The meeting brought together over 100 co-operators from 35 food co-ops, start-up initiatives and partner organizations from across our region for networking, strategic dialog and workshops.
Afternoon sessions included peer to peer dialog on topics of importance identified by our members, followed by a panel on “Building Alignment for Success.” This workshop focused on developing strategic alignment between the governance and operational aspects of co-ops, with examples of effective collaboration and alignment. Workshop presenters featured:
- Kari Bradley, General Manager, Hunger Mountain Co-op & NFCA President, Moderator
- Terry Bowling, NCG Eastern Corridor Development Director
- Faye Conte, Board of Directors, Onion River Co-op/City Market & NFCA Board Member
- Glenn Lower, General Manager, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, & NFCA Board Member
Special thanks to CoBank and National Cooperative Bank, and these co-operative community sponsors for their support of our Annual Meeting: Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, CDS Consulting Co-op, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Cooperative Development Foundation, Cooperative Fund of New England, Cooperative Grocer Network, Deep Root Organic Coop, Equal Exchange, Food Co-op Initiative, Franklin Community Co-op, National Cooperative Business Association, National Co+op Grocers, New England Farmers Union, Organic Valley, Real Pickles, Sobey School of Business Co-operative Management Education Program, Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation, and Valley Co-operative Business Association.
Special thanks to CoBank and National Cooperative Bank, and these co-operative community sponsors for their support of our Annual Meeting: Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Association of Vermont Credit Unions, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, CDS Consulting Co-op, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Cooperative Development Foundation, Cooperative Fund of New England, Cooperative Grocer Network, Deep Root Organic Coop, Equal Exchange, Food Co-op Initiative, Franklin Community Co-op, National Cooperative Business Association, National Co+op Grocers, New England Farmers Union, Organic Valley, Real Pickles, Sobey School of Business Co-operative Management Education Program, Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation, and Valley Co-operative Business Association.
NFCA Fall Gathering Presentation, 7th Sept 2013
NFCA Annual Meeting Photos, 2012