Co-ops connect with partners to do well and do good

CO-OPERATIVES are often contrasted with corporations. Corporations are said to focus on maximising profit, while co-operatives are widely believed to exist for the nobler aims of positive social change. In reality, the lines are often fuzzier.

Corporations such as McDonald's and Starbucks increasingly see their mission as "doing good" while "doing well". The rise of the now widespread corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an expression of it.

Likewise, co-operatives know they need to "do well" in order to "do good". After all, financial sustainability makes the social mission possible.