In The Valley

Bethlehem Food Co-op to screen new PBS documentary on co-ops at 1/29 event on Southside



 

BETHLEHEM FOOD CO-OP TO SCREEN NEW PBS DOCUMENTARY “IN THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION” ON JANUARY 29 AT VICTORY FIREHOUSE IN BETHLEHEM

BETHLEHEM – January 13, 2017 – Co-ops may come in all shapes and sizes, but the their power in the economy and the community can’t be understated. On Sunday, January 29 from 2 – 4 p.m., the Bethlehem Food Co-Op will host a special screening of “In the Spirit of Cooperation,” a Visionaries documentary produced for PBS.

This one-hour documentary highlights the power of co-ops in the U.S. and around the world as it follows the work of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International through eight co-op stories, featuring members in Seattle, Western Massachusetts, Mississippi, and international projects in Mozambique and East Timor. With the seven cooperative principles binding these unique and diverse businesses, the documentary shows how co-ops help to build a better world.

Following the documentary, a panel of experts representing cooperative enterprise organizations throughout our region will discuss key issues for co-ops and answer questions from the audience:

  • Peter Frank, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance
  • David Woo, Board Member at Weaver’s Way, Mid-Atlantic Food Co-Op Alliance Representative
  • Jen Christopher, IT Director, Keystone Development Center: Cooperative Solutions
  • Dorene Duncan, AVP of Marketing and Member Development, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
  • Colleen Marsh, Board Chair, Bethlehem Food Co-Op

The documentary’s presentation is sponsored by National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International – https://www.ncba.coop/. A trailer for the documentary can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igh1qcFHo-4.

The event at Victory Firehouse, 205 Webster Street in Southside Bethlehem, is open to the public to attend. Admission is limited to 60 attendees, so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. (Note: if tickets sell out in advance they will not be available for purchase at the door.)

Tickets are $5 for co-op members and $6 for non-members. They can be purchased at http://www.bethlehemfood.coop/visionaries_screening.

The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is owned by the community members it serves, and will support local producers and sustainable, humane, and natural food systems. Member-owners make a one-time $300 equity payment and will receive many perks, such as an equal voice in Co-op operations, opportunities for hands-on involvement, discount days, and access to unique educational opportunities. Monthly payment plans are available to accommodate those who would like to divide up the equity payment. The Co-op currently has more than 370 member-owners. The faster the Co-op gains member-owners, the sooner the store can open to serve the community.

The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is a diverse community encouraging physical, social, and economic health by providing healthful, affordable food; emphasizing local, sustainable, humane, and natural food systems; and offering unique educational opportunities to the entire community. More information can be found at http://www.bethlehemfood.coop.
Information Provided By:
Tracey Werner, Blabbermouth Communications
tracey@blabbermouthcommunications.com