WHEREAS, cooperatives are businesses that are owned and democratically governed by their members and exist solely to serve their members’ interests; and

        WHEREAS, more than 40,000 cooperatives nationwide operate in virtually every industry including agriculture, child care, energy, financial services, food retail and distribution, housing, healthcare, insurance, telecommunications and many others; and

        WHEREAS, cooperatives operate in the very communities in which their member-owners live and work, providing democratic local control and accountability without the need for government intervention; and

        WHEREAS, cooperatives play a vital role in community economic development, allowing members to collectively serve their own needs in ways that are not possible for individuals acting alone; and

        WHEREAS, the cooperatives in Idaho generate significant income, employment and revenue and function as engines of economic growth for local communities and the economy of Idaho; and

        WHEREAS, cooperatives dedicate substantial human and financial resources to serve their communities beyond their core business functions, including charitable giving that meets the needs of underserved populations, investment in community development that generates jobs and income and helps create vital services, contributions and involvement in environmental protection activities, innovative projects that improve child health and welfare and support quality education; and

        WHEREAS, the community commitment of cooperatives enhances economic opportunity and improves quality of life in Idaho’s cities and towns; and

        WHEREAS, during the month of October, cooperatives of all types and from all industries reaffirm their member-service mission and their commitment to community and pledge continued active involvement in the communities in which their members live and work.

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. RISCH, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim October 2006, to be

COOPERATIVE MONTH

in Idaho.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 21st day of September in the year of our Lord two-thousand and six and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE