SR-112, As Adopted by Senate, September 25, 2007

            Senators Brown, Kahn and Pappageorge offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 112.

            A resolution declaring October 2007 as Cooperative Month in Michigan.

            Whereas, Cooperatives in Michigan, since their beginning 120 years ago, have woven a rich and lasting tapestry of economic and social well-being in the fabric of the state; and

            Whereas, The local, self-help nature of cooperatives, combined with their free-enterprise approach to the market, makes them an ideal economic development vehicle; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives provide the delivery of essential products and services, often in situations where they would not otherwise be available; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives buy supplies, equipment, and services from local sources, thus supporting other businesses in the state; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives are locally owned and operated and remain in the state through good times and bad; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives touch every resident in Michigan by providing housing, electricity and other energy, financial services (credit unions), agricultural services, food, education, hardware, and health services; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives employ thousands of people and contribute billions of dollars annually to Michigan’s economy; and

            Whereas, Cooperatives empower their members with reliable and cost-effective services, while enhancing their sense of community and democratic control; and

            Whereas, The cooperative principles of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information sharing, collaboration among cooperatives, and concern for community provide a model of consumer responsiveness for government and business; and

            Whereas, October has been celebrated nationally as Cooperative Month since 1964; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That given the richness of cooperative contributions to Michigan’s economic and social well-being, we hereby proclaim October 2007 as Cooperative Month in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association and the Michigan Alliance of Cooperatives with our highest esteem.