Global Leaders Unite for International Day of Co-operatives
It’s not everyday that the Secretary of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, Live Aid founder, Sir Bob Geldof and Australian Foreign Minister, Bob Carr get together.
But on July 7, they and other senior dignitaries will gather in New York to celebrate co-operative enterprises.
The United Nations designated 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives in recognition of the important contribution they make worldwide to social and economic development.
Co-operatives, just like bankmecu, are businesses that operate in the best interests of the people who they serve and who they are owned by.
The movement is gathering pace internationally and here in Australia, the story is no different.
"Clearly a return to 'business as usual' is not working with the world in an ongoing state of economic flux. That's why there is such an interest in the co-operative and mutual model. People are realising that these businesses behave in different ways and are much more focussed on the long-term. They work to different 'people-centred' incentives because they are owned by their customers. This is their strength," said Melina Morrison, a Director of the Australian Secretariat for the International Year of Co-operatives and Social Business Australia.
Currently, there are around 1,800 co-operatives across the nation and more than 7.5 million members. The top 100 Australian co-ops, including banks, were responsible for turning over $14.7 billion last year alone.
bankmecu Acting CEO, John Yardley says the International Day of Co-operatives on July 7 is a good opportunity to celebrate organisations that put their customers and the community first.
“As a co-operative, bankmecu is able to offer better rates and lower fees to their customers because the bank reinvests the profit it earns back into the business.
“You can join bankmecu in supporting the cause by making a conscious decision to buy your goods and services from other local co-operatives – whether that be groceries, health and general insurance or even renewable energy.
“You can also get involved by picking up a copy of the commemorate stamps, pre-paid envelope and coin mailer. Or purchase the office International Year of Co-operatives 2012 $1 coin from the Royal Australian Mint,” Mr Yardley said.
To find out more on co-operatives visit; Social buisness Australia http://www.socialbusiness.coop/, IYOC2012 http://2012.coop/ and IYOC2012 Australia http://www.australia2012.coop/