What is the Traveling
Cooperative Institute for Natural Food Co-ops?
2007 marks the eleventh
year of trainings sponsored by the Traveling Cooperative Institute
(TCI). The TCI engages a range of cooperative service
organizations, experienced managers, and staff members to
help develop and support local leadership and staff development
in cooperative communities in rural and urban areas. Since
its inception, the TCI has brought together hundreds of co-op
leaders. TCI participants share their experiences, and
in the true spirit of cooperation, have continued supportive
relationships with each other.
Kris Olsen was one
of the original cooperators in the natural food co-op world.
He began his career in a retail co-op in 1970 in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and was instrumental in creating and guiding an
effective member owned wholesale delivery system. Kris
was the first co-op circuit rider, traveling throughout the
Midwest, providing operational help, encouragement, and resources
to natural food co-op start-ups.
Kris died in 1997,
soon after the first TCI training sessions had begun.
We are honored that Kris lent his name to NCF/NCDF's Traveling
Cooperative Institute, and look forward to sharing his spirit
and dedication with Midwest cooperatives.
No TCI's have been scheduled for 2008
For more information about the TCI
program, call (612) 331-9103 or email info@ncdf.coop.