Staff members Char Vrieze and Cory Neely attended the 2026 Cooperation Works! Spring Member Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, April 26–29.
Day one opened with networking and an exploration of the Baltimore cooperative ecosystem through a panel led by Kate Khatib, owner-member of Red Emma’s and Senior Fellow at the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy. The day continued with rich discussions on collective strategies, building cultures of trust, and risk mitigation.
Day two took attendees on a bus tour of local co-ops, highlighting two organizations developing innovative cooperative approaches to housing, as well as inspiring stories of businesses that have converted to worker-ownership. The tour wrapped up with a visit to Taharka Brothers, an ice cream co-op creating pathways for young people to become member-owners, while crafting some truly exceptional ice cream.
The event closed with remarks from Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of NCBA CLUSA, followed by a strategy workshop.
Our staff returned home energized by Baltimore’s spirit of resilience and cooperation, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from the remarkable people who make that city their own.
