BELFAST — The Cooperative Maine Business Alliance (CMBA) will hold its 8th annual Principle Six Conference on April 2 at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. The P6 conference provides space for Maine cooperatives to join forces in building a strong and more equitable economy in Maine. This year’s theme is “Cooperative Resilience.” 

“During this time of drastic economic change, cooperative and democratic ownership has inspired resilience and sustainability in individuals, businesses, and communities throughout the pandemic,” said CMBA Network Coordinator, Emmy Andersson, in a Cooperative Development Institute news release. “It's clear that a cooperative business model is built to weather difficulties and changes in the social and economic environment. Being able to celebrate this with our in-person, networking, and co-learning event is an exciting opportunity.” 

The conference will feature keynote speaker, Christine Hallquist, director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, former CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative, and the first transgender major-party candidate for governor of a U.S. state (VT).

Each year, CMBA hosts the P6 Conference to focus on one of the seven principles of cooperative organizing: Principle 6, cooperation among cooperatives. Attendees will participate in a range of skill-building workshops, experience first-hand storytelling from different co-op sectors, and engage in networking and advocacy efforts that enhance collaboration within Maine’s cooperative economy. 

The Maine Office of Economic Development has provided funds to support registration and transportation expenses for attendees in-need. 

The conference Host Committee includes cooperative businesses from across the state, including: Rising Tide Co-op, Portland Food Co-op, Blue Hill Co-op, Belfast Co-op and Fedco Seeds, as well as the Cooperative Development Institute, Cooperative Fund of Northeast, Bangor Savings Bank, Columinate, ROC USA, and the Democracy at Work Institute. Additional sponsors are Town & Country FCU, Maine Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Island Institute, as well as Community Credit Union and Fare Share Food Cooperative.  

To register for this event, visit www.maine.coop/events or contact Emmy Andersson by emailing emmy@maine.coop. For more information about CMBA, visit www.maine.coop.