Several events planned for Montana cooperative week

Cooperative leaders from across Flathead and Lincoln counties have teamed up with several partners to host the Montana Cooperative Impact Week set for Oct. 23-25.

Groups involved include Rural Economic Designs, LLC, the Montana Cooperative Development Center, the CHS Foundation, the Montana Farmers Union and the Montana Council of Cooperatives.

Interactive, educational events are set to take place in Whitefish and Kalispell. The public is welcome to attend.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23 Tracy McIntyre, a cooperative development specialist with Montana Cooperative Development Center will be a guest speaker at the Whitefish Rotary Club. The event is noon at the Moose Lodge.

A Co-op Forum will be hosted by Flathead Valley Community College and Montana West Economic Development from 5-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 at FVCC in the Continuing Education Arts & Technology Building. The event includes a public reception and interactive discussion on cooperatives in the Flathead Valley. Learn more about cooperatives and how they might address key needs in Flathead County such as housing and broadband.

Montana Cooperative Impact Week is designed to raise awareness of the cooperative business model and educate youth and community members on the benefits cooperatives bring to economic and community development.

A full community program guide with the complete event schedule can be downloaded from at, http://mcdc.coop/montana-cooperative-impact-week/