About the Program

The Alaska Cooperative Development Center was created in 2006 with the goal of promoting and supporting cooperative businesses in Alaska.  It is the only organization in the state solely dedicated to assisting and promoting the cooperative business model.

What we do

The Center assists new and existing cooperative businesses in Alaska.  Staff from the center meet with farmers, fishermen, small rural utilities, and other groups interested in learning about how to organize, manage and develop cooperatives as businesses.  It also provides targeted assistance for existing cooperatives to help them grow and make their businesses more efficient and effective. As part of a large, nationwide effort by the Department of Agriculture it can draw on expertise both inside Alaska and throughout the U.S.

About Cooperatives

Cooperatives play a major role in the economy of the United States. Many well-known brands, such as Land O’Lakes Butter, Tillamook Cheese and Ocean Spray Cranberries are produced by co-ops. In Alaska cooperatives play a major role in generating electricity and providing financial services.  They have been transformative agents in the fishing industry.  Despite this, few Alaskans recognize the role cooperatives play in our state and there is shortage of information on how to organize, manage, and develop cooperative businesses. The center hopes to fill this gap.

• Technical Assistance
• Tools & Resources

We would love to hear from you! If you want to learn more about developing a co-op in your community, please get in touch. Let's see how we can work together.

Barbara Johnson

Executive Director
Office: 1901 Bragaw Street, Suite 199
Phone: 907-786-5447
Email: bajohnson20@alaska.edu