What is a Co-op CLN

Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic 
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour

Whether you're new to co-ops, want to share information with a new member of your firm, or just want to update your knowledge, this CLN is perfect for you! Presenting this session will be Director of Education for NSAC, Bill Erlenbush. In his session, Erlenbush will discuss how modern cooperatives have evolved into a powerful force in today’s economy. Erlenbush will cover the development of cooperatives in the US, and how Co-op members own, control, and govern their cooperatives. Cooperatives provide many services to their members from being a source of supply to providing marketing outlets for the members’ products. Erlenbush will go over the various types of cooperatives, as well as the role of cooperatives in the community and the benefits of cooperatives at the local and national levels. Additionally, the concept of patronage refunds will be covered. 

During this session, participants will learn the following:
• The history of cooperatives in the US
• The definition of a cooperative
• The role of cooperatives in the community and on a national level
• The benefits of cooperatives to their members

About the Speaker: 
Bill Erlenbush spent his entire career working in cooperative accounting at GROWMARK. His work experience includes all aspects of order control and billing, accounts receivable/payable, financial accounting, and tax. As compliance officer, he had responsibility for the administration of the compliance and ethics program at GROWMARK and its subsidiaries and retail divisions. In addition, he was been involved in negotiating major acquisitions for GROWMARK. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Illinois State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Bill is an active member in many industry, professional, and community organizations. He is past president of the Mclean County United Way Board of Directors as well as the past president of the Heartland Community College Foundation Board of Directors.