Consumer Cooperative Management Association

About CCMA

CCMA is the national annual conference for food cooperative directors, management, staff, and sector allies. The CCMA conference is organized by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives with assistance from a planning committee comprised of co-op managers and board members, representatives from cooperative associations, development organizations, financial partners and other various allies.

CCMA Purpose Statement

CCMA is the longest-standing national gathering of retail food co-op leaders in the U.S, creating an inclusive space that welcomes a broad range of food co-op leaders – from managers and staff to board members and cooperative allies – fostering connections across all levels. CCMA attendees learn, connect, collaborate, and come away reinvigorated to do the hard but important work of empowering communities and building a more just and sustainable food system through the cooperative model.

How we fulfill the purpose:

• Held annually in partnership with rotating host co-ops, CCMA prioritizes a vibrant, locally-rooted experience that showcases the unique aspects of the community through curated tours and activities.
• Our programming combines movement-building with hands-on training in cooperative governance and operations, emphasizing peer learning, practical application, and adding strength to the broader cooperative movement. As part of a continuum of training opportunities for retail food co-op leaders, we situate learning within the broader local, regional, and cooperative context.
• We invite attendees to join us ready to learn, share insights, and collaborate to strengthen the cooperative movement!