In celebration of cooperatives and what they contribute tocommunities, Summit Credit Union will host the third annual Co-opConnection on Oct. 5 in Madison, Wis.

The free, public event will be held outdoors next to a localfarmers' market and will feature more than 20 interactive boothshosted by area cooperatives. Attendees will also get to hear livemusic from local musicians.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin will speak briefly about theenvironment the city provides for co-ops to thrive and the rolethey play in the area's local economy and quality of life,according to the $1.9 billion Summit CU in Madison.

“Visitors to Co-op Connection have been pleasantly surprised tosee how many different business types are cooperatives, availableto offer them savings and value on a wide variety of products andservices.” said Kim Sponem, president/CEO of Summit CU. “It's athriving business model, and we're proud to partner with othercooperatives to share that message.”

The Co-opConnection coincides with the kickoff of National Co-op Monthin October.

The event, hosted and sponsored by Summit CU is alsoco-sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group, Group Health Cooperative, Willy StreetCo-op, Union Cab, Wisconsin Rx and National Cooperative Rx, CUNA,Wisconsin Credit Union League and UW Center for Cooperatives.The Cooperative Network also provided planning and volunteersupport.

More than 500 visitors are expected at this year's event,according to Summit CU.