I can’t believe Up & Coming is has come and gone. It’s always a wonderful uplifting event that fills me with energy, hope and enthusiasm for the cooperative movement. Regardless of the number of times I’ve attended (which is eight now!) I always learn something new.
I had the honor and privilege to be part of THREE sessions at this year’s conference; Volunteer Management, Capital Campaign Planning, and The Owner Capital Buzz. In the Volunteer Management session we talked about the the characteristics of the best boss you’ve ever had and how managing people mirrors (and differs) from managing volunteers. In the Capital Campaign Planning session, Jessica Stratton from Prairie Food Co-op and I talked about their plans for the largest capital campaign EVER. And finally in the Owner Capital Buzz session I sat on a panel of consultants and co-ops in the midst of raising capital.
If you haven’t attended this conference you are missing out. Make plans to attend next year. If you did attend, you know how infectious the energy and enthusiasm is…and you’ll be back. 
