The Columbian Confederation of Co-operatives (CONFECOOP) has developed a ‘100% co-operative’ logo in collaboration with ICA Americas for co-operatives to mark their difference. ICA Americas will award the logo to co-operatives in the Americas on behalf of CONFECOOP through an independent assessment team. The first two co-operatives to receive the logo were La Equidad Seguros and Caja Cooperativa Credicoop. The ‘100% co-operative’ logo shows that the organisation is committed to co-operation; plus it also raises awareness of the co-operative model among customers and the visibility of the sector. The assessment of co-operatives is made by an independent evaluation group made up of qualified professionals, which takes into account three main issues: whether the co-operative has developed activities in accordance with its aims and the needs and objectives of its members; the way in which the co-operative principles have been applied to the business; and the managerial performance of the co-operative. The evaluation committee, formed by three experts in the co-operative sector - Jorge Bermudez Salgar, Belisario Guarin Torres and Ricardo Davrila Ladron - validate the conclusions reached by the evaluation group. Throughout the evaluation process the name of the co-operative is kept confidential. The same applies to the findings of the evaluation process. The new logo will be discussed at the Columbian National Congress on Co-operatives, which is co-hosted by CONFECOOP and ICA Americas on July 25-27. One of the keynote speakers of the event will be ICA President Dame Pauline Green, who will discuss the contribution of co-operatives in rural development. • For more information on the logo and how to apply for it contact Fernando Portilla on f.portilla@confecoop.coop
