Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
BC Co-op Association | BCCA aims to build a co-operative economy that promotes social and economic justice, and advances the well-being of British Columbians and their communities.
Canadian Worker Co-op Federation | The Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation is a national, bilingual grassroots membership organization of and for worker co-operatives, related types of co-operatives (multi-stakeholder co-ops and worker-shareholder co-ops), and organizations that support the growth and development of worker co-operatives.
Co-op Housing Federation of BC | The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) is a co-operative association made up of member housing co-ops and related organizations in British Columbia.
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) | A national member-driven association for Canadian co-operatives and mutuals that represents all sizes and types of co-operatives and mutuals from all sectors.
CoopZone | A network of people and organizations which help others to start and develop co-operatives. The CoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative has been incorporated since mid-2009.
Ontario Cooperative Association (OCA) | The Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA) is the primary voice and resource for those who believe in and/or use the co-operative business model to build better, stronger, and more sustainable communities in Ontario. The OCA provides information, tools, programs, and resources to help strengthen and grow their organizations and the communities they serve.
International Associations
National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International | NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector support, advocacy and international development that helps co-ops thrive.
International Co-operative Alliance | The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is an independent, non-governmental organisation that unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. It exists to provide an effective and efficient global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and coordinated action for and about co-operatives.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International | Published by NCBA CLUSA, this journal provides insights into the cooperative business world. Publication for NCBA CLUSA’s journal appears to have slowed down recently but back issues are still available to view.
International Journal of Cooperative Studies | International Journal of Cooperative Studies (IJCS) is a peer-reviewed journal focused on advancing knowledge and understanding of the global cooperative movement, encompassing interdisciplinary and cooperative studies.
Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management | The Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management aims to be the leading international journal for the study of cooperation-based economic organizations and institutions.
Cooperative Grocer Magazine Archives | Now transferred to Columinate, a national consulting cooperative, Cooperative Grocer Magazine was published between 1985 to 2019 compiling a unique reservoir of professional insights, stories of food co-op innovation and success, and contributions by several national associations that have led this co-op sector.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Blogs, Podcasts & Discussion Forums
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) | The national member-driven association for Canadian co-operatives and mutuals representing all sizes and types of co-operatives and mutuals from all sectors. Check out their blog here.
Co-operatives First | A non-profit organization funded by Federated Co-operatives Limited and the Co-operative Retailing System. The organization provides co-op start-up resources, such as business coaching, online courses, and incorporation support to rural and Indigenous entrepreneurs across western Canada. Take a look at their blog, searchable by category and word terms. They also host a podcast found here.
Coop Conversations | This podcast is about cooperative housing living and is presented by Co-operative Housing International, the global apex organization that unites cooperative housing.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.