Service Cooperative –

1. Cooperatives – voluntary association of people who carry on an economic activity that benefits its members. There are three categories: Consumer Cooperative – Buy food and necessities in bulk, donate time to lower costs, members pay lower prices for goods.

2. Service Cooperative – • Provide services for its members such as credit unions, which can accept deposits and offer loans at lower rates. • Producer Cooperatives – • Helps producers such as farmers sell their products. An example would be Ocean Spray.

3. Labor Unions – • Organization of workers that is formed to represent the interests of the workers. • Unions use collective bargaining as a way to negotiate better pay, benefits, hours, etc. • Examples include: AFT, PBA, AFL-CIO.

4. Professional Associations – • Organization of specialized workers that set standards for those in the profession and also looks to influence government policies. • Example include: AMA, ABA, NCSS.

5. Business Associations – • Organizations that look to improve conditions for businesses and the communities that they are in. • These organizations include trade/industry associations, which focuses on influencing government policies. • Examples include: Any chamber of commerce, Better Business Bureau.

6. Government Influence Direct – • Government agencies produce and distribute goods and services to people. • Compete directly with private, profit-driven companies. • Operates like any other corporation except the funding comes from the government and not from investors. • Example include: USPS, TVA, FDIC.

7. Government Influence Indirect – • Government makes sure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently. • Government will regulate certain businesses such as the public utilities. • Government will also grants money to groups or individuals as seen with Social Security, college loans, veteran’s benefits, or unemployment.