Helping Rural Communities Thrive
Cooperatives have been the backbone of rural economies in the United States for over a century. We are proud to carry forward this legacy by developing people-centered businesses that apply time-tested models in innovative ways to promote social, economic, and cultural prosperity.
What follows are just a few examples of the real-world impact of our work – successful cooperative development efforts guided by our staff to improve lives and livelihoods here in the Northwest.
REVITALIZING MAIN STREET
Ronan Cooperative Brewery is Montana’s first and only consumer-owned cooperative brewery. Developed by Mission West as part of a downtown revitalization campaign, the co-op offers a place for community members to come together to enjoy great beer and support a thriving Main Street.
PRESERVING FAMILY FARMS
When one of our region’s only USDA-inspected meat processing facilities faced closure, Mission West guided a group of local producers to form a cooperative to purchase the operation. The successful launch of Glacier Processing Cooperative saved essential infrastructure and kept family-scale ranching viable in Western Montana.
PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE
Western Montana Musicians Cooperative provides a place for area residents to perform, practice, and enjoy music with others. Mission West helped the co-op’s founding members translate a vision shared among friends into a democratic organization where every member has a part to play.
TRANSFORMING OUR FOOD SYSTEM
The Northwest Food Hub Network is a partnership of farmer-owned cooperatives that work together to create market access for their producers. Under Mission West’s leadership, the Network coordinates sourcing and distribution to deliver a complete catalog of local food to communities across the region all twelve months of the year.
Discover More
Meet the Team
Charlie Michel
Center Director
Blake Lineweaver
Program Manager
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out the form below to get in touch with our cooperative development team.