I think I've heard of these businesses in my meanderings through "new business models."

I'm from Alberta. Strange history. During the Depression, many co-operatives had been set up, probably under the influence of well-meaning Christians challenging the corporate world. Alberta might have been a world leader at that time. Our premier almost set up our own central bank!!!!!!!!

But as time passed, capitalism has been the preferred way for business in Alberta --and co-ops are hard to find here.

Currently I belong to a credit union bank co-operative and a fuel co-operative. But recent corporate moves suggest (to me) that these businesses are being reformed for sale to the corporate world. My former life insurance company went this way.

Part of the problem is co-op members. They move too quickly to a corporation when prices are a little lower than what the co-operative offers. There use to be a co-op grocery store in my town. People complained the prices were too high. I doubt they were that high.

Maybe another sign that Christianity is losing its way?