Cooperatives – voluntary association of people who carry on an economic activity that benefits its members. There are three categories:

1. 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.

3. Producer Cooperatives – • Helps producers such as farmers sell

their products. An example would be Ocean Spray.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.