This year’s Principle Six Conference will be guided by Elissa Bower, a dedicated Maine cooperator, and Ana Martina, a fellow cooperator from Philadelphia who is building stronger ties with Maine’s co-op community. As members of the P6 Planning Team, they will help lead attendees through the day’s discussions and connections.

As part of our morning welcome, the Maine Co-op Ecosystem Segment will highlight the vibrant cooperative landscape in the Lewiston-Auburn area, featuring local and newer cooperatives. Attendees will hear from co-ops including Raise-Op, Happy Little Paradise, Maine Community Power Co-op, LA Community Market, and Haali’s Halal. This segment will celebrate their work, share successes and challenges, and explore how they contribute to a thriving, interconnected co-op economy.

We’re excited to kick off the day by recognizing and learning from Maine’s growing co-op ecosystem!