Cooperative Development Hall of Fame - Jason Dixson Photography - 190508 - 185804 - 1038.j

Our Sponsors

Thank you for your support of the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame. There is no better way to tell the cooperative story than through the life experiences of our cooperative heroes - individuals like Margaret Bau, Fannie Lou Hamer, Crystal Long, Kevin Still, and Michael Toelle. We are proud to host the Cooperative Hall of Fame, which not only recognizes the cooperative movement's genuinely heroic leaders, but also raises funds to support CDF's economic and cooperative development work. Now on its 82nd year, CDF continues its commitment to support new and expanding cooperative enterprises to increase public awareness of the significant contributions made by cooperatives to the nation's and world's economies.

Co-op Heroes Sponsor

CF Industries

Co-op Heroes Sponsor

CoBank

CoBank congratulates Margaret Bau, Crystal Long, Fannie Lou Hamer, Kevin Still, and Mike Toelle for their outstanding achievements and contributions to cooperatives. Your recognition is well-deserved, and your impact on the cooperative movement will long be remembered. The people of CoBank celebrate you and your many accomplishments!

CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America and member of the Farm Credit System, is pleased to sponsor the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame. The success of Farm Credit — a national network of cooperatively organized banks and lending associations specifically chartered to serve agriculture and rural America — depends on the leadership of committed, far-sighted individuals who understand the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s rural communities.

Co-op Heroes Sponsor

GECU

GECU honors the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees Margaret Bau, Fannie Lou Hamer, Crystal Long, Kevin Still, and Michael Toelle.

Each of you has made a profound impact on the cooperative movement, and your contributions are an inspiration to all.

GECU would like to extend a special congratulations to Crystal Long. This remarkable honor is a testament to your outstanding leadership, commitment to cooperative principles, and the positive difference you have made throughout your career. Through your work with GECU, you have exemplified the true spirit of the credit union movement, demonstrating how people helping people can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create greater financial opportunity for all.

Your dedication to advancing the cooperative model and championing the mission of credit unions has inspired colleagues, members, and industry leaders alike. This recognition celebrates your achievements and the legacy you have built through your service, vision, and advocacy.

Congratulations on this extraordinary accomplishment, and thank you for your contributions to GECU, the credit union movement, and the cooperative community. Your induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of your lasting impact.

Co-op Heroes Sponsor

National Cooperative Bank

National Cooperative Bank congratulates the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the co-op sector. Your work has made a profound impact in advancing the cooperative mission and helping communities thrive.

National Cooperative Bank (NCB) provides comprehensive banking products and services to cooperatives, their members, and socially responsible organizations throughout the country. What makes NCB unique is that the bank was created to address the financial needs of an underserved market niche — people who join together cooperatively to meet personal, social, or business needs, especially in low-income communities. Customers that choose NCB create an impact in the areas they care about — affordable housing, access to healthy food, small business, community health care, and renewable energy.

Your choices reflect your values. Your bank should, too.

Co-op Heroes Sponsor

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops facilitate economic advancement for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

As the demand for electricity surges, keeping the lights on has never been more vital. Electric cooperatives remain committed to powering and empowering local communities at a cost families and businesses can afford. Expanding broadband access, embracing next-generation energy technologies and investing $15 billion annually into the communities they serve – electric co-ops are ensuring that all Americans benefit from a reliable, affordable and resilient energy future.

Congratulations to the 2026 inductees. Your outstanding contributions to the cooperative community have rightly earned you a spot in the Cooperative Hall of Fame.

Banquet Sponsor

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC)

CFC proudly salutes Margaret Bau, Fannie Lou Hamer, Crystal Long, Kevin Still, and Michael Toelle on their induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Created and owned by America’s electric cooperative network, CFC, a nonprofit finance cooperative with over $40 billion in assets, provides capital and industry-leading financial products to serve the needs of our member-owners — America’s 900-plus not-for-profit, consumer-controlled electric cooperatives.

CFC operates under the seven cooperative principles and our core values of Service, Integrity and Excellence. By delivering unparalleled industry expertise, flexibility and responsiveness, we help our members maintain a sophisticated system of generation, transmission and distribution resources that spans 75 percent of the United States. This infrastructure provides a safe, reliable and affordable flow of power to 42 million consumers each day and plays a critical role in boosting the nation’s economy and rural quality of life.

Banquet Sponsor

Nationwide

Nationwide proudly honors the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees. Through visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to cooperative principles, these distinguished leaders have strengthened and advanced the cooperative business model, creating lasting impact for members, communities, and the industries they serve. Their contributions embody the values of service, collaboration and shared success that define the cooperative movement.

We celebrate the remarkable achievements and lifelong commitment of Margaret Bau, Fannie Lou Hamer, Crystal Long, Kevin Still and Mike Toelle. As recipients of the cooperative community’s highest recognition, they have helped shape a stronger future for cooperatives and inspired generations of leaders to follow.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Your legacy and influence will continue to strengthen the cooperative movement for years to come.