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Credit union brings film night to Summerland

What if working together for the good of all was the most common business model? A New Economy sets out to answer this question.
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The London Brewing Co-operative is a nano-sized worker-owned cooperative

What if working together for the good of all was the most common business model?

A New Economy is a documentary that sets out to answer this question.

On Nov. 16, the film will be shown at Summerland Credit Union’s first-ever film night at Centre Stage Theatre. A New Economy is a Canadian made documentary about people who are taking a fresh approach to building a new economy.

The film introduces viewers to several organizations around North America that are experimenting with open and non-traditional business models, including co-operatives. Among those featured include a small craft-brew co-operative, a peer-to-peer open hardware lab and an urban agricultural social enterprise.

“By rewarding human effort fairly and proportionately instead of obsessing about the bottom line, these revolutionary businesses are creating a more people-friendly future, creating new ways to make money and make it sustainably,” said the producers of the documentary.

The film will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion with Todd Laidlaw, owner of True Grain Bread; Jennifer Vincent, co-owner of Cowork Penticton; Don Gemmell of the Summerland Credit Union and Erick Thompson, president of the Summerland Chamber.

“We hope A New Economy will inspire local entrepreneurs to think about alternative business models,” said Erin Trainer, marketing co-ordinator for the credit union. “How can the ideas presented in the film work in our area? Today, consumers expect more and they’re choosing to spend their money with businesses that share their values.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation to the Summerland Food Bank, either cash or a non-perishable food item. The trailer for A New Economy can be viewed at www.aneweconomy.ca.