The author wishes to thank the following people, without whom this project would not
have been possible. First, my beloved Paul Fitzpatrick, who besides sustaining me
throughout the two years of the CED Masters Program also donated vast amounts of time
and skill to the project. Next, the other participants in the project: Lynn Benander, Jason
Lemieux, the Board and membership of Cooperative Life and staff of the Cooperative
Development Institute. Dr. Christina Clamp, Dr. Yoel Camayd-Freixas, Darlene Atta,
Miyako Schanely, and the faculty and staff of the School of Community Economic
Development at Southern New Hampshire University provided valuable guidance and
support throughout the project. My parents, Annie and Wladimir, are at the foundation of
all my abilities and aspirations. My friends and fellow students helped put the whole
enterprise in perspective. My thanks to all of you and to all who may not have been
mentioned but deserve my heartfelt gratitude nonetheless.