Sustainable Land Development Today - February 2008 - (Page 27) try professionals have the opportunity to earn an ownership stake in the organization through educational achievement, receive profit distributions, and participate in the governance of the organization. At the same time, they gain knowledge, recognition, access to unique technologies and valuable industry product and service opportunities. The relationships within this unique organizational structure can be visually depicted in the diagram to the right. The multi-faceted mission of incorporating a member-shared profit motive with an industry-wide purpose is the core of what distinguishes SLDI from non-profit associations, socially responsible businesses, and even for-profit privately owned businesses. The fundamental purpose for SLDI, is the improvment of the quality of life for society, the active pursuit of private and public wealth creation, and the achievement of environmental stewardship. This is what the public demands of the industry. But each of these is a means to an end, not the end in itself. The members of SLDI are working together not just for our own legacy, but also for the lasting legacies of generations yet to come. SLDI Principles of the Cooperative Organization The International Cooperative Alliance, representing more than 800 million individuals worldwide, defines “cooperative” as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise." The following principles are some of the guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice: Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to and receive equitably from the capital of their cooperative. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representtives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. Open Membership Cooperatives are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. Concern for Community Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. A FIBER-OPTIC AMENITY IS A PROVEN WAY TO SELL UNITS FASTER. Connexion Technologies invests in your properties using our capital to design, build, deploy and manage a state-of-the-art fiber network. The best part? Being a Certified Fiber-Optic Development differentiates your properties as television, telephone and Internet services are seamlessly delivered to residents at the speed of light. Buyers value this cutting-edge technology in their new home. Find out if your property meets our investment criteria and realize the selling power of fiber. 919.535.7329 | CNXNTECH.COM Circle 145 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 27 http://CNXNTECH.COM http://CNXNTECH.COM http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com
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