The Cooperative Leader

Bill Walker is at the other end of the phone at his Chicago trade magazine publishing company. The story he's telling isn't uncommon. His trade association tends to be dominated by the larger publishers. So some of the small publishers formed a sub-group to discuss their unique issues and needs.

From this increased networking came the suggestion to form a buying organization of small publishers that would enable them to benefit from a better economy of scale. A few phone calls and discussions later, several members of the group found themselves at the 2004 National Cooperative Business Association's annual purchasing co-op conference in Chicago (see calendar below for this year's conference).

Up and running

Between last October and March, 2005, Walker and others attracted ten members willing to put up the $10,000 membership equity. Included are publishers from San Francisco to New York, with names like Northstar Travel Media, LLC; Meister Media Worldwide; Douglas Publications, LLC, and Farm Journal Media. The group hired well-known co-op attorney Gary McDavid to help draft the membership agreements. They also hired another co-op, Main Street Business Services, to provide business services.

Integrated Media Cooperative held its first meeting on March 16, 2005. The co-op buys paper together-a major benefit, as the price of paper has skyrocketed in recent years-as well as telemarketing and business services. They look forward to sharing printing, outsource fulfillment, shipping and other functions.

"It seems to be working," Walker says. "All the members are behind it, they're using the services we provide. I'm still believing."