Representatives of co-ops and credit unions from across Newfoundland and Labrador are gathering in the capital city this weekend.

The NL Federation of Cooperatives is celebrating 75 years of co-operation with an AGM and Tradeshow at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s.

The first meeting of co-operative leaders was called by the Department of Fisheries and Co-operatives in Joey Smallwood’s brand new provincial government in November of 1949.

First administered by the provincial government, in 1964 the NCU decided to set up its own central organization known as Newfoundland Co-operative Services.

It then became the NL Federation of Co-operatives in 1980.

The federation represents co-operatives and credit unions across the province and aims to promote the co-operative business model while supporting growth and development in the sector.