Cooperative Plus Inc.

Growing from a Solid Tradition

Cooperative Plus Inc. (CPI) has been a leading cooperative for decades and continues to maintain this proud heritage.

The 1944 Board of Directors
(standing) Herman Otto, Joe Robers, Elmer Richter (seated) Howard Peck, James Volkering (Sec.), William Warren (Pres.),
Dwight Frost (Vice Pres.)

CPI was launched during the Great Depression, on April 20, 1937. After organizing a board of directors and hiring a general manager, the cooperative borrowed $3,500. This helped secure property for a filling station and helped purchase fuel delivery and handling equipment.

On Oct. 19, 1944, CPI purchased the Farmers Feed and Fuel Company facilities, which included a feed mill, feed warehouse, and coal business.

From these simple beginnings, CPI has expanded to its various locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including Burlington, Clinton, East Troy, Elkhorn, Genoa City, Union Grove, and Whitewater. Today, we have a combined member-ownership of more than 10,000 patrons and annual sales of more than $50 million. We would not be where we are today without the full support of local farm and city patrons and our dedicated staff.

We appreciate your business and thank you for your patronage.

Timeline History

1937: A meeting was held on April 20 to organize a board of directors and hire a general manager. The cooperative borrowed $3,500 to secure property for a filling station and purchase fuel delivery and handling equipment.

1944 employees of the Burlington Co-op now number 17, and account for an annual payroll of nearly $35,000.

1944: CPI purchased the Farmers Feed and Fuel Company facilities, which included a feed mill, feed warehouse, and coal business. Today: CPI has locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including Burlington, Clinton, East Troy, Elkhorn, Genoa City, Union Grove, and Whitewater. CPI has a combined member-ownership of more than 10,000 patrons and annual sales of more than $50 million.