About CDS provides organizational and developmental guidance to communities seeking to start new co-ops in all sectors of the economy and planning assistance to existing co-ops seeking to expand. The first cooperative development organization of its kind, CDS delivers business services to cooperatives and producer-owned businesses. We specialize in applying the cooperative business model and are innovative in applying this model to new sectors and emerging business ventures. CDS serves clients within any co-op sector, though we have particular skill and experience in those sectors related to agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community development. LLCs or group-owned businesses that operate under cooperative principles or that leverage cooperation as a business advantage "CDS is the go-to trusted organization in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest for business planning, feasibility studies, marketing plans and other services needed for the long-term success of our rural cooperatives. We consistently refer clients to CDS for business development assistance with full confidence that they will receive personalized and objective support." CDS is a nonprofit organization created and governed by the cooperative community of the Upper Midwest.
ACA International, founded in 1939, is the association of credit and collection professionals. The association represents the industry of accounts receivable management. It establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers. Additionally, ACA International and its members provide assistance and resources to consumers that enable them to find effective solutions to credit or debt problems and understand their rights. The association's membership includes collection professionals, asset buyers, attorneys, creditors and vendors in more than 55 countries. The organization has headquarters in Minneapolis.
